What is it about Artificial Intelligence that makes us humans feel so threatened? Is it the fear of being taken over by our own creation? Is it the fact that artificial intelligence learns from us so any evil expressed by it is a reflection into just how horrible us humans look when you hold up a morality mirror? Whatever it may be, humanity is obsessed with the thought of artificial intelligence and that is never more obvious than in our films that cover the matter. As HBO’s West World continues to take the world by storm, we decided to take a look back at the previous AI films that shaped our understanding of AI up to this point. It isn’t all gloom and doom. This list has some terrifying, potential futures but it also has some of the softest most humanity driven stories as well. This list is stacked with spectacular films. It is almost as if we are being programmed to enjoy this subject matter.
What can be more unsettling than a force that doesn’t stop and never will in its pursuit of you? A network of circuits pulled together that has one purpose yet is covered in the all too familiar flesh of humanity. That is none other than The Terminator. The king blockbusters, James Cameron, shocked the cinemas in the early 80’s with this time-traveling action film that dives deep into sci-fi and dystopia. As a robophobe myself, I fear the day when humanity pulls a Frankenstein and creates something we can never understand and control. The day when Skynet launches is the most terrifying potential future I can think of. We rely so heavily on technology. But what happens when those machines no longer need us? This sets the stage for a cinema changing tour de force that sees a young Arnold Schwarzenegger dressed in his 80’s best and loaded with firepower come to the past to destroy humanity’s last hope for the future. The Terminator laid influences for future time travel films and AI films for years to come. This modern classic is the perfect combination of horror and action drenched in the sensibilities of sci-fi. The metal skeleton of this killer machine is one of the most iconic images in film history. Despite years of sequels that have recycled this formula to death, The Terminator and its even greater follow-up T2: Judgement will be fondly remembered for what they have done for genre films. (Shane Conto)
When Disney announced that they would be making spinoff “Star Wars”films alongside the newer episodes in the “Skywalker”saga, I’ll admit that I thought this seemed like quite the cash grab. I’m more than happy to admit that I was wrong because one of the most enjoyable moviegoing experiences of 2016 turned out to be the first of the spinoffs, which was director Gareth Edwards’“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”The story follows a group of renegades, led by Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), as they venture out to steal the plans for the Death Star and deliver them to the Rebel Alliance. Despite the somewhat bland characterization, the cast manages to accomplish what they can with their roles, with standouts being Ben Mendelsohn as a high-ranking official in the Imperial forces and Alan Tudyk in a terrific motion-capture performance as the humorous and candid Rebel Alliance droid, K-2SO. “Rogue One”also has some of the finest cinematography of the “Star Wars”series, thanks to Greig Fraser, whose camerawork captures many worlds that are equal parts beautiful and intimidating in their eye-opening geographies, and it helps make this journey nothing short of transportive. While the whole movie is a blast, the third act is hard to beat, and it might be one of the best third acts of any “Star Wars”film. As the action here transitions between a fight on the sands of Scarif and an epic space battle, “Rogue One”becomes a war movie every bit as much as it does a space opera, and it heightens Edwards’sense of scale that he exhibited two and half years prior with his “Godzilla”reboot. Although future spinoffs have been put on hold after the less-than-stellar global box office intake of the Han Solo origin story, I’m glad that we were at least given a spinoff that managed to match the thrills of the finest “Star Wars”episodes. (Vincent Abbatola)
If there’s a movie that I can go back in time and see for the first time in theaters again, it’s the 2017 masterpiece Blade Runner 2049. This is the sequel to the 1982 cult classic and boasts a huge cast of A-list stars in Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas, and Slyvia Hoeks. The film follows Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he unearths a secret that could plunge the world into utter chaos if it were to be revealed. I don’t say this often, but this movie is flawless. It’s an incredible immersive experience that reminds me why I love movies. From its entrancing score, to its moody feel, to the beautiful cinematography, this movie grabs your attention and cast a spell that’s hard to turn away from. Its themes of destiny and what it means to be human are the juicy center of this groundbreaking film that makes this movie endlessly rewatchable and timeless. This takes what the classic original did and improves upon it in every way. I love Blade Runner 2049 and it’s my favorite film of 2017. (Ben Davis)
In terms of AI, you could call this one slightly misleading. If you’ve seen it, you know what I mean – if you haven’t then it’s definitely one to pop in next time you have a cheeky 2 hours and a bit. Playing a detective in a future-world, Tom Cruise is part of the police force that takes down criminals before they have committed their crimes. How are they able to know you may ask? Well they have a handy system that tracks people before they commit crimes, which allows all illegal activity to be stamped out before the perpetrator has even thought of doing it. This is a fantastic movie, just on every level, but especially for the themes of morality and human nature that it explores. The question at its heart is: is someone worthy of punishment if the act for which they’re being punished has never occurred? It will have you tossing up your own humanity and choices, while you’re also experiencing a really fun sci-fi action movie. It straddles two worlds as a thinker and a thriller, paired with that Spielbergian brilliance that many a movie fan has enjoyed for years. So if you want a high concept sci-fi with a taste of self-questioning, then this is the one for you! (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
Most movies that focus on the technology of tomorrow usually aim for a darker vibe, but when it comes to movies like Her, we’re able to see technology in mentally both healthy and unhealthy ways. Her was directed by Spike Jonze, and it follows Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) who develops a romantic relationship with his OS named Samantha who is voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Because Samantha isn’t a real person, their relationship is experienced in unique ways. Some of Theodore’s peers encourage this while people like his ex wife look down on him and see this as unhealthy. This also makes things complicated between the two because of how Samantha is always learning and evolving. I love how this movie shows depression when a person is feeling lonely. Phoenix and Johansson put in amazing performances, and for Scarlett that’s saying something because she’s literally the voice of this Operating System who is never seen, and Joaquin has to act like he’s talking to someone who is never there. This movie is also given some amazing visuals by Spike Jonze. For a softer side of the impending AI takeover, Her is the one to watch. (Alex Henderson)
You look like a radioactive tampon… like a banana with a yeast infection. If that isn’t the most Sam Rockwell line you’ve ever heard, then you clearly don’t know him well enough. But this line is deceiving because it isn’t a comedy in the slightest. Let’s chat for a minute about one of the most interesting recent Sci-Fi movies you probably missed. Moon stars Sam Rockwell as Sam, who is an astronaut on the moon. He is alone on the moon for a three-year contract and left right when his daughter was born. He is assisted by an A.I. caretaker voiced by one of the “He who shall not be named” people in Hollywood. Sam’s purpose on the moon is to harvest resources from it that fuel Earth with clean energy. With three weeks to go, Sam get in a bad accident, but then finds a remarkable discovery during his recovery. A movie filled with suspense, character development, depth, questions of identity and sanity, Moon is a must-see and a guarantee to spark several conversations because it is a movie that you simply cannot get out of your head for a while after watching. So pop it in, grab a beer, and DM me on Twitter (@schwhitecastle). Let’s talk about one of the most unique, interesting, thought provoking movies in recent memory. (Aaron Schweitzer)
I know some people who don’t like to watch movies with strong AIs because it is a realistic and scary future for mankind. And I don’t fault those people at all. It’s a fair concern. But one such AI movie which I think even these people can enjoy is Wall-E. Pixar makes films which are accessible to people of all ages, and therefore is perfect for everyone to watch. This move specifically is incredibly charming and just puts a smile on your face. It starts humanity off in a seemingly hopeless position, yet by the end, it is full of hope (no thanks to the AI, may I add). This movie is a testament to the power of human will and what can get done when resources are put towards legitimate threats… and I love it to pieces. (Robert Bouffard)
Stoned Paranoid Frank here to talk about the 1999 film The Matrix. When this movie came out it changed the world. Sure we’ve all seen movies that show the future as bleak and overrun by machines and AI, but none of them had bullet time visual effects. Since it’s release it has spawned a huge following and has had lasting psychological effects. Our antagonist, Agent Smith, is a program AI that wants to destroy all humans because he views us as a planet killing disease. And also, Smith is right. He calls us on our shit! Let’s say we ARE living in a computer simulation and we were getting too close to the truth so the matrix releases the matrix movie. Now people who claim this theory are written off as crazy people that watch too many movies! That is a baller move AI overlords. Seriously, that’s a checkmate sort of power play. However, I have proof that our life isn’t a computer simulation. That’s because my life is really a Truman Show situation. You ALL know that and are in on it. Wait…what if I’m in the Truman Show INSIDE a computer simulation…..oh fu- (Frank Kemp)
I’m a massive fan of Ex Machina and by extension, Alex Garland. From beginning to end, Garland avoids the classic “good person v bad person” storytelling characterization by turning those assumptions on their head with something as subtle as putting glasses on. I love the camerawork by Rob Hardy that makes every shot look like we’re an outsider looking in on what is happening. The discussion around what makes someone a person versus an automaton and how it relates to our preconceived notions about what artificial intelligence is, is worthy of all the praise it’s received thus far. (Austin Belzer)
What is the most terrifying sight in film? Is it a grotesque ghost or creature? The horrors of war? How about the bloodiest and most violent of gore? None of those take the cake. What does is a singular electric eye with a distinct flash of red. The nefarious and infamous HAL 9000 has been doing his thing while appearing to be nothing more than a flashing red orb. Douglas Rain gives this evil and disturbing AI that next level thrill for those fearless in the face of violence. The subtle ways that his creepy and calm voice unnerves the audience is absolutely terrifying. Good luck if your name is Dave too…he won’t let you do anything. This film is an immaculately created journey through time as the audience is treated to the wonders of the advancement of humanity. The black monolith is a stark specter over this journey as it leaps humanity forward. Is this to our doom? Or is it to a point where we advance beyond our own form and reality? Even if you have made this journey before, this next one might be just as insightful and new as the first. (Shane Conto)
Honorable Mentions
I, Robot
How awesome is it to have humanoid robots serving humanity? It sounds like a dream until the dream turns into a nightmare. It’s the year 2035 in Chicago, Illinois where robots live among humans and obey the three laws of robotics: a robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws. It sounds easy, right? Of course, it does, until one of them disobeys one of the laws and all hell breaks loose. This brings in Will Smith, the only character from the get-go who always felt suspect about these robots. The only character who had common sense and knew something was corrupt. This film is fun, intense, and well, downright scary. There are a lot of “what ifs” throughout the show. I always wondered if something like this could happen. The humanoid robots are obedient servers to humans, doing anything and everything they ask them to without hesitation until VIKI (Virtual Interactive Kinetic Intelligence), an AI computer ends up with a glitch. We’ve come so dependent on technology, it’s like we’ve forgotten how to live without it. Beware of what lurks beneath your keyboard. (Chantal Ashford)
West World (1973)
The story of a high-tech theme park gone horribly awry has become a tried and true concept in Hollywood, raking in billions for Universal with the iconic Jurassic Park franchise and captivating viewers weekly with the HBO series Westworld. Even family films like 2002’s Scooby Doo or the 2007 horror smash Zombieland have employed this popular new trope. But it can all be attributed to the 1973 cult classic Westworld, a western/sci-fi/medieval/swords-and-sandals/horror/thriller mash-up. Directed by Michael Crichton himself, author of the original novel, as well as that of Jurassic Park, it’s sequel, and a number of other classics adapted to the screen (for better or for worse). It’s almost immediately evident this is a film done by a creator, and a visionary one at that—each frame is stuffed to the brim with unique and interesting ideas. Another director might have become lost in adaptation, but here Crichton has complete control of his story, and it’s like watching a master artist paint with every color at their disposal. The movie has such deft control of tone and genre, it switches from being a zany western romp to a paranoid sci-fi thriller at such lightning speed you’d think you get whiplash, but with Crichton at the helm, you’re just given a total thrill ride. And at 88 minutes, the amount of worldbuilding accomplished and genre-hopping fun experienced, it’s almost a miracle the movie works as well as it does. Westworld is a techno-thriller for the ages, and a park you won’t want to be leaving any time soon. (Devan M. Meyer)
Robo Cop
Paul Verhoeven has created some of the greatest action films that are always more than they seem, like Total Recall and Starship Troopers. Before these two entries he created what I believe to be his best film, 1987’s RoboCop. RoboCop is the story of Police Officer Alex J. Murphy’s first day on the job in the toughest area in Old Detroit. He is tragically gunned down by some of the most ruthless criminals imaginable and becomes property of OCP, a corrupt corporate entity. He is reborn as RoboCop, the ultimate weapon in law enforcement against the crime riddled streets of old Detroit. OCP gets more than they bargained for when their metallic enforcer starts to remember his past life as Alex Murphy. Paul Verhoven and the writers of the film (Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner) did an excellent job balancing the tone of this film. The film is riddled with satire about corporations and their willingness to do anything to become even more wealthy. Human life is often seen as trivial and people dying is played for laughs. Everything is expendable as long as profits continue to rise. This type of film in lesser hands can falter greatly, but they knew how to keep everything in line with the type of story they wanted to tell. The overall design for RoboCop is iconic at this point and the design work is still seen as top notch even today. Basil Poledouris provides a more than memorable score, especially the main Robocop Theme that plays throughout various parts of the film. Everytime I think of this film, I can’t help but hum the tune to myself. Robocop provides great action set pieces with memorable dialog that keeps you coming back to visit the dystopian Old Detroit. (Joseph Vargas)
Upgrade
Holy S*#!! (hey Blake, are we allowed to swear? Because that was my first reaction to seeing Upgrade.) After tragedy literally strikes, Grey Trace struggles with his new life as a paraplegic. Lucky for him, he just happens to be friends with the world’s most renowned tech investor who has a secret project called STEM that can make him walk again. Grey learns that he not only can walk again, but STEM can also speak to him in his head, and when given permission, take control of Grey’s body with great combat skills in tow. With the authorities getting nowhere in their investigations, Grey with the help of STEM goes forth, seeking vengeance on those who murdered his wife. The overall tone and look of this film are awesome and the cinematography is downright spectacular. When a tracking shot of a man walking through a doorway demands your attention, you know the rest to follow is going to be a treat. The acting is on point and the story keeps you sucked in from beginning to end. This film can get pretty violent but I am impressed by its decisions on when to go for it and when to pull back in a delicate balance that many other films would tip over. I know Ex Machina is going to be somewhere on this list, and this would be a double feature match in heaven. Upgrade is a must-watch in the Artificial Intelligence genre and left me jumping to my feet when the credits rolled. I hope it leaves you with the same impression. (Evan Lucken)