Virtuosity (1995)

When a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of multiple serial killers manages to escape into the real world, an ex-cop is tasked with stopping its reign of terror.

Director:

Brett Leonard

Writer:

Eric Bernt

Stars:

Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Kelly Lynch

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Denzel Washington	...	Lt. Parker Barnes
Kelly Lynch	...	Madison Carter
Russell Crowe	...	SID 6.7
Stephen Spinella	...	Lindenmeyer
William Forsythe	...	William Cochran
Louise Fletcher	...	Elizabeth Deane
William Fichtner	...	Wallace
Costas Mandylor	...	John Donovan
Kevin J. O'Connor	...	Clyde Reilly
Kaley Cuoco	...	Karin Carter
Christopher Murray	...	Matthew Grimes
Heidi Schanz	...	Sheila 3.2
Traci Lords	...	Media Zone Singer
Gordon Jennison Noice	...	Big Red (as J. Gordon Noice)
Mari Morrow	...	Linda Barnes

Storyline

The Law Enforcement Technology Advancement Centre (LETAC) has developed SID version 6.7: a Sadistic, Intelligent, and Dangerous virtual reality entity which is synthesized from the personalities of more than 150 serial killers. LETAC would like to train police officers by putting them in VR with SID, but they must prove the concept by using prisoners as test subjects. One such prisoner is ex-cop Parker Barnes. When SID manages to inject his personality into a nano-machine android, it appears that Barnes might be the only one who can stop him.

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Plot Keywords:

serial killer | virtual reality | android | los angeles police department | artificial intelligence | 

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Taglines:

Justice needs a new program

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong futuristic violence, some brutal beatings and some language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 August 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Asesino virtual

Filming Locations:

Harbor Freeway Station, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$24,048,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The music video of "The Photograph Kills" by Russell Crowe & 30 Odd Foot of Grunts was filmed on the set of the film between scenes, which Russell Crowe appears in the music video in costume and in character as Sid 6.7 and the music videos features inserts from the film itself. The song is featured in the scene which Sid 6.5 arrives at Madison's house to kidnap Karin.

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Goofs

On the roof top, when Parker tells Sid that they're back in the box, the make-up on Sid's chin is peeling.

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Quotes

[first lines]
John Donovan: Oh, man. I can't get over how different we look.
Lt. Parker Barnes: Maybe it's the uniforms?
[they suddenly run off in pursuit]

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the credits when the producers thanks technology companies for providing tools, one tools is listed as HSC Kal's Power Tools. This is a typo, since the product is Kai's Power Tools. They typo is even archived in TCM's movie information database (http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/7915492%7C0/Hsc-Kal-S-Power-Tools-Bryce/)

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Alternate Versions

Despite the "Not under 18" rating, the German video version is heavily edited to reduce violence. The uncut version is available only on DVD (it was approved by the juristic commission of the Head Organization of the German film industry (SPIO)).

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Connections

Referenced in Bad Movie Beatdown: Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (2014)

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Soundtracks

I Can't Get No Sleep
By India & Louie Vega
Performed by India & Masters at Work
Courtesy of Cutting Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Worth a second look

In the near future, Parker Barnes (Denzel Washington) is an ex-cop who has been sent to prison for murder. The circumstances surrounding his crime are disheartening and elicit empathy. Now, he is offered a chance at freedom from prison. Parker must hunt down and destroy a murderous cyborg, SID 6.7 (Russell Crowe), who is menacing the general public after jumping out of a virtual reality program. The chase takes on many twists and turns as SID terrorizes, shoots and kidnaps victims in his path. Can SID be stopped?

It may not be a science fiction masterpiece, but this film is worthwhile and intriguing. A second viewing may be required to truly understand and appreciate its complex plot. Then, too, the marvelous special effects enhance the look and feel of the film. It is not Denzel Washington's finest hour (he is adequate); however, Russell Crowe is positively gleeful in his portrayal of the ultimately designed killing machine. There are some humorous moments, somewhat lessening the overall dark and somber tone. On the down side, the ending may be a little too pat and leave a few loose ends untied. Recommended for science fiction and action movie fans who are on the lookout for lesser known films that may satisfy them for an evening.