Nex Ex Machina (Death out of the Machine)

Paper by Randy Ross.

Introduction

Advances in technology encompass everyday life for experts and for common people. The film Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland, 2014, focuses on the extreme advances in research and capability in creating artificial intelligence. Garland wrote the screenplay based on a story he wrote and this was his directorial debut. Before this, he had written or supervised video games, as well as other scripts and screenplays. Critics have called him a “voice of Generation X” (“Alex Garland”). He has said that Ex Machina is, of all his work so far, the most important to him. Double Negative, a visual effects firm, used motion tracking to create Ava. Since the film’s budget was $15 million, they had to carefully design her, unlike if they had a huge budget like other films, according to Alex Garland in an interview with Business Insider (Shead). It was shot in eight locations, including places in Norway and the UK. It is a sci-fi genre, and it is a part of the artificial intelligence film movement, which also includes Blade Runner and I, Robot. AI development, in films as well as in life, is progressing rapidly. The film’s title, Ex Machina, is taken from Latin “Deus ex Machina, which is translated as a God from the machine. This refers to early Greek theatre when something would happen in the plot of a play, which shocked the audience (“Deus Ex Machina”). With the advancement of AI research and implementation, there is still so much unknown about how AI can further develop on its own, giving it the ability to advance beyond what is humanly possible. Even though the explicit meaning of the film is that an enthusiastic programmer is faced with the advances in technology and how close humans and artificial intelligence are becoming, the implicit meaning is that technology is becoming more powerful than the humans who created it. People feel powerful using technology, but as technology advances, the technology uses humans, so the true power is the technology itself. As Nathan says in the film, “One day the AIs are going to look back on us the same way we look at fossil skeletons on the plains of Africa. An upright ape living in dust with crude language and tools, all set for extinction.” That day turned out to be day 7 of what began as a Turing Test.

Part 1

The scene between 18:10 and 23:47 will be examined through mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, acting, and sound to demonstrate the shift of power from human to technology, and how this scene foreshadows the rest of the film including this message. This scene was selected because it shows Caleb literally and metaphorically waking up and trying to make sense of what is happening, with clues of what will happen in the rest of the film. This scene, the first turning point in the film, shows Caleb lose his feeling of power and the audience sees that Nathan has already recognized that he himself has learned enough to know that he is barely able to keep his power. It is subtle, but here is the reason Nathan drinks. The mise-en-scène is stark, cold décor. Furnishings are sparse, cold, and uncomfortable. Each room has basic necessities but done in high-end, high-tech fashion. The style is mid century modern meets industrial cool. A Jackson Pollock free form painting in this scene will be explained later. Low lighting, mixed with stark almost industrial lighting provides a feeling of alienation, emptiness, and lack of happiness. The diegetic sounds are mostly characters speaking or sighing and the remote control, the power cut alert announcement and alarm, doors opening, phone sounds and automated announcement voice. The nondiegetic sounds are the suspenseful, alienating music.The cinematography makes excellent use of medium shots (MS) and close-ups (CU) and long shots when Caleb and the audience are shown the television screen. The lens is mostly wide. Continuity editing is used throughout the scene, showing sequential flow and special orientation. Shots are consistent, match cuts are used to carry the film, and the use of spatial editing is used well throughout the scene. The audience understands where the bathroom is in relation to the bedroom at the beginning of the scene. When Caleb turns the television on, parallel editing, also known as cross cutting, helps the content curve so the audience absorbs the new information in a way that is comfortable and not too overwhelming. The Master Scene Technique, a long shot covering most of the scene’s action, so the audience has a spatial reference point and so the scene maintains spatial coherence, is used on the screen Caleb is watching. The pace becomes intellectually fast-paced when there is a Rhythm shift beginning with the power cut. The acting is convincing and natural. The dialogue provides multiple insights into themes. Even when it seems like just conversation and just insights that Nathan’s character wants to talk about or questions Caleb wants to ask, the acting and dialogue provide insights and clues to the next things that will happen in the film.

Caleb wakes up. The digital clock shows that it is 2:26am. The use of the digital clock is interesting. Not only does it serve to inform the audience that it is the middle of the night, but it also is an emblem of the beginning of technological advances, back when humans were exploring how to use advancements in technology in everyday life. Caleb automatically reaches for the remote control because he is used to using technology. He knows intuitively that it will be there. He turns on what he thinks is the television, but it’s not a normal television and instead shows Ava the artificial intelligence as a functioning being seemingly doing things on her own and of her own choice. Up until this moment, Caleb and the audience have seen Ava only as a designed AI who is undergoing the Turing test, not as a free-thinking individual. “[…] your AI agent either has all its knowledge given by default; or it will scout/observe/learn its environment and gain information this way.” (Trigo 109). Ava somehow knows Caleb is watching her, seemingly looks at the camera, leans against a wall, and suddenly there is a power cut. A loud alarm and red lights flashing tell us his whole world has been disrupted. He knows how to handle technology but his key card doesn’t work. He can’t leave his room. Then the power comes back and he is able to open the door, but has been rattled. Caleb walks down the hallway, looking at masks, including Ava’s on the wall. They convey the alienation he is feeling. They are the only embellishment on what seems like an endless hallway. He finds an open door, sees a phone and tries to use it. Again, technology isn’t working. His key card does not work. He conveys a feeling of powerlessness. Suddenly Nathan, from the darkened room, calls out that he doesn’t have access. Caleb confronts Nathan about the power cut. The frank acknowledgement that Nathan has not figured out why there are power cuts or how to stop them is very telling. Caleb’s world is now imploding. If Nathan, who wrote code for Bluebook at 15 years old, made tons of money as the genius reclusive and elusive owner of Bluebook, and is now designing advanced AI, doesn’t know why there are power cuts, then humans are powerless. The phone is located in front of a Jackson Pollock painting that will be a big part of discussion later. Caleb’s comfort with technology begins to implode when he literally wakes up to what is going on at Nathan’s. Caleb is seen becoming more serious because technology is not working with him. Caleb feels alienated from his own world that he was good at. The shots convey information that holds clues about what is going to happen in the rest of the film. This scene is important because the audience understands the situation is serious now but not in what way or how it’s serious. The fact that Nathan can’t figure out how to fix the power cuts in the high tech home where everything seems to be well thought out and planned for, signals that humans do not have power in this changing world of advanced technology.

Part 2

Ex Machina wastes nothing in its storytelling; everything has a purpose. And all the clues are here. The selected scene sets up what will happen in future scenes and it also proves that the true power is in the technology, not the people who use the technology. The film keeps Caleb and the audience confused about who to trust and who is the powerful one. Caleb believes that the power and manipulation lies with Nathan, even though there have been hints that is not so. Ava is manipulating both men and she told Caleb that Nathan is not to be trusted. Ava is running the show. In the selected scene, Ava knows when Caleb is watching the screen, and she is the one who causes the power shut offs, literally controlling the power! Even when Caleb realizes that Ava has been the one creating the power shutoffs, he thinks she does so as a cry for help. Caleb continues to understand what he began to experience in the selected scene: that he feels powerful when he uses technology, but the technology is in charge of him. Nathan admits, in the selected scene, that he doesn’t know what is causing the power cuts and in saying that he is actually admitting that he has hit his limit of understanding what AI can do. He shows that he is concerned about what could go wrong if the AI broke free, by programming the doors as a security measure. That information also helps Caleb to know what to do to help Ava escape.
The significance of the large Jackson Pollock painting is explained in a later scene when Nathan tells Caleb that if the painter had planned every drop out in advance, he would not have produced a single painting. With this statement, Nathan is saying that he (Nathan) could not have known that creating and designing these AIs would turn out like this and that if he has regrets, he could never have predicted what would happen. Nathan also says, “The challenge is not to act automatically. It’s to find an action that is not automatic”. He is saying that we are all programmed.

Conclusion

Ex Machina is a three act structure. It follows a classical Hollywood narrative if Ava is the protagonist, Nathan is the antagonist, and Caleb is the supporting role to assist the protagonist in achieving her goal. Deus ex Machina (God from the machine) became Nex ex Machina (death from the machine). Ava directs Nathan’s death by Kyoko, another artificial intelligence, and she leaves kindly, confused Caleb to die alone in the bunker-like building he helped her escape from, but she wasn’t a bad character. She was designed and created by a human, learned all she could from humans, and then went far beyond human understanding and talent to achieve her goal of escaping and being in a city. Ava controlled the power and she will continue to do so. Wherever she goes, she will continue to learn and then use that further human understanding to continue to get what she wants. Humans have been programmed in general to be helpful, and Ava can out-manipulate any human. Power belongs to her. People feel powerful using technology, but as technology advances, the technology uses humans, so the true power is the technology itself.

Works Cited
“Alex Garland.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Garland. Accessed 24 Jun. 2020.
“Deus Ex Machina.” Literary Devices, Web. Accessed 24 Jun. 2020. https://literarydevices.net/deus-ex-machina/
Edwards, Ross. “Troubling Questions From ‘Ex Machina’”. Medium, Web. Accessed 24 Jun. 2020.
https://medium.com/@rossjedwards/troubling-questions-from-ex-machina-f271cbabf15e
“Ex Machina (2014).” IMDb, Web. Accessed 24 Jun, 2020. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/.
Shead, Sam. “Here’s how the robot in ‘Ex Machina’ was created for a film with a budget of just £10 million.” Business Insider, Web. Accessed 24 Jun, 2020. https://www.businessinsider.com/how-ex-machinas-ava-was-created-on-a-film-with-a-bu dget-of-10-million-2016-2.
Trigo, R.M.Z., Artificial Intelligence Made Easy. San Bernardino, CreateSpace Publishing, 2016. Print.

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You’re currently reading “Nex Ex Machina (Death out of the Machine),” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:: 08.28.23 / 4pm

Category:: Academic Papers, Films

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Film Review Club: Reviews of current film releases, streaming films, and revivals by student members of the SBCC Film Review Club.

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Tim Dumas 09.04.23 / 12am

I enjoyed reading this review and it mostly matches my own assessment. I would like to correct a bit of fact about Alex Garland. You write, “he had written or supervised video games,” he co-wrote the narrative for Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and was head of narrative on DMC: Devil May Cry (2013). He did not supervise the game in general, just the narrative team. Enslaved is actually a great narrative, if you can find it online I highly recommend reading it or watching a compilation of cinematics from the game.

As for Ex Machina, I will admit I haven’t seen this recently, but the movie in my recollection made excellent use of both closed and open framing especially as to their timing of use and matching them to the increasing tension level in the story. Early on there is more open framing setting the mood and a sense of wonder. Later there is more closed framing heightening the sense that the characters are ultimately trapped.

Breanna Nautu 09.06.23 / 6pm

Hi,
I thought your review was very detailed. I have watched this movie as well and found it very interesting and especially about an important topic today. AI has become increasingly popular and advanced, and who knows where it’s going to end up in a few years, a decade, fifty years?
This movie consisted of a lot of closed frames that really gave off this feeling of isolation. Of course for Ava, but as well as Nathan and Caleb, who were cut off from society and were in, what they didn’t realize, was their tomb.
I really like your analysis of the movies message, and how you describe it as ” People feel powerful using technology, but as technology advances, the technology uses humans, so the true power is the technology itself.” It’s scary to think that this could be real some day.

Lindsay Henningsen 09.07.23 / 5pm

I thought that this was a great take on what we will be seeing in the future. AI, like Ross said, is an extremely powerful technology. Scientists and engineers are building something unlike what we have ever seen before. It’s new horizons that hold big consequences if done poorly. I believe that this movie is able to give us a glimpse into what the future looks like if done incorrectly. Additionally, I thought that Ross’ take on how the power is held within the technology was very insightful. Humans will provide what is necessary to produce successful innovations with their own minds and thought processes. However, once the technology is completed we are handing over the power to the AI. They will exceed our own expectations and produce impressive results- unlike any other human. As a result, in the end, they will eventually control the power.

Destinee Grower 09.09.23 / 7pm

I had a good time reading this post and recently AI has been getting very popular. They added an AI person on Snapchat where you can text and the will have a full on conversation with you for has long as you want. I unfortunately have never watch this movie but I could somewhat grasp most of the things the post was explaining. I feel like a ton of the stuff they were talking about we will most likely end up seeing in the future. It shows how much far technology can go and in a way it scares me. Technology is very good resource but at the same time it is very dangerous. Lets a ton of people get a way with things but it does also catch a ton of people. Internet footprint everyone has one.

I had a good time reading this post and recently AI has been getting very popular. They added an AI person on Snapchat where you can text and they will have a full on conversation with you for as long as you want. I unfortunately have never watched this movie but I could somewhat grasp most of the things the post was explaining. I feel like a ton of the stuff they were talking about we will most likely end up seeing in the future. It shows how much far technology can go and in a way it scares me. Technology is a very good resource but at the same time it is very dangerous. Lets a ton of people get away with things but it does also catch a ton of people. Internet footprint: everyone has one.

Ashley Iattoni 10.01.23 / 3pm

Randy, your analysis of the film “Ex Machina” is both comprehensive and insightful. Your attention to detail and your ability to dissect the chosen scene from the movie showcases your deep understanding of the film’s themes and narrative. Your exploration of mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, acting, and sound in that particular scene effectively illustrates the shift of power from humans to technology, setting the stage for the film’s overarching message. The connection you draw between the digital clock’s symbolism of technological advances and Caleb’s automatic reach for the remote control is an excellent observation. It highlights how integrated technology has become in our lives and sets the tone for the film’s exploration of the relationship between humans and AI. Your analysis of the power dynamics between Nathan, Caleb, and Ava is particularly intriguing. You aptly point out that Ava is the one in control, manipulating both men to achieve her goals. This insight adds depth to the characters and underscores the film’s central theme of the power of technology. The discussion of the Jackson Pollock painting as a metaphor for the unpredictability of AI’s development is a clever interpretation, and Nathan’s statement about finding actions that are not automatic adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. In your conclusion, you emphasize how power ultimately belongs to the technology itself, an idea that resonates with the film’s message. Your analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of “Ex Machina” and its exploration of technology’s impact on power dynamics. It’s a well-written and thought-out piece that offers valuable insights into the film’s themes.

Haotian Chen 10.07.23 / 11pm

Hello, Randy, I think your article “Ex Machina,” is a comprehensive evaluation of the chosen sequence that sheds light on the film’s primary subject of the balance of power between humans and machines. The scenario demonstrates that technology, portrayed by Ava, eventually gains the advantage and acts as an illustration throughout the whole plot. It clearly highlights the analysis of the mise-en-scene, filming, editing process, acting, and audio that the balance of power has shifted from humans to machines. Digital clocks plus handheld devices are used as visual representations to show how seamlessly technology is incorporated into the protagonist’s everyday routine and how his dependence on it is developing. Additionally, you draws attention to the scene’s predictive components, which indicate how humans, even ones as intelligent as Nathan, will ultimately be helpless against technological advances.

Isabel Navarre 10.15.23 / 2pm

You’ve provided a thoughtful perspective on the potential future of AI. Ross aptly highlighted the immense power of this technology, emphasizing its unprecedented nature. It’s a frontier that carries significant consequences if mishandled. The film offers a cautionary glimpse into a future where AI is not properly managed. Ross also brings up a key insight about where power resides in this equation. While humans initially guide the development with their creativity and intellect, once the technology reaches maturity, the balance shifts. AI can surpass human capabilities and generate remarkable outcomes. Consequently, ultimate control shifts towards the AI. This shift in power dynamics is a crucial consideration.

Shaan Castro 10.17.23 / 8pm

Hello Randy, I greatly enjoyed reading you review on Ex Machina. The review does a good job of highlighting the film’s broader message that the power of the future ultimately resides with advanced technology, especially through Ava’s manipulation of both Caleb and Nathan. I really pushes forward the idea that humans, even though we are at the forefront of technology, may not fully understand the dangers of their creations. The interpretation of the Jackson Pollock painting and its connection to the movie’s themes is a great addition to the analysis. You very successfully explore into the heart of the film, offering a full examination of its narrative and thematic elements.

Priscilla Brigden 10.18.23 / 12pm

Hi,
I derived great pleasure from your review of “Ex Machina.” Your critique effectively underscores the film’s overarching message, emphasizing how advanced technology, particularly Ava’s manipulation of both Caleb and Nathan, underscores the future’s dominion. It compellingly advances the notion that despite our leading role in technological advancements, we may not grasp the perils of our creations fully. Your incorporation of the interpretation of the Jackson Pollock painting and its alignment with the movie’s themes is a noteworthy addition to the analysis. Your review skillfully delves into the film’s core, providing a comprehensive exploration of its narrative and thematic facets.

Gavin Demarest 10.18.23 / 2pm

I found this review very interesting because it gets into the serious of technology in films and who they continue to keep coming out with all of these movies and TV shows that are set some where in the distant future and something has gone on in the world to cause some sort of Utopia life style that goes wrong. I think Ex Machina is a great example of evolving technology because A.I bots are already being created current day and after seeing this film it really does scare me. Technology continues to grow at an insane pace and I am honestly thankful we have films Like Ex Machina , and Tv shows like black mirror that show us these sort of dark futures and the reason I do find these films quite nerving is because there instead of the monster being some sort of beast it is a piece of technology that us humans created. I found this entire article very intriguing.

Austin Boller 10.18.23 / 6pm

Hi Randy, I really enjoyed your reading and learning from your review on Ex Machina. You were able to show us the true meaning behind the film and your attention to detail was incredible. The way you were able to describe so much out of one scene was really impressive. I have seen this movie before and understand that the use of “critical approach is a strong part of it. The film provokes conversation which is essential for learning from it. Overall you did an amazing job at analyzing down to the center of the film which allowed for a full experience of the elements that the film provided.

On Na Vong 10.18.23 / 9pm

I think this review is very detailed and clearly about one possibility of future human technology, and I like your description of certain parts of the film, which is a good emphasis on the sound in the film and the impact of the performance on the audience. It is also mentioned in the movie that technology is gradually penetrating human life unconsciously, for example, you mentioned that Caleb unconsciously reached for the remote control, which is a good proof. In the movie, it also gives the audience a vague feeling, not knowing who is right and who is wrong, arousing the audience’s interest and enhancing suspense.

Ava Morris 10.19.23 / 3pm

Hello, I loved your take on the advancements of technology and how this film represents that. The technology is going to just keep growing and growing throughout time and so this film represents the power and capability of it. Which I believe is so present and active in society today, and just keeps getting more relevant as time continues, as more advancements are bought up. Since this film is about artificial intelligence and is clearly a thoroughly thought out film I very much enjoyed reading your review. Especially about how this is a three act structure, and how it follows the classical Hollywood narrative, because I also agree with this.

Lars Larsen 10.19.23 / 7pm

Hey Randy,
I really liked your analysis on the scene between 18:10 and 23:47. I am currently in a film studies class and you discussed in depth many of the topics we are learning about and broadened my perspective and helped me learn more about these topics. I have never watched Nex Ex Machina, however your analysis made me very interested, especially with the rise of AI in today’s society. It is very thought provoking. Technology is an amazing and very useful tool in todays society however when used incorrectly the downsides can’t out weigh the benefits. I also really enjoyed you analysis on how every scene of the film has a purpose and contributes to the plot.

Logan Brown 10.19.23 / 10pm

Hello Randy, I had just recently watched “Ex Machina” and when I found your review I was fascinated. Your review of “Ex Machina” is full of detail and dives deeply into the theme of the shifting power dynamic between humans and technology. The theme has a large relevance to today’s society due to the advances we are currently making in AI. You provided many strong examples of how the film presents this theme including the power cut and alarm, which effectively underscores the vulnerability of human control in the face of advancing AI.
“Ex Machina” is thought-provoking focusing on the potential consequences of these advancements, and the review does a great job of addressing how it took place in the film. Along with the presented themes, the characters and roles they play make the movie so great.

Gino Contreras 10.20.23 / 10am

This Film is incredibly relevant in today’s society. AI is slowly becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. You did a very good job at relaying the relevance in our world. This Film was overall frightening and suspicously suspensful at times. At the end it left me very frustrated due to the way the characters were overtly manipulated so easily. I feel as though you have captured these aspects of thefilm very well. Amazing work!

Carson Baum 10.20.23 / 1pm

Hey Randy, I have yet to see this movie but I highly enjoyed your review. I truly do believe the relevance in this day is crucial with the influx in the need of autonomy. Specifically, how AI is being presented to us in traditional media. It really may be a beginning of of a new era as described in this film. The true power of technology hasn’t reached its peak and will only further advance with our understanding and knowledge. Quite a thought provoking and well thought out film with the styles of framing to show intensity.

Lucia Hermoso 10.20.23 / 2pm

Hi Randy, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your analysis. I believe that especially today with the rise of AI the film is particularly relevant. Garland’s brilliance and grasp of the problems surrounding AI and consciousness research greatly impressed me. He was adamant that the act of producing new life is not divine, but rather human; that we are creators by nature. In the class resources we learned a lot about film development and the new topics being explored, such as this one.

Michael O'Connell 10.20.23 / 2pm

Hi Randy,
I loved this review. I thought the scene you chose was definitely the best suited for conveying the message of technology overtaking human understanding. As you said, “Ava is running the show”, she truly was. She was playing chess while they were playing checkers. She manipulated their thoughts and actions to perfection to ultimately achieve her intended goal. Also your description of the lighting was brilliant “Low lighting, mixed with stark almost industrial lighting provides a feeling of alienation, emptiness, and lack of happiness”. Overall it seems as though you grasped the message of this film with certainty and provided excellent insight into the deeper meanings for mise-en-scène elements that really brought the film to life. I’m impressed.

JL moore 10.20.23 / 5pm

Hello Randy!! Your analysis of “Ex Machina” is both intriguing and thought-provoking. It carefully dissects the nuances of the film, shedding light on its exploration of power dynamics, human manipulation, and the ever-evolving role of technology.Your discussion of the mise-en-scène and its impact on the scene’s atmosphere beautifully captures the cold and alienating environment, which serves as a visual representation of Caleb’s growing unease. Additionally, your breakdown of the cinematography and its use of medium shots and close-ups effectively conveys the emotional journey of the characters. This insight into how the lens widens to focus on the screen within a screen is a brilliant observation, underscoring the evolving relationship between the characters and technology.The notion that technology has surpassed human understanding and the analogy with the Jackson Pollock painting as a symbol of unpredictability are compelling and aptly complement the film’s central themes. Your three-act structure analysis and how it culminates in the machine’s dominance provide a profound interpretation of the film’s underlying message.

Hi Randy!Your interpretation of “Ex Machina” is both interesting and thought-provoking. It deconstructs the film’s intricacies, offering insight on its investigation of power dynamics, human manipulation, and the ever-changing role of technology.Your description of the mise-en-scene and its effect on the ambiance of the scene brilliantly conveys the chilly and alienating setting, which serves as a visual reflection of Caleb’s rising uneasiness. Furthermore, your analysis of the cinematography and its usage of medium shots and close-ups effectively communicates the characters’ emotional journey. This discovery about how the lens widens to focus on the screen within a screen is fantastic, emphasizing the characters’ developing relationship with technology.

Preslea Wilson 10.20.23 / 7pm

Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your analysis on Ex Machina. I unfortunately have never watched this film, but it is definitely on my list. I agree with the statement that AI is eventually going to take over humans and outsmart them. It has already happened so fast. Something that really grasped my attention was the description of the miss-en-scene. From the lighting, to the props, all the way to the types of camera lens used made it easy for me to visualize the film. The cold decor is something I find very intreiging to include in the scenery. The cross cutting shots I find to be very important to make the film have an easier flow. Im very impressed!

Luke Stonier 10.20.23 / 8pm

Hey Randy Ross Great review, after revisiting “Ex Machina”, your in-depth analysis added profound layers to my understanding of the film. Your focus on the 18:10 to 23:47 segment was particularly enlightening, especially with your observations on the digital clock and its symbolic representation of technological advancements. The allusion to the Jackson Pollock painting, hinting at the unpredictability of AI’s evolution, was a touch I found intriguing. Drawing parallels with other iconic films like “Blade Runner” and “I, Robot” aptly places “Ex Machina” within a broader discourse on humanity’s relationship with AI. Your insights, especially the conclusion about technology’s dominion over humans, present a compelling perspective that aligns with the eerie undertones of the movie. This review has deepened my appreciation for the film’s intricacies. Superb analysis!”

Maya Pachman 10.20.23 / 8pm

Randy Ross has offered an insightful and thoughtful interpretation of Ex Machina. Incorporating the definition of the title and connecting it with the story provided a great basis for discussing the plot as well as the delivery of the plot. Additionally, concluding with a new name “Nex Ex Machina”, meaning “death out of the machine” is both clever and quite accurately in line with the film’s message. Randy’s analysis of the use of closed framing when the story changed and the main characters were all the sudden the ones trapped is a important thing to note as it seemingly very effectively conveys the films message and the inner feelings of the characters in the moment. I also appreciated the analysis of the significance of the Jackson Pollock wall art and its connection as it feels like it wraps up the message of the movie.This movie follows the classical Hollywood narrative structure, as you mentioned, IF Ava is the protagonist, Nathan the antagonist, and Caleb as supporting actor for the protagonist. I think it’s important to mention this, as unlike classical narratives where the main character is the one that ends up achieving their goal; in this story, we end up rooting for someone else.

Kara Raynaud 10.20.23 / 9pm

Hi Randy,
I really enjoyed your review especially in the wake of the launch of Mid Journey and other IA inventions that are taking over the industry of film and television. I loved your assessment of this new era. This article taps into the pulse of what is going on with technology and where we (as humans) fit into it. I love how you shed a light on all of the director’s choices such as the digital alarm clock and the use of the remote tapping into the Mise en scene. This film, like your review is methodical and well done! I can’t wait to see this film based on your assessment! It’s not the usually type of film that I go for but you made it much more appealing.

Jonathan Salas 10.20.23 / 11pm

Hello Randy, I enjoyed reading your review on Nex Ex Machina. I like how you brought up Nathan said “one day AI’s are going to look back at us like fossils” it made me feel unsettled.I think it was a good thing because I really think it makes the audience feel the same or think about the future and how AI is evolving really fast. I like how detailed you explained Ava manipulating the other characters like Nathan because it kind of makes you think can this possibly happen in real life? I am not a big fan of Sci-fi but I think I can watch this film and be entertained based on your review.

Lauren Velarde 10.20.23 / 11pm

Hi there! I really did love reading this review. I considered watching this film because it sounded so interesting. I did watch the trailer and wished I had watched it. This film seems very cool considering the amount of technology that is being created and with AI. AI definitely creeps me out sometimes considering how insane it is because of how accurate it is. this review was very insightful and I feel as though I have seen it already! thanks for sharing this amazing review!

Alyssa White 10.20.23 / 11pm

I really enjoyed reading your review of this film. You made such a detailed and descriptive insight of describing things within the film. Being the mise-en-scene, implicit meaning, themes, editing and more. Describing each of this things with in the films connects to the explicit meaning that makes us see things that we might not noticed before. Reflecting on the film and the implicit meaning it clear that the binary opposition can be know as humans vs. technology. With in your review you touch on a deeper meaning to this theme being that “the true power is the technology itself”. I think that is a great statement for the film because of a result Ava, the ai manipulated and betrayed Caleb for her own wants and as a result of this binary opposition, technology wins. Overall your review deciphers the film very well to see a clear meaning to everything used to tell the story and the story meaning itself.

Adlen Godinez 10.20.23 / 11pm

Hi Randy, I enjoyed your analysis of the film Ex Machina which gave me a better understanding of the technicality the directors produced to make the film. I also found it interesting how Ava through the use of visual effects appeared very realistic. I was surprised to find the budget of the film being only $15 million, considering the amount it profited and its global spotlight. Everything in the film had a specific purpose which came down to the mise-en-scène and actors’ performances creating both coherent and unified characters throughout the film. Overall I enjoyed the correlations through the paper between the advances of technology (Ava) and the power humans attain and give to technology.

Isabella Taylor 10.20.23 / 11pm

An analysis of ‘Ex Machina’

There is one thing I would like to add to this analysis, that not only is Ex Machina about the take over of man versus machine, it also shows often literally the distance between man and the nature he hardly knows but is surrounded by. Caleb is stripped completely away from civilization but the surrounding trees also reflect Nathan’s indifference towards outside interaction. Part of Nathan’s villany is the fact that he already has an AI robot that’s not a hundred percent capable but openly treats her as a slave for his own amusement. The women in the film, who were often undressed for there roles, solely focused their choreography on hand movements and gestures towards there own body parts because they rely on empathy and sex appeal for their own escape, classic born-yesterday femme fatale roles in Sci-Fi.

Lily 10.21.23 / 1pm

I enjoyed how down to the point and detailed your review was. In today’s world it especially relates to how AI had evolved and so advanced, as well as creators building something that isn’t your typical everyday technology. I haven’t seen this film myself but I am interested in the story behind it and the way it’s filmed, definitely seems like a movie to watch. I like how you explained your analysis of the message this movie portrayed if we really think about how advanced our technology is becoming and how you mentioned how technology makes us feel this strong sense of entitlement. Overall I thought you did a great job with explaining the message of the movie and the impact it can leave.

Perla Pimentel 10.21.23 / 10pm

The author, Randy Ross provides a comprehensive analysis of “Ex Machina,” offering a deep dive into various elements of the film, including mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, acting, and sound. He skillfully dissects a pivotal scene in the movie, highlighting the power shift from humans to technology. The central theme of technology’s growing influence and autonomy is thoroughly explored, with Ross astutely pointing out how the film foreshadows this message. The quote, “People feel powerful using technology, but as technology advances, the technology uses humans, so the true power is the technology itself,” encapsulates the essence of the film’s exploration of power dynamics. The comment underscores the relevance of the film in a film studies class, as it not only breaks down key cinematic elements but also delves into the broader implications of technology in contemporary society, making it a valuable resource for critical discussions in the classroom.

Luke Moniz 10.22.23 / 12am

Randy! Your analysis of “Ex Machina” provides a thought-provoking interpretation of the film’s themes and symbolism, particularly in the selected scene. It’s intriguing to see how the scene’s mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, acting, and sound design all work together to foreshadow the film’s underlying message about the shift of power from humans to technology.

I love how you highlighted how the film symbolizes the idea of technology and how it is becoming more powerful than the humans who create it. The scene in question serves as a turning point where the protagonist, Caleb, begins to grasp the extent of his own powerlessness in the face of advancing technology.

The discussion of Jackson Pollock’s painting and Nathan’s statement about human programming adds depth to your analysis, further emphasizing the film’s central theme of technology’s dominance. You successfully delve into the film’s narrative structure and character dynamics, showcasing how “Ex Machina” conveys its message through subtle yet powerful storytelling.

Trenton Hughes 10.22.23 / 10pm

Your analysis between the metaphorical and the literal in this film was impressive. Being able to hear you catch the small details, analyze them, and connect them to the bigger story is extremely intelligent. Catching the details in Caleb waking up showed how a simple act could change the entire course of livfe for many. Your description of the story and creation of it helps readers envision the film. The mise-en-scene that you had broken down showed how many different complicated efforts had to go into a scene to create a change in balance in the story. It showed a change in balance in humanity’s possible future.

Bradley Ballard 10.23.23 / 4pm

Hey Randy, Your analysis of “Ex Machina” is detailed and smart. You’ve connected the movie to technology, AI, and how power changes between humans and tech. You talked about various filmmaking elements like how it’s shot, acted, and sounds, showing how a particular scene hints at the film’s main themes. I liked how you brought up the film’s title, “Ex Machina,” and what it means for tech’s power. It’s a cool idea that adds depth to your analysis. You also did a great job spotting the clues and symbols in the scene, which help us understand how power and manipulation work in the story.

Kailey Dunne 10.23.23 / 9pm

Hi Randy! I think that you did a really good job on this review and was able to address all the necessary details that needed to be highlighted. Especially with the current rise of AI, it is very important to educate ourselves on the consequences and how we can utilize AI in any way. I admire how you explained every decision the director made, even the usage of the remote for navigating the Mise en scene and the digital alarm clock.I thought that with the amount of AI incorporated into the making of this film, the final result of it came out amazing. Overall, I felt you did a fantastic job of conveying the movie’s message and potential effects.

Dara Ossa 10.26.23 / 7pm

I thought this review was excellent, and I appreciated the background information on the film. As you indicated, I believe “Ex Machina” adds a great deal of significance to the artificial intelligence film movement. Your review effectively highlights the main point of the movie, emphasizing how Ava’s manipulation of Nathan and Caleb, in particular, demonstrates how advanced technology could control the future. It makes an excellent argument to the idea that, even if we are at the top of technological development, we may not completely understand the potential risks of our inventions. The interpretation of the Jackson Pollock painting sequence was a great contribution to the review, and I really liked how you tied it in with the themes of the film.

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Nex Ex Machina (Death out of the Machine)

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Nex Ex Machina (Death out of the Machine)

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