Transcendence (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack)
Synopsis:
In Transcendence, 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.
Review:
The previews for this film gave away most of the plot, so not much was a surprise. Johnny Depp and the rest of the acting was fantastic, which I expected. But the far-fetched “transcending” of Will was beyond this science fiction fan’s realm of believability. Especially when he got into nanotechnology and created a hive of followers. The story was strong though and there was a lot of reflection and artsy imagery which I loved.
The events build to a suspenseful and exciting ending with a bit of a surprise. But a lot is still left unanswered. For a hard science fiction film, there is a lot of introspection. However, it was unique and a film I’ll not forget. Accordingly, if you would like to learn more about how this film was made, you can take a look at this interview with DMG’s Dan Mintz on How to Work With China, Remaking ‘Point Break’ and Johnny Depp’s Next Film (Q&A).
Have you seen Transcendence yet? Be sure to let me know what you thought of this fascinating film.
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Own Transcendence on Digital HD now and on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on July 22nd.