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LEARNING INTENTIONS
LEARNING INTENTIONS
To develop the ability to identify cinematic techniques used in films, such as cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound design, and narrative structure, and to understand how these techniques contribute to the overall storytelling and impact of a film.
To develop the ability to identify cinematic techniques used in films, such as cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound design, and narrative structure, and to understand how these techniques contribute to the overall storytelling and impact of a film.
To interpret the representation of themes, ideologies, and societal issues, and to develop the skills to discuss and critique how films reflect and influence contemporary culture and thought.
To interpret the representation of themes, ideologies, and societal issues, and to develop the skills to discuss and critique how films reflect and influence contemporary culture and thought.
Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a competition at his workplace to visit the home of the company’s reclusive CEO, Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Caleb travels to his vast and remote Norwegian estate and, upon arrival, discovers the contest was a smokescreen. Identified as a gifted employee, Caleb has been summoned to work on Nathan’s latest project: an artificial intelligence named Ava (Alicia Vikander). It is Caleb’s job to administer the Turing Test (named after its creator, mathematician Alan Turing), to determine whether Ava has genuine consciousness. If the tester cannot determine if the subject is machine or human, then the test is passed.
When Caleb and Ava meet, there is no Uncanny Valley – the feeling of revulsion or unease when presented with a realistic machine – rather, he is immediately drawn to Ava. Before long they share a mutual attraction. But as their discussions continue, Ava confides in Caleb that Nathan is not to be trusted.
Origins of the project and script development
Origins of the project and script development
The idea for Ex Machina first blossomed when Garland was 11 or 12 years old, after experimenting with
some basic coding on a computer his parents had bought him: ‘there would be moments when it would feel like he wasn’t talking to a computer, even though he knew it was the computer because he’d created the whole system himself’. A friend of Garland (with a detailed knowledge of neuroscience) told him that machines could never actually become sentient; as a result Garland began doing his own research into the concept of Artificial Intelligence. One book in particular about consciousness and embodiment confirmed Garland’s suspicions, and the central premise of Ex_Machina was formed.
Why do you think Garland wanted to direct this film himself, rather than entrust it to another director?
What does it mean to be alive?
What does it mean to be alive?
With this tense, psychological thriller, the director, Garland asks the biggest question of all – what does it mean to be alive?
Ex Machina is essentially 108 minutes of three people sitting around talking to each other, but this existential grappling is so compelling that it is impossible not to be drawn into both the story and the bigger questions that motivate it.
The question of Ava’s consciousness is only the start, because Caleb’s decision will have huge consequences. If we believe Ava is alive, will she be allowed to live that life on her own terms? Will her artificial life be held to the same standard as human life? Ava is corporate property, so at what point does the machine transcend its origin as an object and become a person?
Imagine you had an unlimited budget and choice of any stars you liked. Who would you cast in the following roles and why?
Imagine you had an unlimited budget and choice of any stars you liked. Who would you cast in the following roles and why?
AVA (FEMALE A.I. ROBOT):
CALEB (GEEKY PROGRAMMER):
NATHAN BATEMAN (TECH GENIUS AND WEALTHY CEO):
How might the film be different with these actors cast in the roles?
How might the film be different with these actors cast in the roles?
Pre-production: designing Ava
Pre-production: designing Ava
The most visually compelling and ‘high concept’ dimension of Garland’s script was the character of Ava, the humanoid robot. Here is how she is described in Garland’s screenplay
The most visually compelling and ‘high concept’ dimension of Garland’s script was the character of Ava, the humanoid robot. Here is how she is described in Garland’s screenplay
What would be the most challenging aspect of making this character believable on-screen?
What would be the most challenging aspect of making this character believable on-screen?
Character dynamics
Character dynamics
Nathan is initially welcoming, but despite his pleas for Caleb to ignore the employer-employee dynamic, Caleb is always aware of the power disparity between them.
Nathan is isolated by both his wealth and geographical location. His only (human) company in his vast tech facility is his housekeeper, Kyoko (Sonoya Mizuno), who does not speak English. This language barrier is a paranoid safeguard for Nathan’s trade secrets.
Nathan's darker side emerges: he drinks heavily, becomes aggressive and is prone to the bouts of egotism. He considers Caleb to be the weaker man, both intellectually and physically, and never misses a chance to demonstrate his machismo – be it skipping to the top of a fjord while Caleb struggles, or pointedly lifting weights while engaged in a daily debrief.
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