Movies that make you think and my synopsis
(Related to course themes of course)
Blade Runner- Futuristic thriller in which engineered humans are used on off world planets as a form of labor. These individuals are called "replicants" and are deemed to be illegal among the earth's general population. Genetic engineering is abound and is prevalent throughout society. The movie makes one question what factors make a human being a human and how a civilized society may take genetic knowledge too far. Harrison Ford baby...enough said.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/
12 Monkeys- Futuristic scenario in which a plague has wiped out 99 percent of the world's population. The remaining members have moved below the surface of the earth and send people back in time to determine the cause of this plague. Do human's take their knowledge of genetics and biological mechanisms too far if one person is able to destroy earth as we know it. Can we justify the quest for human improvement at the price of apocalypse? Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt keep this movie interesting as you try to figure out how everything fits together.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/
Equilibrium- Reminiscent of Brave New World, thought and emotion are suppressed via drug supplements in this futuristic society. In an attempt to eliminate all the evils from the world genetic engineering as well as other forms of control are enforced to create a constant state of "equilibrium." Does this future hold any validity and can we have the good without the bad? Christian Bale rebels against the system and makes us question what the ideal society truly incorporates.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0238380/
Gattaca- This movie was shown in class but it doesn't change the fact that it is worthwhile to watch multiple times. Displays what kind of things genetic engineering could conceivably be applied to and how this technology would effect the operations of current society. Does our genetic makeup completely determine our capabilities? Can we ultimately judge a book by its cover? Numerous issues are addressed in this movie if you pay close enough attention.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119177/