Transcendence
Dir: Wally Pfister
Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany,
and Cillian Murphy
There is an abundance of big questions and thought-worthy theories
proposed in Wally Pfister’s directorial debut. Pfister, an exceptional director
of photography for many of Christopher Nolan’s films, guides the wayward
science fiction film “Transcendence” in a few different directions leading it
into a position of narrative confusion that it unfortunately can’t escape from.
Genius scientist Will Castor (Johnny Depp) has advanced the
field of artificial intelligence, landing him in a loved and hated position
amongst the scientific community. Will has created a super computer called PINN
that has prospect of expanding the once “impossibilities” of science into
reality. However, an anti-technology terrorist organization coordinates an
attack on the scientists working on this project, they fatally wound Will in
the attack. Will’s wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall), a scientist who wants to use
technology to protect the world, tries to save Will’s life by any means
possible. She is able to talk Will’s partner Max (Paul Bettany) into uploading
Will’s subconscious mind into PINN before he dies.
Scientific theory isn't usually difficult to execute in science fiction films, however if
not paired with the correct narrative tone the theories can come off as either
too simplistic or excessively ludicrous. Pfister starts his film somewhere in
the middle with the ideas, implementing the advancement of artificial
technology in a progressive way that becomes radically more advanced once Will
Castor’s subconscious is inserted into PINN to guide the technology farther.
However, Pfister’s dramatic tone remains completely straightforward while the
theories and story expand into the realms of far futuristic science fiction and
comic book fascination. In some instances, specifically when dealing with
Will’s true intentions and humanity within the system, Pfister is able to keep
the film stimulating with the mystery of the systems self-awareness. While in
other points, like Will’s obvious neglect of his own systematic faults or an
arc of joining forces with a terrorist cell, the film falls into disarray
amidst these inconsistent narrative choices.
The cast is packed with recognizable faces. Johnny Depp, who
regardless of recent outlandish performances is a superior actor, is initially
good here but is quickly relinquished to an image on a computer screen. Depp’s
monotone delivery keeps intentions vague whether or not that was the objective.
Rebecca Hall is good both when caringly in love with Will and achingly devoted
when things begin to slowly unravel. Morgan Freeman is underused but is
regardless consistently interesting whenever he is on screen with other actors.
Director Wally Pfister showcases potential and should
continue to get better with his next films. “Transcendence” has a ton of good
ideas unfortunately they are mixed into a film that despite a good cast and attractive
photography never finds a bearing.
Monte’s Rating
2.50 out of
5.00
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