Where is the future that was promised us?
You know, the problem with the future is that it does keep becoming the present -- and that present does continue to be sort of underwhelming.
Here's a list of 10 movies whose vision of the future already seem dated.
It's sort of a mixed bag, really. I mean -- New York hasn't (officially) been turned into a giant, unregulated prison. But also, our everyday furniture isn't anywhere near as cool as the stuff in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Comments (7)
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Interesting, but I think the author got 1984 completely wrong when he wrote: "An intrusive government manipulating the morale of the citizens with a constant state of overseas warfare against an increasingly vague opponent? Not sure I’m buying that. Also, Newspeak?? Hilarious!"
Helllooo?
Posted on April 15, 2008 11:51 AM
I think it was meant ironically.
And it's just occurred to me that your comment may also be meant ironically.
Damn it! I'm in an irony vortex! I can't tell which way is up!
Posted on April 15, 2008 11:57 AM
Wow, Escape from New York... I wonder how off "Escape from LA" is, what with the mutant plastic surgeons and all.
Posted on April 15, 2008 12:25 PM
Ohhh, irony. Mmmkay.
Posted on April 15, 2008 12:57 PM
I have a soft spot for John Carpenter movies. Even the bad ones.
"Escape From New York" I loved so much that I totally went with "Escape from L.A." -- which has to be one of the worst future dystopia movies of all time. Still, there are some bits (Bruce Campbell as the maniacal plastic surgeon with the creepy rubber face) that you have to love.
There's something about a good dystopia movie that I can't resist. "Demolition Man" -- also on the list -- is one of my favorites.
Posted on April 15, 2008 1:05 PM
One sci-fi film that has made good on many of it's promises is Robocop.
No we don't have a cyborg police bot (Coming soon, GPD?). But we do have major corporations controlling formerly private entities, police officers who wear military riot gear, DVD's, PDA's, GPS systems, violent games for children, and TV programs which are so ridiculously stupid, that I'd Buy That For a Dollar! would win an Emmy.
Posted on April 16, 2008 7:28 AM
Robocop is still one of my favorite sci-fi movies.
I like all of them, really. Even the third one. Even the short-lived TV series.
The concept is dark, but it has that twisted humor you find in English sci-fi comics like 2000 A.D. and its most popular property, Judge Dredd.
The actual Judge Dredd movie with Stallone? Not so much.
Posted on April 16, 2008 11:53 AM