Ex Machina - An exploration of humanity
Films that use robots and Artificial Intelligence (A.I) to explore questions of humanity, evolution, and creation of monsters are a dime a dozen. If you simply looked at films that have come out this year we have already had at least four that have explored these thematic elements: Chappie, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Terminator Genisys, and the pièce de résistance of this quartet is Ex Machina. When I refer to Ex Machina as the prime cut of these four films I mean it in complete honesty. This film terrified me, shocked me, and made me think about my own existence, and it is a must see.
Ex Machina is a fascinating character study that is Alex Garland's directorial debut. The script was also written by Garland, whose former writing credits include 28 Days Later..., Dredd, and a few others. As acclaimed as those films are, Ex Machina is his masterpiece (so far). Its story seems like the beginnings of a run-of-the-mill thriller script, but it becomes so much more. Caleb (Domnhall Gleeson) is a young programmer, and his world is turned on its head when he wins a contest to be the employee that visits the underground estate of the creator of the company, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). When he arrives he discovers that he is going to participate in the testing of the human qualities of the most advanced A.I. currently existing, and her name is Ava (Alicia Vikander).
I want to mainly discuss the characters and themes of this film, but first a bit on structure, cinematography, lighting, and other things. I'll begin by saying that there are certain parts of this film that felt poorly executed, but still were enjoyable. There is one in particular that spoils the film, but let me just say it deals with disco, it was funny but totally inconsequential and just done as an excuse to have some humor, despite the fact that the film would still be funny without it. I also didn't enjoy the opening scene. It simply shows Caleb getting the news that he won the contest, he sends some texts and earns congratulations from members at his work, and then in the next scene he is in a helicopter flying over the estate. It's also filmed in the cliche way of seeing people talk, but there is no sound except for the score playing over the scene, and this is such a cliche that I was a little concerned I wouldn't enjoy the film due to that scene. Luckily, the film takes off after that. There's also a lack of backstory going in. I had no idea that Caleb worked for Nathan until about 30 minutes into the film. Maybe this lack of explanation about the contest is supposed to keep the audience in a constant form of questioning, but it just feels like an oversight, especially when they include that beginning scene of him winning. If the film had begun with him in the helicopter than I wouldn't have cared about a lack of explanation.
The lighting in this film is brilliant, and every time a lockdown of the estate occured I was in a trance. A large portion of the film also seems to be naturally lit which is very enjoyable. The cinematography of the film was enjoyable to watch but it didn't strike me as hugely inventive. The underground scenes reminded me of why I love The Shining so much, and I think that's why I loved the dim lighting and forward moving camera. The sound was great, and I really enjoyed the score which intricately wove in whirs and beeps that perfectly communicated how the setting is ruled by technology, and that Ava's presence is constantly felt through the house.
Anyway, on to the characters.
When you decide to have a limited level of characters in your film than you put the pressure on your actors to give brilliant performances, and they deliver. Gleeson's questioning of his own reality, and if his feelings towards Ava are healthy, and you feel concerned for his sanity which seems to be crumbling. As he interacts with Ava he transitions from joy to fear, and anger to obsession which is done in an expertly fluid way. His reaction time is brilliant and he gives a compelling and enjoyable performance as a conflicted protagonist.
Isaac's performance is brilliant as he brings enjoyment to watching a character that is a conflicted human, but mainly has become so obsessed with his genius that he continuously praises his creation of life. There is a brilliant scene where he drunkenly recites the essay of Oppenheimer, and he continuously repeats the line "The good deeds a man has done defends him," this is the moment you realize this character realizes he has created something destructive, and something monstrous, but he still doesn't realize that he has done it out of pure ego. He believes that his deeds over the course of this film are outweighed by his benevolent actions that as far as we know he has not done. This obsession of self is only due to the breaking of his own ego. When your only companions are things you only view as projects, and a woman who can't even speak to you I'm sure you go a bit mad. He is a damaged and narcisistic man.
But let's talk about Ava, or Alicia Vikander.
Vikander gives this perfomance that made me unsure when to be enchanted by her presence, and when to be terrified by her gaze. She is one with a body made of wires and circuits, yet she comes off as the most human. The way she thinks so chaotically and rapidly is charming, but it is always temporary as we see her switch dramatically to a destructive and angry woman. It boggles the mind where this actress came from, because she has given one of the most brilliant performances this year and we'd never heard of her before. Your brain tingles as you watch with bated breath wondering what she will say next. It seems as though we are supposed to attach to Caleb, and perhaps that is why Ava is so captivating. This story hinges on which character we trust, and while I never once trusted Issac's character I found myself constantly trusting Ava's kind sensibilities and then being absolutely terrified of her. This movie is a study of humanity in the most brilliant way, because it posits the question of not only if Ava is human, but if anyone in this movie is human. If Caleb knows what it means to be a human than how could Ava ever hope to make him feel any other way, or is the fact that Caleb's view of humanity is skewed that he is a more likely candidate to declare if something is human or not? Ava was created by a man who barely exhibits any normal human tendencies or emotions, and how could a man like that create a human? Perhaps, it could be something different, but you'll only find out if you watch for yourself.
If I go any further I'll spoil the film. I'll end by saying that this film is one of the best of 2015 so far and it is definitely a candidate for my favorite films of 2015. So, go watch it right now and find the answer yourself. Ex Machina is an R-rated film that features frontal-nudity, explicit language, and some violence. It can currently be rented for $5.99 on Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon Instant Video.