The Machine (2013)

In efforts to construct perfect android killing machines in a war against China, UK scientists exceed their goal and create a sentient robot.

Director:

Caradog W. James (as Caradog James)

Writer:

Caradog W. James (as Caradog James)

Stars:

Toby Stephens, Caity Lotz, Denis Lawson

8 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Toby Stephens	...	Vincent McCarthy
Caity Lotz	...	Ava / The Machine
Denis Lawson	...	Thomson
Sam Hazeldine	...	James
Pooneh Hajimohammadi	...	Suri
John-Paul Macleod	...	Paul Dawson (as John Paul Macleod)
Helen Griffin	...	Paul Dawson's Mother
Siwan Morris	...	Lucy
Nicola Reynolds	...	Joan
Jade Croot	...	Mary
Jonathan Byrne	...	Tim (as Jonathan Christian Byrne)
Alan Low	...	Assassin
Sule Rimi	...	Technician Dr. Giwa-Amu
Joshua Higgott	...	Assistant (Dr. James)
Giles Thomas	...	Dr. Henning

Storyline

Two artificial intelligence engineers come together as they work to create the first ever self-aware artificial intelligence. A veteran AI engineer secretly hopes to develop technology to help his diseased daughter, even if it means funding comes from the powerful Ministry of Defence (MoD). His new partner, a young woman gifted in the field of AI, is brought on after her breakthroughs are recognized by the MoD. Things go wrong when the MoD takes over and advances the researchers' work to the next level, teaching the AI to kill and follow MoD instructions with its new and nearly indestructible body.

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Plot Keywords:

android | artificial intelligence | soldier | military training | secret laboratory | 

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Taglines:

They rise. We fall.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and some language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK

Language:

English Chinese

Release Date:

21 March 2014 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Machine

Filming Locations:

Cardiff, South Glamorgan, Wales, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$205,715

Company Credits

Production Co:

Red & Black Films, TV4

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Costume designer Chrissie Pegg was given just two weeks to make 100 costumes with only £40 for each and had only one assistant.

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Goofs

Close to the end of the film, Machine is shot by the soldiers at close range, but her clothes show no signs of stress or bullet holes.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Vincent: [checking his pupils] Paul? Paul, can you hear me? Paul? Okay, turn the implant on.
computer: Brain implant activated.
Vincent: Hello. Do you know your name?
Paul Dawson: [no]
Vincent: Do you know what happened?
Paul Dawson: [no]
Lucy: You're a soldier. Your name is Paul Dawson. You were shot in the head and your brain in damaged. We're going to test how well Vincent's implant has repaired that damage.
Paul Dawson: I want my mum.

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Connections

References Blade Runner (1982)

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Soundtracks

4 Sea Interludes, Op. 33A - II. Sunday Morning (Allegro Spiritoso)
Written by Benjamin Britten
Courtesy of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd, and Imagem Company
Master owned by Naxos, HNH Entertainment

User Reviews

Excellent especially if low budget is taken under consideration

This is a perfect example that exceptional movies can be made on a low budget and without an all-star Hollywood cast. No abundance of explosions or unnecessary splatter here either but the film remains thrilling and captivating throughout.

I dare say the script is not completely original (but lets face it, what is completely new these days?) and it has strong connections with many gems of the genre. Some mentioned "blade runner", "ghost in the shell" is the first that comes to my mind. It is rather obvious to me that whoever directed this has studied the sci-fi anime genre thoroughly and adopted the style perfectly to the norms and limitations of a conventional acted film.

The performances of the leading actors are exemplary and together with all the supporting roles and the rather modest movie settings, they create a very believable world where the viewer can immerse himself. All the parts come together very well and lift this film from potential mediocrity to the status of visual poetry.

Productions such as these, both emotionally and philosophically engaging, renew my faith in the artistry of film-making. Congratulations are in order for the director James Caradog!