Alex Garland’s directorial debut Ex Machina (2015) was released mid July
on DVD and Blu-Ray. Mr. Garland wrote the screenplays for the lauded 28 Days Later (2002) and the underrated/underappreciated
Dredd (2012). Alex Garland did not
disappoint with his genre driven directorial debut. Ex Machina (2015) is both gorgeous and thought provoking.
Mr. Garland’s debut film treads in the footsteps of sci-fi classics like Solaris (1972), Blade Runner (1982), and Ghost in the Shell (1995). Besides convincing world building these films share the existential question of, what does it mean to be alive/human? As the digital age continues to progress art that asks this question are more pertinent than ever.
Mr. Garland’s debut film treads in the footsteps of sci-fi classics like Solaris (1972), Blade Runner (1982), and Ghost in the Shell (1995). Besides convincing world building these films share the existential question of, what does it mean to be alive/human? As the digital age continues to progress art that asks this question are more pertinent than ever.
Hard
science fiction is different from space opera or melodrama. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Star Trek (2009), and Star Wars (1977) are different genres
and or sub-genres. Despite the rise in popularity of “geek” culture hard
science fiction has not enjoyed the same renaissance as genres like fantasy,
super heroes, and space opera. Ex Machina
(2015) bucks that recent trend along with films like Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (2014) showing the
financial viability of hard science fiction movies.
Alex
Garland utilized a small cast and shot on the same few interiors and exteriors.
In some ways Ex Machina (2015) is a
small independent film with one extraordinary multimillion dollar visual effect. The juxtaposition of the cold modern interiors to the lush natural exteriors is stark and noteworthy. The stunning exteriors depiction of nature with lush green colors
and running water made me wonder if Garland was invoking the sci-fi classic Solaris (1972)?
Oscar
Isaacs gives another great performance following strong work in Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) and A Most Violent Year (2014). Domhnall Gleeson
one of the Weasley brothers in the Harry Potter film series and a revelation in Frank (2014) is dynamic starring opposite
Isaacs in Ex Machina (2015). Both Alicia
Vikander (Ava) & Sonoya Mizuno (Kyoko) have a background in dance that is
evident in the impressive physicality in the two actress’s performances. Alicia
Vikander’s Ava gives Sean Young’s Rachel a run for her money as the greatest cinematic
female android.
Ex Machina
(2015) is the promise of modern day digital filmmaking’s use in the science
fiction genre. Meticulous set and costume design are seamlessly merged with stunning
digital effects to create a gorgeous film. Ex
Machina (2015) is not just eye candy. It features strong performances and a
thought provoking plot that’s a strong directorial debut from writer director
Alex Garland.
4 out of 5 Nexus-6 Replicants
Recommend
