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The science fiction genre isn’t all far-fetched fantasy. In fact, science fiction films can often inspire real world innovation or provide clever predictions of the future. Check out these must-watch, forward-thinking sci-fi flicks!
Looker (1981)
Written and directed by Michael Crichton, 1981 sci-fi thriller “Looker” finds plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Roberts (Albert Finney) playing detective while investigating the bizarre murders of several models. Roberts uncovers groundbreaking technology developed by the Digital Matrix Corporation that generates 3-dimensional likenesses, which can be used in everything from TV advertisements to political ads. Upon its release, “Looker” was critically panned and lambasted as nonsensical. However, “Looker” essentially depicted deepfakes decades prior. Admittedly, the acting is somewhat of a mixed bag and the technology used is pretty over-the-top. Still, “Looker” benefits from arguably the catchiest theme song to come out of the ‘80s, compelling CGI, and a plot that was far too ahead of its time.
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
Featuring a pre-James Bond Pierce Brosnan as scientist Dr. Lawrence Angelo, as well as Dean Norris before he was Hank on Breaking Bad, “The Lawnmower Man” explores virtual reality (VR) and its real world uses. Angelo is a brilliant scientist hellbent on perfecting VR. But when his lab experiments on chimps fail, Lawrence turns to a human subject in gardener Jobe Smith (Jeff Fahey). As is to be expected, Angelo’s virtual reality trial doesn’t quite go as planned. Throw in a “let’s weaponize it” subplot and “The Lawnmower Man” is a fun, albeit campy, examination of VR. Despite a bit of shoddy CGI, it’s a solid sci-fi romp that, despite not quite getting virtual reality right (the ill-fated Nintendo Virtual Boy was still three years away), manages to entertain throughout.
They Live (1988)
Visionary director John Carpenter has delivered a slew of influential movies including “Halloween,” “The Thing,” “Big Trouble in Little China,” and “The Fog.” However, one of Carpenter’s most thought-provoking deep thrillers is “They Live.” Starring “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster, “They Live” toys with deep, relevant themes. Making a commentary on commercialization, global warming, and social-economic divides, “They Live” remains an increasingly pertinent film. Mentally stimulating, visually-striking, and backed with a superb soundtrack composed by Carpenter alongside frequent collaborator Alan Howarth, “They Live” is a tour de force sci-fi flick. Plus, it’s ripe with iconic dialogue and scenes.
Ex Machina (2014)
Artificial intelligence (AI) proves a popular subject to analyze, and cinema provides a fascinating lens through which to view artificial intelligence. 2014’s “Ex Machina,” written and directed by Alex Garland, delivers one of the top examples of artificial intelligence in film. Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander, and Domhnall Gleeson deliver powerhouse performances. What’s more, “Ex Machina” offers an evocative glimpse at artificial intelligence and neuroscience. With a grounded approach, it’s a smart, fresh genre entry that feels more feasible than the standard sci-fi fare.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic “Jurassic Park” might delve into the fantastical with dinosaurs roaming the modern world. But the process of cloning and gene editing was pretty far ahead of its time, particularly with CRISPR technology which followed decades later. The strong science themes blended with fiction shouldn’t really come as much surprise since “Jurassic Park” is an adaptation of renowned sci-fi author Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name. Boasting a star-studded cast, epic John Williams soundtrack, and stunning effects, “Jurassic Park” is a timeless Spielbergian science fiction adventure.
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