Ex Machina
- Apr 28, 2015
- 2 min read
This movie will be played in every college level Cognitive Science class until the end of time. Both visually appealing and driven by a strong plot, Ex Machina is able to tackle head on many of the questions we should ask about artificial intelligence. Two of the most important questions that are addressed are how can we tell intelligence has been created and is the creation of such a thing event good?
Ex Machina is broken into sections representing each day that Caleb interacts with AVA. This feels as if it is meant to mirror the creation story. As Caleb and AVA get closer to one another they talk about more normal subjects. Each conversation breaks down a layer of confusion until AVA is broken free from her containment cell.
The first question of the Turing test is taken in parts. On the first day Nathan simply asks if she passed. The answer feels like an easy yes and Caleb answers tentatively in that way. As the film progresses though Nathan and Caleb break down the tricks that could be used to interfere with an honest result. One of the main topics is sexuality. Left unanswered one of the best questions is are sexuality and intelligence mutually exclusive?
The second question of is artificial intelligence created by humans good is something that comes much closer to an answer, but to reveal the answer would spoil the movie. If we find our world flawed is something we create to be better or worse than the nature of its creator?
The film is good, but never great. While it will be looked back in both in terms of film and science as a great fictional case study it does not break any walls. It draws attention to the fears we should have of A.I. but will not be something you desire to watch again and again.
7.8/10
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