Transcendence
2014 · Directed by Wally Pfister
Original language: English
- thriller
- science fiction
- drama
- mystery
The story
Two leading computer scientists work toward their goal of Technological Singularity, as a radical anti-technology organization fights to prevent them from creating a world where computers can transcend the abilities of the human brain.
What it’s like
Cool, desaturated palettes dominate Wally Pfister's debut as director, with cinematographer-turned-director sensibility showing in slow dollies across sleek lab interiors, glass-walled server halls washed in cold blue light, and sun-bleached desert towns that look hot, dusty and emptied out. Frequent tight close-ups and reflective surfaces give the picture a polished, glossy digital surface, while the sound design leans on a low, pulsing synth drone and long stretches of hushed silence broken by the hum of machinery. Its vibe is quiet unease with a melancholy undertow, best suited to a late-night watch alone or a thoughtful weekend viewing. The pacing is deliberate, with talky scenes between Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Freeman building toward a few sudden jolts. Its arc follows a devoted couple whose love is tested by what they choose to build, and the tone stays earnest and serious rather than playful. Violence is present but restrained: brief shootings, a few tense confrontations, some sickly body-horror imagery in the later stretches, and dread more than gore. It suits viewers who want cerebral science fiction with a human heart and a steady, brooding mood.
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