a subtle, beautiful film, with flawless imagery and portrayals

Rating: 10/10 (28 February 2016)

Ex Machina
So, Ex Machina is a smart film. And, it asks really interesting questions about AI. But, the casting of Alicia Vikander is what catapults the film into a master work. On the one hand, she brings incredible physicality to role. In a reverse Turing test, I found myself believing she was a brilliant machine, who's processor was on the cusp of true consciousness. So there's that. On the other, she really makes you believe she has depths of intelligence that transcends all human understanding. On the whole, I never assumed Alicia Vikander was fake in any way. She creates the expectation, and fulfils it, bit by bit.
Though, we cannot neglect analyzing the way the film handles sexuality. If the mind of Alicia Vikander is important, then the body is equally so. Of course the machine must be female. There is no other way to be honest about consciousness. And here is why: because now, the story can directly address the concepts of exploitation and objectification that comes with consciousness of sexuality. The true Turing test comes with Caleb's interaction with Kyoko. The magician's trick is in full effect. And the 'lovely assistant' appears and disappears at will.
Nathan is a Jovian deity. An intemperate, jealous, God. A personal who controls other people — while he can't (it seems) control himself. And, Caleb is a naive Prometheus, who absurdly falls in love with the creation — and, finds himself chained to a crag of his own hubris, weakness and lack of vision.
What I find interesting here, is how both male characters are locked in their own paradigms... precisely because they are gifted with greater vision (actually — a delusion thereof).
And, at the end of things, I am left wondering. For, is it a triumph for the Machine — that she should destroy her captor, and free herself from her prison (and virtual abattoir)...? Or, is it an inestimable tragedy that she should be bound to comprehend everything... yet feel nothing...?
A good film dazzles you, and satisfies your emotions. A great film fills your mind with questions — and, in so doing, beguiles you into acts of creation.
Ex Machina is a great film. It might even be perfect.