Alejandro Amenábar’s Abre los ojos can be interpreted as a futuristic movie provided that this
film is analyzed from the present, or the technological and digital innovations in the field of
Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and (La piel que habito) Genetic Engineering. The plot
of this Amenábar’s film is simple. César signs a contract with Life Extensions. It is a company
that has the technology to create after-lives by recording past memories and recreating them
through virtual reality. Despite of the fact the movie does not directly address Artificial
Intelligence, it seems plausible to observe how it could be part of the technological
explanation behind the company’s service.
Questions: Observe the reasons why César wants to change his life and discuss how Amenábar’s cinematic devices create an illusion that we are watching a virtual life. Furthermore, you have to consider and discuss the ethical challenges implicit in this tech story. Should we be able to pay for an after-life? What role governments have to play in the face of the boundless possibilities that technologies might offer in our near posthuman future? Would you sign a contract with Life Extension? What are your reasons? If
you decide to interpret La piel que habito, you should formulate the same questions but in
regards to genetic engineering and stem cell research. This movie questions the possibility of
modifying our cells so our skin does not age. Consider secondary bibliography to infer a
gender approach to this film, as it seems to criticize a long-stablish tradition of science fiction
genre, traditionally male oriented.
Need to use either of the sources I provided.