Transcendence: That Damn Frankenstein Complex!

5th September, 2014.

Can I ask you a question … ?

Can I … ?

Have you ever read anything by the late Dr Isaac Asimov … ?

Yes, I know: I can’t actually hear you answer.

Let me just, then, take a minute to briefly explain the subtitle.   “That Damn Frankenstein Complex!” is a phrase used — repeatedly, sometimes — in the good doctor’s work: usually by characters of his who built robots.

And usually when those builders saw members of the public, unfamiliar with — and scared of — the robots they’d created.

Now …

I don’t know about you: but I feel Asimov hit a nerve, there.

Let’s face it: how many people do you know who are nervous around technology … ?

Exactly.

So the fact I can think of a few films that also be accused of suffering from it.

The Will Smith version of I, Robot, for example.

War Games, with Matthew Broderick.

And — arguably … ?

Arguably, I think we can also include the Wally Pfister directed film, Transcendence, in there.

Although, possibly, it’s a better film that I, Robot …

~≈É≈~

The Awakening: A Review

The Awakening

Can I tell you something, here … ?

Can I … ?

I’ll assume that’s a yes, shall I … ?

But here’s what I’m currently wanting to get off my chest.

I saw a film called The Awakening, last night.   You’ve probably worked that out from the poster.

And I’ve only seen one other film that I think’s as beautiful … 

‹‹·››

Set in 1921, some three years after the end of World War 1, The Awakening sees Rebecca Hall as Florence Cathcart: a young woman who has lost her fiancée during the war.

And as a result … ?   As a result, spends much of her time helping the police with their enquiries: into false mediums.

And promoting her book on the subject, as well..

The only possible fly in her ointment … ?   Is the arrival, one day, of Robert Malory*.  A teacher at a posh public school who has seen a pupil die as a siucide: after seeing what’s claimed to be a genuine ghost … 

Something Miss Cathcart is sceptical about.

Until she gets there. 

And sees it for herself …

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Now, I said, earlier, I’ve only seen one other film I felt matched The Awakening, in its beauty: frankly that was the one off that was Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead.

And I’m thinking for pretty much the same sort of reasons.

I personally found both films to be stand-outs in their genre: in fact, I’m thinking calling The Awakening a horror film is as possibly insulting as calling Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead a straight gangster film.

Both films are takes on their respective genres that makes a mockery of simple classification, and demands that someone see them, to enrich themselves with what can be done with a type.   They’re intelligent, adult, films with great scripts and fine casts.

And in the case of The Awakening, a fine leading actress in the shape of Rebecca Hall, along with quite possibly the strongest leading character — Florence Cathcart — I’ve seen in a long time.

What’s more … ?

What’s more, the film also has one of the most beautifully ambiguous finalés I think I’ve seen in quite a few years.

No, I correct that.

Ever.

Now, I grant, The Awakening isn’t going to be for everyone.

But that, I think, is even more reason to check it: if you’re used to an outright gore-fest, you’ll have done yourself a favour with a complete change of pace.

For the rest of us … ?

Go GET … !

The Awakening
★★★★

*        Played by Dominic West, I should add.