An annoying mis-step from a writer turned egoiste Director

Rating: 5/10 (4 March 2015)

I saw this film with an open mind, having read a good deal of Sci Fi in my time. Alex Garland however will need to grow his skills as a film director and perhaps should have focused more on the writing and script before proceeding with this film. Having seen him speak at the BFI, NO Directing is not letting the actors do what they wish and hoping that it all comes together, it is about taking ownership to deliver your holistic design approach, having a viewpoint so that the actors you are collaborating with are brought with you.
The visuals were beautiful, however I found them visually similar to the 'Black Mirror' Channel 4 TV programme which is much much more challenging and interesting in its concepts than Ex Machina. This is a film that is highly derivative, I could see where it was going for the entire length of the film and was mostly bored and irritated at the clearly egotistical approach by the director to a subject that has been discussed many times before and by better directors. I went home and deliberately watched Solaris and later 2001 to cleanse my Sci Fi palette. Having watched Under the Skin last year, which was an OK film but also disappointing in its jarring approach and lack of full bodied story, I was hoping that Alex Garland could tackle the subject matter in a fresh way. I was wrong. For those serious Sci Fi watchers out there who love Blade Runner don't watch this film, you will be annoyed.