Strange Days (1995) takes place in a vision of LA torn by crime and violence on the last two days of 1999. It follows the spiralling investigations of an ex-cop who now deals in recorded memories and emotions, presenting the central paradox of VR: you cannot share someone else’s reality without abandoning your own.
This cyberpunk sci-fi story from writer James Cameron and director Kathryn Bigelow offers a dark and compelling confrontation of the implications of technology by depicting so many of VRs dangers within the context of a movie — itself a form of VR. Following the film screening, a panel discussion will explore the film’s themes.
6pm – doors
6.30pm – film commence
8.55pm – film conclude
8.55-9.15pm – interval
9.15-10pm – panel discussion
Strange Days R18+ (medium level violence)
Panel Speakers
- Dr. Alison De Kruiff – Discipline Coordinator, UX Interaction Design
- Dr Djoymi Baker – Lecturer in Media & Cinema Studies RMIT University
- Associate Professor Dan Golding Deputy Chair, Department of Media and Communication Swinburne University
- Dr Jessica Balanzategui – Senior Lecturer, Cinema and Screen Studies Swinburne University
*This screening is part of The Future on Film series, hosted at The Capitol throughout narrm ngarrgu | MKW.
Other screenings include:
Future on film: World on a Wire
Future on film: The Matrix