Artificial intelligence is a fascinating topic, which has inspired and continues to inspire numerous films and other works, which aim to explore its potential, dangers and ethical implications. If you are a fan of the sector, here is a list of five unmissable films that talk about Artificial Intelligence, offering different perspectives.
Blade Runner (1982)
Director: Ridley Scott
Plot:
Set in a dystopian future, this now classic film follows Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a hunter of replicants, which are androids that look and behave like human beings. This film touches on important and profound topics such as humanity, morality and the boundary between man and machine
Why see it:
Blade Runner is unanimously considered a masterpiece of cinema, particularly in the science fiction genre. Aesthetics and atmosphere play their important role in this, but it is the philosophical questions raised about artificial intelligence and consciousness that make this film a real must-see.
Her (2013)
Director: Spike Jonze
Plot:
In the fairly near future, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) falls in love with an advanced Artificial Intelligence operating system called Samantha (voice of Scarlett Johansson). This film about artificial intelligence explores human relationships, their nature and the ability of artificial intelligence to understand and simulate emotions and feelings.
Why See It:
“Her” gives us an intimate and touching vision of human-machine interaction, talking about important and widespread themes such as loneliness, love and the possibility of emotional bonds with artificial entities: how far can AI go?
Ex Machina (2014)
Director: Alex Garland
Plot:
Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young programmer who is invited by the CEO of his technology company, Nathan (Oscar Isaac) to test the intelligence of an advanced robot of his creation called Ava (Alicia Vikander). The film makes a profound reflection, with repeated twists, on the ethics of artificial intelligence, on manipulation and on conscience.
Why See It:
This film is a psychological thriller that explores the moral, philosophical and psychological implications of artificial intelligence, through a compelling and at times disturbing narrative, and with a reflection on how what we see does not always correspond to reality.
A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Plot:
In the future in which this film takes place, robots equipped with artificial intelligence are a reality, and they are endowed with human feelings. A robot boy, David (Haley Joel Osment) tries to become “real” in order to earn the love of his human mother. The film, considered by many poignant, addresses themes such as love, identity and the search for one’s humanity.
Why See It:
This film about artificial intelligence combines the visions of two great directors: Steven Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. Exploring the entirely human desire for affection and acceptance through the eye of artificial intelligence, it confronts us with intimate and profound questions.
The Matrix (1999)
Director: Lana and Lilly Wachowski
Plot:
Neo (Keanu Reeves), a young computer expert dissatisfied with his life, discovers that the world we live in is actually a simulation, created by intelligent machines that use humans as energy sources. In this film, the machines are definitely “The Bad Guys,” so Neo joins a group of rebels to free humanity from its virtual prison.
Why see it:
The Matrix is an absolutely iconic film that, in its time, redefined science fiction and action in film. It offers a profound reflection on reality, sowing doubts even in the most sceptical, bringing an alternative vision of freedom and conjecturing about a future in which machines could gain control of humanity. This film has now become a cultural reference point.
Conclusion
These five films on artificial intelligence offer a variety of perspectives, which help us see this topic from different angles and provoke various reflections in us. We absolutely recommend anyone who is passionate about the topic to watch these films and draw their own conclusions.