Movie spotlight
Automata
Automata is the eerie, black-humoured story of Henry, the last in a long line of duck hunters. The film examines the connection between hunter and prey and obsession in the face of extinction. It posits the question 'what would happen to someone at the tipping point; the moment where they are directly responsible for the extinction of an entire species' Duck hunting in Australia is a very contentious issue and every year hunters and protesters clash. The experimental side is evidenced with the lack of dialog, non-linear narrative and a 'score' by Belgian sound designer Christina Clar. The majority of the sound tracking and design was completed before the edit in Australia, thus reversing the usual process. The sound post production was completed in Brussels and includes recordings from deep within remote caves.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a future where robots are programmed with specific roles and limitations, Jacq Vaucan, an insurance agent for Rococo Robotics, investigates a series of dangerous malfunctions. He discovers a secret that could change humanity's relationship with artificial intelligence forever when he encounters an automaton that appears to be evolving beyond its programming.
Critical Reception
Automata received a mixed reception from critics and audiences. While praised for its visual style and ambitious themes, many found the plot predictable and underdeveloped, with some performances also drawing criticism.
What Reviewers Say
Visually striking with an intriguing premise exploring artificial intelligence and humanity.
Suffers from a derivative plot and a lack of emotional depth.
The film's philosophical ambitions are let down by its execution and pacing.
Google audience: Google users generally found Automata to be a visually interesting but ultimately disappointing film, with many expressing that it failed to live up to its potential and felt cliché.
Fun Fact
The film was co-written by Igor Legarreta and Javier Gullón, with a screenplay by Gullón and director Gabe Ibáñez. Antonio Banderas also served as an executive producer.
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