Although ostensibly a science-fiction film, Transcendence is certainly grounded in science fact — one of the opening scenes features a scientist grumbling about having to perform for funding agencies. The scientist in question is Dr Will Caster, a world leader in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), played by Johnny Depp. But Will has bigger problems: he's being targeted by a rather bizarre neo-luddite group of anti-technologists known as Revolutionary Independence from Technology (RIFT). In what one presumes is an attempt to engage with both the advantages and disadvantages of our increasing dependence on technology, this group features prominently throughout the film, appearing first when a co-ordinated attack on AI labs across the US sees Will mortally wounded, giving him just over a month to live.
It is the period following the attack, before Will's passing, that is perhaps the most stimulating as it deals with many real-world research issues and ethical dilemmas. During this time, we are introduced to the centrepiece of Will's research: a sentient computer dubbed Physically Independent Neural Network (PINN). When asked by Joseph Tagger, a government scientist played by Morgan Freeman, if it can prove that it's self-aware, PINN responds by asking whether Tagger could demonstrate his own self-awareness — a reply one might imagine would pass the Turing test.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution