Remember why we were so psyched about this film? Beyond the fact it was Wally Pfister's directorial debut, it was that rarest of films an expensive blockbuster willing to engage with larger themes. Obviously, large budgets aren't a guarantee of success, but from the synopsis to the trailer, this had so much going for it a stellar cast, an interesting premise, unique visuals and interesting set-pieces. Yet out of this winning hand, the finished product pulled a bust. Honestly, that's just sad like Inception before it, Transcendence could've been a standard-bearer for more intellectually stimulating films with blockbuster appeal. Indeed, the team behind it alongside Pfister, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas were producers seemed to further point to this fact, telling us that it was in fact possible for mentally-taxing films to exist outside cult and indie film purgatory. Unfortunately it just couldn't follow through, and might end up having a reverse effect if Transcendence manages to tank based on its reviews (a distinct possibility, with the Rotten Tomatometer reading 19% at time of writing), studios might be less inclined to take gambles with more interesting premises in the future, leaving only the safe bets for the truly huge pictures. Clearly, there's nothing wrong with big dumb fun, but if we miss out on the next Inception because of Transcendence's flop, the film world would be poorer for it. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to comment below!
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
