In "Be Right Back" Martha goes through an experience
that should not be duplicated in real life, even if the love, which was
obviously deep from Martha to Ash, is present. In my opinion, Martha's
lifestyle in this film is the defining reason why we need to have true friends
that will hear our stories through the thick and thin. This makes the tough times
less depressing and prevents drastic actions like the making of a clone of the
deceased. The use of a phone to keep in touch with a virtual deceased person is
a little excessive. The idea of having a body shipped to you and adding
ingredients to make a clone is a little creepy. I think that the uncanny valley
reference in this film starts completely real but throughout the film, it loses
its authenticity. This is seen with Ash's clones’ emotions, reactions and
interactions with Martha. The interactions Ash's clone had with Martha at the
end of the film was depressing to see. Martha's expectations of having her
husband fully back were completely crushed. In this segment, it was clear to
see that nothing, not even a perfect clone can replace the people you love.
With Ash's clone, Martha was more of the "man" in the relationship as
the clone did whatever she wanted him to do. A scene where the clone loses its authenticity
is with the glass on the kitchen floor. A person with glass shards cut through
their hands not showing any reaction from the pain of the shards or concern of
potential injury is awkward for a human to experience. In the cliff scene,
although completely frustrating and saddening for Martha to ask her clone
husband to jump off a cliff to bring her back to contentment, one would have to
say that this should bring peace, even if slowly to Martha. Knowing that the
real Ash is gone and that a clone cannot replace him it brings a message that it
is time to move one. However, at the end of the film, Martha reverts back to
what got her in the predicament of getting a clone by going back up the stairs
to the attic. Although technologically impossible with the distance
restrictions of the clone, Martha should have found a better way to dispose of
the clone, instead of just placing it in the attic. Placing the clone there
does not remove the feelings of Ash, since all Martha has to do is go up to the
attic to see him.
1 comment:
Although I agree with your sentiment that nothing can replace true friendship and loved ones I disagree with your interpretations of the episode. I don't think it was a reference to the uncanny valley, I believe it was a representation of it and the events of the episode do not lessen its authenticity, but rather enforce it. The episode chronologically follows the direct path of the uncanny valley, increased affection until the point of revulsion, then back to increased affection. However you are 100% correct, it is a very sad and unsettling experience. The most interesting scene for me was the sex scene. I watched it in an uncomfortable state. but it's interesting because it is that peak point of affection towards the human-like objects.
Post a Comment