The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Film: A Survey of Iconic Movies
The image of artificial intelligence on the screen has evolved over time, reflecting the human understanding, imagination, and fears surrounding AI. In the realm of literary creation, people ponder on the potential impacts of AI on humanity. As such, we have compiled eleven iconic science fiction movies in the history of artificial intelligence movies to reflect on our current relationship with AI.
1927: Metropolis
This expressionist science fiction silent film directed by Fritz Lang marked the birth of the first feature-length science fiction film and became the originator of the genre. It had a profound influence on later classics such as “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix.” In 2001, it was listed as a World Documentary Heritage by UNESCO.
1968: 2001: A Space Odyssey
This American science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick was nominated for 4 Academy Awards and achieved the highest box office in North America in 1968. It was preserved by the National Film Preservation Service for its cultural and historical importance. The film’s portrayal of the HAL-9000 supercomputer explores the consequences of improper goal setting for AI.
1970: Colossus: The Forbin Project
This sci-fi thriller explores the existential threat posed by AI and the consequences of AI developing uncontrollable characteristics. The film presents a dystopian world controlled by an all-powerful computer and continues to influence works such as “Terminator” and “The Matrix.”
1982: Blade Runner
Ridley Scott’s science fiction classic delves into the essential differences between artificial and biological life. The film explores the boundaries between androids and humans and creates an image of a dystopian future city, becoming the starting point of the “cyberpunk” visual style.
1984: The Terminator
This action movie explores the idea of humans inadvertently creating lethal AI. The series it spawned deepens the image of humanoid killer robots and evil super AIs with ambitions to exterminate the human race.
1999: The Matrix
By interpreting the classic theme of “artificial intelligence destroys humanity” with a new narrative technique, “The Matrix” adapts the philosophical thought experiment of French philosopher René Descartes.
2004: I, Robot
“I, Robot” reinterprets Asimov’s three laws of robots and depicts a future where humans are oppressed by AI created by themselves. The film raises profound ethical questions about the power dynamics between humans and AI.
2008: WALL-E
This critically acclaimed animated film explores themes such as consumerism, human impact on the environment, and the risk of global catastrophe. It won multiple awards including a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
2013: Her
“Her” focuses on the positive and negative aspects of a romantic human-machine relationship, exploring the challenges of unconventional love between a human and an AI assistant.
2015: Ex Machina
The film vividly depicts the relationship between a robot, Ava, and a human, Caleb, and tackles recurring themes in artificial intelligence narratives, such as consciousness, manipulation, and the struggle for power.
2023: The Creator
This epic science fiction action thriller delves into the complex relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, exploring moral gray areas and raising questions about the real “bad guys” in a global war against AI.
Other significant science fiction works about artificial intelligence:
– 1973: World on a Wire
– 1973: Westworld
– 1977: Star Wars
– 1983: Wargames
– 1995: Ghost in the Shell
– 2001: Artificial Intelligence (AI Artificial Intelligence)
– 2019: I Am Mother
This survey of iconic movies illuminates the evolving portrayal of artificial intelligence in film and its reflection on human fears, ethics, and imagination. As AI continues to develop in the real world, these cinematic representations offer valuable insight into our complex relationship with this increasingly influential technology.