The film 'Virtuosity' by Gary Lucchesi
The film 'Virtuosity' by Gary Lucchesi, allows us to see the relationship, which exists between 'visual' and 'reality'. The film also explores human fears, which relate to materialistic society in which we live in today. These fears can be then connected to the notions of 'Subjectivity' and 'Culture' through the in depth study of Virtuosity.
A visual can be defined as being "have or relating to the sense of sight" (answers.com). Meaning a visual is something in which can be seen, for example a movie. The movie Virtuosity itself is considered to be a visual text. Reality is defined as being "The quality or state of being actual or true". (answers.com) This can be interpreted then as something, which actually exists.
The movie Virtuosity tells us that 'reality' and 'visual' can be interpreted in a variety of manners depending in which way they are addressed. For example, if the relationship is addressed after viewing the opening sequence, the viewer is led to believe that what you see is not always real. This is demonstrated as the viewer is led to believe that this is the reality of the movie, and where it is set, but in actual fact we then find out that it was in fact a virtual training ground. If the relationship is addressed just after the opening sequence, we are led to believe they intertwine with one another. This is demonstrated after Donovan dies being electrocuted in the virtual world. "Virtual reality is the technology used to provide a more intimate interface between humans and computer reality," (Slouka, 1995; 9) This tells us that the relationship between the two exists. Sids reality is in fact that of Parker Barnes and us, as the viewers visual. It can also be considered to be Parkers reality for the time in which he is connected to the virtual training machine, as when he becomes a part of the virtual world as he is disconnected from reality. By being connected to a Virtual machine which "stimulating the full ensemble of since data that make up 'real'" (Slouka, 1995; 4); Parker reality is switched to the world of the virtual.
Visuals have become our reality. The society, which we live in, is driven by the use of visual imagery. Many of these images, which have been manipulated, then create a world that never actually existed. This is seen in magazines, commercials movies ect. We are constantly seeing that which is around us. "How is it possible to hold a clear view of the distinction between reality and fantasy when the unreal is constantly being realized?" (Wooley, 1992; 4) In the society we live in today the virtual is becoming more and more a part of our reality. Video ...
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Visuals have become our reality. The society, which we live in, is driven by the use of visual imagery. Many of these images, which have been manipulated, then create a world that never actually existed. This is seen in magazines, commercials movies ect. We are constantly seeing that which is around us. "How is it possible to hold a clear view of the distinction between reality and fantasy when the unreal is constantly being realized?" (Wooley, 1992; 4) In the society we live in today the virtual is becoming more and more a part of our reality. Video games and movies that had been considered both visual and virtual have become every day occurrences. They have become sources of entertainment as they stimulate our senses by allowing us to enter their world, even though we are able to enter and leave when we choose.
The film Virtuosity explores numerous fears which exist in our every day society, the main being death. This fear can also be seen as the fear of the unknown. "I sensed something very lonely. And Frightening" (Slouka, 1995; 32) Death can also be regarded as a fear of being disconnected from the society in which we live and are a part of. "Reality is death" (Slouka, 1995; 28), as said by Professor Benedikt. Death can be said to be our reality as we know eventually one day we will die, but it is the unknown of when or what will happen to us once we die which we as humans fear.
Virtuosity challenges this fear. Sid 6.7, which is not considered to be human, does not fear death. In fact he lives to kill. Sid is able to challenge death as he can cure himself. What would have ordinarily killed any mere human, being shot numerous times, does not kill Sid. We see the difference between a human and a virtual machine when Sid takes the nightclub hostage. The humans show emotions of being scared of not knowing whether they are going to live or die. As Sid is not a human, he shows no emotions. The only way we could tell what he was feeling was when he was still a part of the virtual world. The screen around him would constantly change colours. When the screen went red, it gave us a sense that he was evil. While Sid when put up to a challenge which he could face death, enjoys the situation as that is what he exists for. He was programmed to be the villain that police officers would chase after in training exercise.
The film challenges the fear of the loss of loved ones. We see this through the character of Parker Barnes. He has had to deal will the guilt and pain of loosing his wife and daughter. "How's the wife and kid? Still dead huh? That's reality for you. No saving. No resetting". This comment by Sid 6.7 to Parker shows us how virtual reality challenges death. For example in any virtual game, you can die but then you always are given another chance. You can also save where you are up to, then continue playing. This is the difference between death in reality and virtual reality. In life there are no second chances. We are not able to stop living, save our life and then continue to keep living as we please.
Virtuosity also addresses the notion of uncontrollable technology. We live in a society, which is driven by the desire for newer, better, more advanced technological resources. This movie has led us to explore the questions what will happen when we create a computer, which we no longer can control? What would happen when the computer/ technological resources we have created actually become smarter then the creator? This is what occurred in the movie. Sid's creator no longer controls Sid. Sid has the power to manipulate his creator. "What I am is not my fault. It's not even my choice. I came to be because of what you are." Sid says to Parker. In saying this Sid is expressing that we as humans choose to create him, so in actual fact he is saying that it is our own fault. That our desire to be more advanced technologically could in fact lead to our own destruction.
The fears, which can be seen in the movie Virtuosity, connect to the notions of subjectivity and culture, as these fears are subjective. They are only in our minds; due to the socially conveyed behaviour examples we are taught from when we are born. Like Sid we did not choose to be born, nor do we choose to be the way we are. The society we live in teaches how we should react to certain situations we find ourselves in. Just like the clones of one another in the opening sequence, which are programmed to say such things as "I'm sorry", or "Excuse Me", we too have in a way been programmed. We are taught to say sorry if we accidentally bump in to someone. By doing this we are in a way conforming to the society we live in as it is socially expected to apologize, after you run into someone.
We live in an image conscious society. The way we look plays a big part. Even though Sid is not human, he too is image conscience stating: "I am beautiful." As he has been composed of human traits he still carries one of the major traits we as humans carry. That being our image, the way we look, and the way we appear to others. Everyone in our society wants to be famous, and have their fifteen minutes of fame. This is shown, as Sid is obsessed with seeing himself on television. "You like being in front of the camera, don't you?", Says Dr Madison Carter after seeing Sid on television.
Fear is also connected to the notions of subjectivity and Culture, especially in the society we live in. We are now living in fear of Terrorism, after 911, Bali, the London bombings ect. In Virtuosity Mathew Grimes, the man that killed Parkers family is a political terrorist. "To some you are considered a political terrorist... and to others you are even considered a hero." Said by a reporter interviewing Grimes to Grimes. This quote depicts very clearly the society, which we live in. We in the western world consider terrorists to be murderers, but in there own society they are considered freedom fighters, even heroes. We live in a society, which fears the unknown. We are all waiting for another terrorist act to be committed, in a way we expect it, but what we fear is the unknown of when or where this act will take place, and what if we are there or a loved one is involved.
Therefore, it can be said that the movie Virtuosity, helps us as the viewer see the relationship between what is reality and imagery. It expresses fears, which connect to notions of subjectivity and culture within our society.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Virtuosity, Paramount Pictures, Gary Lucchesi, Brett Leonard
Slouka, Mark (1995) War of the Worlds, New York, Basic Books
Wooley, Benjamin (1992) Virtual Worlds, Oxfored, Blackwell Publishers
Stille, Alexander (2000) The Future of the Past; The loss in the knowledge in the age of Information, Great Britain, Farrar Straus & Giroux
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.answers.com
www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/kendrick/index.html
www.hermenaut.com/BebergaP.shtml
CUL101
Cecilia Gonzalez
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