This month is an overall challenge for me, but this week’s theme has me struggling the most. The thing is, I know some of these picks don’t make sense but I haven’t seen any horrific technology movies. So I more or less went with the idea that scientific breakthroughs can be scary themselves as a possible future outcome. So more or less, I cheated, but I had fun doing it.
1. UPGRADE (2018)
Funnily enough, Letterboxd places this in the horror genre category. That’s also where I got the idea for this week. Upgrade is not a horror film, but it does posses a horrific possibility of AI’s taking over. We have our main character, who is paralysed but gets a chip in his neck. This allows him to move again, and more importantly, it gives him many other upgrades to his regular human body/mind. The film is a low budget treat for sci-fi and thriller fans for sure.
2. HER (2013)
Yes, I’m loosing you with this recommendation but hear me out. Technological advancements are kind of scary when you start to think about it. Her proposes an idea that we would never be lonely if we had somebody to talk to… and it doesn’t matter if that somebody is not an actual person. That’s the scary part, the fact that technology can replace human interaction.
3. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (2007)
I guess the last one is the best of the bunch, with it actually being a horror film and all. But what does it have to do with technology? Well, I figured the way this was filmed, in an almost vlog kind of style, makes it a technological treat. The entire film is shot with a home video camera – proving that it’s not always about the big equipment. And it’s the creativity behind the filmmakers that allowed Paranormal Activity to rise to the greats box office wise. I mean, the film cost 15,000 dollars to make and grossed close to 200 million! Also, I thought it was pretty scary.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
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I’ve only seen Her which underwhelmed me. It was okay but the praise the heard before seeing it I expected something sensational which it definitely was not.
I’m not much for either sci-fi or horror but for some reason my three came easily to me this time.
Frankenstein (1931)-Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) of whom it might be generously said has a screw or two loose attempts with the latest technology to create life by assembling a creature from body parts of the dead in his laboratory deep within the walls of his remote castle. Assisted by the loyal, deformed Fritz (Dwight Frye), he succeeds in bringing his monster (Boris Karloff) to life in florid fashion. However, trouble is brewing when the confused and traumatized monster escapes into the countryside and begins to wreak havoc. Iconic and seminal film impressively director by James Whale, with a touching performance by Karloff, set the standard for all horror movies to follow.
Demon Seed (1977)-Susan Harris (Julie Christie) and her husband Dr. Alex Harris (Fritz Weaver) a renowned scientist live in a home he has modified to be run by voice-activated computers. Dr. Harris has also developed Proteus IV, an extremely advanced and autonomous artificial intelligence program. When Harris becomes disturbed by Proteus’s demands to be let “out of this box”. Harris switches off the communications link but Proteus restarts itself, constructs a robot takes control of the house and traps Susan inside. Object: impregnate Susan to assume human form. Strange, unsettling sci-fi based on a Dean Koontz novel is strengthened by having a talent like Julie Christie in the lead.
Tron (1982)-Young computer engineer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) discovers that his work is being stolen by one of his company’s executives-Ed Dillinger (David Warner). He attempts to hack the system but something goes awry and Flynn is transported into the digital world, facing off against Dillinger’s computerized likeness, Sark, and the imposing Master Control Program. Aided by Tron (Bruce Boxleitner) and Yori (Cindy Morgan), Flynn fights a technological battle for control. Though the graphics are wildly dated now they were cutting edge when this was released.
Tron.. nice. I would like to know your thoughts on its follow up, I’ve heard contradicting statements.
I think these are all brilliant choices! Her might not be a horror film but you bring up a good point.
Thanks! 🙂
oh I think we are past the point of technology replacing human interaction 🙂
Mmm… I still think there’s room to .. grow. 😀
I’m a fan of all three of these. Just saw Upgrade a few days ago and had a blast with it.
Yes, it’s super fun!
I haven’t seen any of these, the first one sounds good. I know about Her and will see it one day but it will never replace a hug. No desire to see the third one.
Any of them? Wow, okay, but definitely watch Her!