The movie A.I.
Artificial Intelligence shows a unique look at artificial intelligence as
it focuses on the ability to love and potentially be loved in return. Monica and Henry had qualms with accepting
David, a child “mecha” (robot) designed to love, into their life as a pseudo
son but eventually attempted to invite him into their family (although Monica
was extremely skeptical). When their
sick biological son Martin returned home from the hospital and joined his new
brother David, there was intentional and accidental conflict. The stress led
the parents to get rid of David, but rather than send him somewhere to be
destroyed, Monica leaves him in the forest and hopes he will find a safe place
to hide. This shows her moral dilemma
and unsure ethical commitment to artificial intelligence. She saw David as less than a son, but more
than a robot: he was partially a moral patient, but not completely, as she
still willingly abandoned him.
At the “flesh fair,” a human run event that destroys unlicensed/unregistered
mecha, David is set up to be killed in front of an audience: when they see his
childlike face and hear him pleading for his life, they cannot allow him to be
burned alive. This scene revealed the
importance humans put on appearance and emotion. It is difficult for any sane person to watch
a young, adorable (human looking) boy be killed, especially for their own
personal entertainment and enjoyment.
Furthermore, it is difficult to hear him pleading for his life and
calling out for help without aiding him. The crowd did what most humans would
do; they ambushed the director and David got away.
This film is unique because it is based on a robot’s desire
for love. The entire plot is based
around David yearning for his mother’s love.
Brian Christian, author of The
Most Human Human, emphasizes the special nature of love – something many
strive for daily throughout their entire lives.
He mentions that many humans think love, specifically intimate love
between partners, makes us feel whole, as if we are missing something as an
individual. The fact that David loves
his mother so strongly that he devotes his entire life to creating a mutual
love shows a humanlike element of this particular artificial intelligence. Later, when he discovers other bots designed
just like him, he realizes that he is not special and attempts suicide by
jumping into the ocean. Although this
does not conclude the movie, it shows a young mecha’s potential for brokenness
and devastation, something we only deem humanly possible.
I think the desire to feel whole is an important aspect of being human. This desire is a desire to love and be loved. People without this desire, without the sense of empathy that comes with this desire, are sociopathic and are often considered to be inhuman or less than human. This film does a good job of exploring the importance that the ability to pursue, gain, and lose love has on behavior, specifically human behavior.
ReplyDeleteI like how you said that humans put importance on the appearance. This is very true. Even if a choice is wrong or feels right, if it doesn't look the part then there is a good chance that it will not be carried out. It is interesting to hear about the humans destroying the mechas. Normally in movies it is the other way around. What Matt said is true. As humans we all have this desire to be wanted by people. To have something that we cherish and hold important. This is why you never want to do business with someone who has nothing to lose. There is nothing that they have tethering them to reality.
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