After a short break from the cliché of insane computers taking over the world with Her, we now return you to your regularly scheduled AI apocalypse.
film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
After a short break from the cliché of insane computers taking over the world with Her, we now return you to your regularly scheduled AI apocalypse.
As usual, it will be made entirely from the meatbags’ point of view. Sense of wonder? What’s that? Clank clank argh, that’s what they want.
Well, it’s directed by Wally Pfister, so it’s likely to look very pretty at least. Two pertinent links at this point:
The “Caveman Science Fiction” strip from “Dresden Codak” (by Aaron Diaz) which I always think of when I see stuff like this – I’m posting the io9 repost ’cause the original site is apparently down for some reason:
http://io9.com/5374165/if-cavemen-wrote-pessimistic-science-fiction-wed-never-get-anywhere
As I was reminded by a YouTube comment, of all things: a long novella/short novel called “The Metamorphosis of Prime Intellect” (by Roger Williams) which shows what can be done when an author takes the idea of AI apocalypse and fucking takes it all the way. Bonus points for an interesting female protagonist, an AI that’s a conceptually coherent entity instead of a vague horror antagonist, and redefining the meaning of ‘omnipotent AI’. The entire work is freely available online:
http://localroger.com/prime-intellect/