Whether you've only played Deus Ex: Human Revolution or plowed headlong into a world of academic discourse, you'll know that Transhumanism is at the heart of an incredibly interesting debate which has become increasingly prescient with the advancement of technology. It has the potential to impact us all levels the social, the economic, political and biological and is something of a argument minefield, with what we should do and how far we should go to achieve these aims still being thrashed out by the finest academic minds of the generation. But the film shows no real willingness to wrestle with the minutiae behind the issues, and instead just throws out signposted moments and broad strokes where you're supposed to flit from one side to another. Caster gets shot? Pillory RIFT and all the neo-luddites. Virtual Caster lobotomises the site foreman? Maybe he has gone too far. There's very little room for interpretation, and instead the director appears content to take us on a theme park ride through the debate's flash-points. There's very little room for interpretation, which is precisely what a film about such weighty issues needs. Remember, audiences don't always need everything spelled out for them there's a reason people didn't like the original, unambiguous cut of Blade Runner, after all. We should've been trusted to come to our own conclusions without a Pfister whistle-stop tour, but sadly, this wasn't a luxury we were allowed.
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.
