Transcendence
Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy
Director: Wally Pfister
Rating: 3.5/5
Transcendence is one of the science fiction films that I have been looking forward to for some time, as cinematographer Wally Pfister makes the leap into feature film directing for the first time.
Pfister is best known for his terrific cinematography work on the likes of The Dark Knight and Inception, and director Christopher Nolan has come aboard this project as producer. And as a first time filmmaker, I think Pfister has delivered an interesting and entertaining film that tackles some interesting themes.
Dr. Will Caster (Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed - to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can - but if they should.
Sadly, Transcendence has received a bit of a mauling by the critics, but I am going to break that trend as I though this was a great watch.
From the very beginning, Transcendence poses some very interesting - and at time quite chilling - questions about the limits of technology. It explores how far humans can push technology, and whether or not those advances at for the best or the detriment of the planet and the human race.
While some aspects of the technology aspects do go slightly overboard towards the end, there is no question that this movie really does give you something to think about. On the whole, first time feature screenwriter Jack Paglen has delivered something that really is very interesting.
What I particularly did like about this film is the fact that the mystery surrounding the transcended Will is kept a secret right to the very end. Is this really Will? He is he good or evil? Is he manipulating Evelyn for his own good? Or does he really have the planet and humanity’s best interests at heart?
Right up until the final moments of the film, you are torn between what to believe, and Pfister has done a terrific job in keeping the audience guessing right until the end. However, the end does lack that final punch of emotion or surprise, which is a major shame.
For me, Rebecca Hall is the actor who really delivers the best performance in the film as grieving wife Evelyn. In a movie that really is all about technology, she adds a very human touch as a grieving wife who will do anything to keep hold of her husband.
Hall invests herself wholeheartedly into this character, and you can really see the personal and moral struggle that she faces as the story progresses: doe she do what is right? Or does she stay true to her husband?
The rest of the cast all give very solid performances: would like to have seen more of Kate Mara and the organisation R.I.F.T. explored a little further.
Wally Pfister has delivered an interesting and entertaining directorial debut. This is not a perfect movie, however, if does raise many questions and will give you plenty to think about as the credits roll.
This movie has a very distinct visual style - you would expect nothing less from a cinematographer that is as experienced as Pfister - the movie really does look terrific. I am excited to see how his directing career progresses over the next couple of years.
While Transcendence may not be the best science fiction film that I have seen, it certainly didn’t disappoint me. I think it is well worth a watch.
Transcendence is released 25th April.