Dick, particularly in the roles that they have played in the development of this notion, the film is truly at its best. However, when it comes to examining such notions as deja vu, synchronicities and the Mandela effect, as well as the influential writings of such profound thinkers as Plato and author Philip K. ![]() The content of director Rodney Ascher's big "what if" offering could use better focus in spots (especially in the anecdotal and speculative testimony of its avatar-costumed "witnesses"), and the film could definitely stand to place less emphasis on the dark side of its subject matter (particularly in a questionable and overlong recounting of the role it played in a troubling criminal case). Is our reality a genuine phenomenon unto itself, or is it the product of some elaborate computer-generated program? While this is a question that's fundamentally impossible to answer at this point in time, it nevertheless raises an intriguing possibility under the heading of "simulation Is our reality a genuine phenomenon unto itself, or is it the product of some elaborate computer-generated program? While this is a question that's fundamentally impossible to answer at this point in time, it nevertheless raises an intriguing possibility under the heading of "simulation theory," a subject explored in varying degrees of success in this visually captivating and often-mesmerizing documentary. If simulation theory is not science fiction but fact, and life is a video game being played by some unknowable entity, then who are we, really? A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX attempts to find out. Leaving no stone unturned in exploring the unprovable, the film uses contemporary cultural touchstones like THE MATRIX, interviews with real people shrouded in digital avatars, and a wide array of voices, expert and amateur alike. Dick to dive down the rabbit hole of science, philosophy, and conspiracy theory. Leaving no stone unturned in exploring the What if we are living in a simulation, and the world as we know it is not real? To tackle this mind-bending idea, acclaimed filmmaker Rodney Ascher (ROOM 237, THE NIGHTMARE) uses a noted speech from Philip K. : What were some of the more surprising or shocking elements of your research for this documentary?Īscher: Well, certainly many of the details of the Josh Cooke story were shocking on their face, but my biggest surprise was how quickly interviewees went to religious and ethical places as they discussed the implications of simulation theory.Summary: What if we are living in a simulation, and the world as we know it is not real? To tackle this mind-bending idea, acclaimed filmmaker Rodney Ascher (ROOM 237, THE NIGHTMARE) uses a noted speech from Philip K. Is there a comparable level above us that has the same relationship to us that we do to the video games we create and the characters we can interact with inside of? The late '90s gave us "The Matrix," "Dark City," "The Thirteenth Floor" and "eXistenZ" (among others) and you have to say that when things get difficult, the idea that it's not 'real' can be a handy pressure release if used in moderation.Ī few people in the movie talk at length about video games and they do provoke a pretty profound question. ![]() : How does popular entertainment like sci-fi films, anime, comics, and immersive video games help acclimate humanity into the notion of digital existence?Īscher: Well, they visualize it, right? That makes it seem much more plausible. ![]() For the first, I believe I understand the premise after being immersed in the project for two years, but the idea still hasn't crossed the threshold of "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" as best I can tell.Īs a metaphor though, I see it as a very powerful way to describe the world and our place in it. Rodney Ascher: Well there are two ways of looking at simulation theory, either as a scientific possibility that changes everything we think we know about the world around us or, secondly, as a metaphor. : How did making this film either confirm your belief in simulation theory or make you question it? The official movie poster for "A Glitch in the Matrix." (Image credit: Magnolia Pictures)
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