Ex_Machina

A mind bending, moral questioning, roller coaster of a film.

I personally, love the brand of film that makes you question things and most of all yourself. This film had be following the protagonists’ feelings but also questioning how I would deal with the situation. I speak of both of Ava and Caleb.

The story itself makes sure you only know as much as Caleb does and you find yourself as uncomfortable and out of place as he is throughout the film. The sense of mystery is kept going by the way in which the film gives small amounts of information in bursts which shock you. I believe this is highlighted by the way the lighting is used, a power cut becomes an even more tense moment as you anticipate it to contain new information to shock or confuse.

The costume and effects, as they go hand in hand in the film are made with such intelligence of precision in order to create a certain affect and bring to mind certain things. For example, Ava’s whole being stands in perfect balance of human and robot. (I refer to the uncanny valley here, which it deftly avoids thanks to the use of a real actress only changed by CGI)

The film deals with such subjects as life, consciousness, death and what it means to be, and feel, human. But it also deals with misogyny, sexuality and the male gaze, it sees the robots as objects but also discusses how these objects, these robots, were made in the image of women. It forces the audience to take on this male gaze and to see the shapeliness of each character. Yet it also makes the audience consider how sinister this is; watching from a camera, been served by a mute woman and testing them for their worth.

I could go on, as you all probably know, but I feel if I give too much away or if i speak to much it will take away from each person’s view. This film could start some serious conversations and I hope to hear some of them.

#Film #exmachina #Vikander #OscarIsaac