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Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence.
For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should. Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
The movie marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar®-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (“Inception,” the “Dark Knight” movies).
A couple of good ideas can go a long way. Other times they could be just that – ideas without a proper framework to support them. Wally Pfister’s directorial debut TRANSCENDENCE seems to struggle to find a purpose for the “high-concept” thoughts that seem to expand its own head rather than the audiences. In fact, some audiences might struggle to stay awake during this uncompelling and preachy bore.
After a minor flash-forward that unceremoniously lets you know what will eventually happen, the film opens with Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) as he’s about to give a speech at a science conference. At his side is his loyal wife Evelyn played with heart and emotion by Rebecca Hall. Upon leaving the hall Will is confronted with a shooter who attempts to kill the scientist. This is only one action in what is soon revealed as a series of acts of violence committed by an anti-tech terrorist group; I thought for a second about how they might get in touch with new recruits and communicate with one another but quickly dismissed this logical thought. Even though Will survives the bullet, he cannot stop the poison that the bullet that hit him is laced with. A last ditch effort to save his mind is performed by Evelyn and fellow scientist Max (Paul Bettany) by placing all of Will’s thoughts and memories on several hardrives. This action allows Will and Evelyn to continue their research and to make technological leaps including building a huge underground laboratory where the duo begins to play God by combining the DNA of humans with Will’s computer code. As you can expect, negative repercussions ensue.
Like so many films that came before it, TRANSCENDENCE explores the idea of man’s connection with technology and his abuse of to science in order to play God. At times I began to feel that the film would fit nicely into the filmography of David Cronenberg. In the 80’s and into the 90’s the iconic director bridged the gap between the arthouse and the slaughterhouse with his bloody “body horror” explorations that also tapped into philosophical discussions about the relation between man and machine. He most famously did this in THE FLY and VIDEODROME and then a little bit later with the often overlooked gem EXISTENZ. All three films follow a protagonist who feels empowered by a new leap in technological advancement. TRANSCENDENCE continues this theme nicely, even though I’d argue it might be about ten years too late to the conversation. There’s not any new parts in this machine which makes all the gear spinning all the more tedious when there’s not more energy pushing them. Pfister obviously knows how to present a striking image – which he frequently does here as he previously did working with Christopher Nolan – but his images alone can’t elevate this vacant film. If only Cronenberg guided the film with his twisted mind than it might have had some more life to it.
There are moments where I could see what Jack Paglen was attempting to do with this limp story. What makes us human and whether or not the new “computer Will” really, truly is the human Will are questions that triggered enough of a curiosity in me that I didn’t fall asleep during the film. But I must admit that I was looking at my watch quite a few times. I never felt like I watching a character driven techno-thriller nor did I feel I was being forced to sit through a long-winded science lecture.
TRANSCENDENCE just feels stagnant. It exists and that’s barely an appropriate description of it. Even the actors on-screen acted as if they are there to just collect a paycheck. My iPhone’s Siri shows me more of a range of emotion than Johnny Depp. Morgan Freeman fills space in the handful of scenes he’s in occasionally mumbling some useless non-sense. The only actor that seems to care is Rebecca Hall, and in contrast with everyone else she seems like she’s auditioning for a Spanish soap-opera.
TRANSCENDENCE sets up a basic premise and doesn’t go anywhere with it; unless you count some lackluster CGI sequences that show what I can assume is computer code floating up into our atmosphere. At this point I didn’t even care enough to analyze the science behind it all, not because I’m particularly gifted in the subject (which I’m not), but because the film didn’t give me anything to care about. I felt nothing, and I don’t think “computerized Will” needs to do a full body scan to figure out how I feel about this one.
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
TRANSCENDENCE stars Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Kate Mara, Cole Hauser, Clifton Collins, Jr. and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman.
TRANSCENDENCE OPENS IN THEATERS APRIL 18.
WAMG invites you to enter to win a pass (good for 2) to the advance screening of TRANSCENDENCE on Tuesday, April 15th at 7PM.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
Will Artificial Intelligence be a threat to the way we live our lives one day? Why?
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TRANSCENDENCE has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sci-fi action and violence, some bloody images, brief strong language and sensuality.
Set in a not-too-distant future, TRANSCENDENCE explores the very real possibility that humans—in our attempts to create a better, more efficient, more self-sustaining world through technology—can go too far. For emotions are not always positive: doesn’t a machine that has the capacity for kindness also have the capacity for menace?
Wally Pfister, a renowned cinematographer making his feature directorial debut on the film, states, “I was struck by the power and the weight of the ideas in this story, which I think are very much on people’s minds right now.”
“Transcendence” proposes that we can achieve what’s been called singularity. Pfister comments, “As we define it for the film, singularity is basically the uploading of the human brain into a super computer: the duplication of every synapse, every neuron…every bit of activity in the brain goes into a machine, which then becomes sentient.”
The film seeks to exemplify the coercive nature of the machines we create and how they control us as a culture. It is a path one could argue we are already on, and the film endeavors to project where we could be in 10 or 20 years as revolutionary, exciting…and equally troubling.
Johnny Depp stars as the scientist who not only provides the breakthroughs to make singularity—transcendence—possible, but whose brain becomes its first test subject.
“What I really found intriguing about this story was the idea that one man with a brilliant mind, a simple guy who adores his wife and does the crossword puzzle every morning, is able to take his expertise to the point where ego, power and passion could ultimately evolve him into something of a mechanical god.”
“Imagine your brain suddenly being able to connect to the Internet, to have access to every bit of information there—financial, medical, political…” Pfister posits. “What would you do with that kind of knowledge, that kind of ultimate power? Would you use it for the greater good, or your own gain, or something else entirely? This film gives moviegoers a chance to see the possibilities and wonder if it’s a choice they’ll ever have to face.”
The filmmakers and cast reflect that the movie poses some profound questions within its sci-fi storyline, and raises some thought-provoking scenarios about the effects that advancing, evolving technologies might have on our culture and on us as individuals.
“People have been fighting wars over ‘my god is better than your god’ for thousands of years,” Depp says. “In the 21st century, I think it’s appropriate to look at the way human beings worship technology and what that could mean for our future. Whether you’re on the side of technology or ecology, a pacifist or an extremist, most people have very definite opinions, and the question of how far we should allow our dependence on computers to go is a question that needs to be asked.”
Pfister summarizes, “According to the experts, artificial intelligence of the sort we present in ‘Transcendence’ is coming, like it or not. What I wanted to do with the film is give people a peek into one direction our world could take in the coming decades, and engage them in an emotional, moral and intellectual debate about this very timely topic in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.”
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
TRANSCENDENCE stars Oscar nominee Johnny Depp (“Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films), Rebecca Hall (“The Town,” “The Prestige”), Paul Bettany (“The Da Vinci Code,” “A Beautiful Mind”), Cillian Murphy (“Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises”), Kate Mara (“House of Cards,” “Shooter”), Cole Hauser (“Olympus Has Fallen”), Clifton Collins, Jr. (“Star Trek,” “Pacific Rim”) and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby,” the “Dark Knight” movies).
Check out the new IMAX trailer for TRANSCENDENCE starring Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, Clifton Collins, Jr., and Morgan Freeman.
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
TRANSCENDENCE marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (“Inception,” the “Dark Knight” movies). Pfister directed the movie from a screenplay by Jack Paglen.
Pfister’s behind-the-scenes collaborators include director of photography Jess Hall (“Brideshead Revisited”), production designer Chris Seagers (“X-Men: First Class”), Oscar-nominated editor David Rosenbloom (“The Insider”), costume designer George L. Little (“Zero Dark Thirty”), and Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Nathan McGuinness (“Master and Commander”). The music is composed by Mychael Danna, who won an Oscar for his score for “Life of Pi.”
Opening nationwide in theaters on April 18, here’s the brand new trailer for TRANSCENDENCE starring Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, Clifton Collins, Jr., and Morgan Freeman.
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
TRANSCENDENCE marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (“Inception,” the “Dark Knight” movies). Pfister directed the movie from a screenplay by Jack Paglen.
Johnny Depp stars as Will Caster in the intriguing new trailer for Alcon Entertainment’s sci-fi thriller TRANSCENDENCE.
It marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (INCEPTION, the DARK KNIGHT movies). Pfister directed the movie from a screenplay by Jack Paglen.
In theaters April 18, 2014, Depp plays Dr. Will Caster – the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
Alcon Entertainment presents TRANSCENDENCE, starring Oscar nominee Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany (A BEAUTIFUL MIND), Rebecca Hall (THE TOWN), Kate Mara (HOUSE OF CARDS), Cillian Murphy (INCEPTION, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), Clifton Collins, Jr. (PACIFIC RIM) and Oscar winner Morgan Freeman (MILLION DOLLAR BABY).
(L-r) MORGAN FREEMAN as Joseph Tagger, CILLIAN MURPHY as Agent Anderson, JOHNNY DEPP as Will Caster (on monitors), and REBECCA HALL as Evelyn Caster
Oscar® nominees Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”) are producing the film with Kate Cohen, Marisa Polvino, Annie Marter, David Valdes, and Aaron Ryder.
Pfister’s behind-the-scenes collaborators include director of photography Jess Hall (“Brideshead Revisited”), production designer Chris Seagers (“X-Men: First Class”), Oscar-nominated editor David Rosenbloom (“The Insider”), costume designer George L. Little (“Zero Dark Thirty”), and Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Nathan McGuinness (“Master and Commander”).
The music is composed by Mychael Danna, who won an Oscar® for his score for “Life of Pi.”
Johnny Depp stars as Will Caster in two new photos from Alcon Entertainment’s sci-fi thriller TRANSCENDENCE.
In theaters April 18, 2014, Depp plays Dr. Will Caster – the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions.
His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should.
Their worst fears are realized as Will’s thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.
(L-r) MORGAN FREEMAN as Joseph Tagger, CILLIAN MURPHY as Agent Anderson, JOHNNY DEPP as Will Caster (on monitors), and REBECCA HALL as Evelyn Caster
Alcon Entertainment presents TRANSCENDENCE, starring Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films), Paul Bettany (“The Da Vinci Code,” “A Beautiful Mind”), Rebecca Hall (“The Town,” “The Prestige”), Kate Mara (“House of Cards,” “Shooter”), Cillian Murphy (“Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises”), Clifton Collins, Jr. (“Star Trek,” “Pacific Rim”) and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby,” the “Dark Knight” movies).
TRANSCENDENCE marks the feature film directorial debut of Oscar®-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister (“Inception,” the “Dark Knight” movies). Pfister directed the movie from a screenplay by Jack Paglen.
Oscar® nominees Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”) are producing the film with Kate Cohen, Marisa Polvino, Annie Marter, David Valdes, and Aaron Ryder.
Pfister’s behind-the-scenes collaborators include director of photography Jess Hall (“Brideshead Revisited”), production designer Chris Seagers (“X-Men: First Class”), Oscar-nominated editor David Rosenbloom (“The Insider”), costume designer George L. Little (“Zero Dark Thirty”), and Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Nathan McGuinness (“Master and Commander”). The music is composed by Mychael Danna, who won an Oscar® for his score for “Life of Pi.”
