Linked by Eugenia Loli-Queru on Wed 10th Sep 2003 03:36 UTC
With the computer market exploding into success the last 20 years more and more movies are featuring people using computers. Being a computer geek myself, I expect a level of "technological reality" for the movies that are not in the realm of "sci-fi", but directors usually are feeding their movies with superficial scenes about computers just for the happy clapping from the computer-illiterate audience.
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anon, I was wondering if someone was going to bring that movie up =)
Despite the fact that the interfaces aren't what you see on your regular computer, you get a very realistic impression from the movie of the way computers and other technical equipment are used.
Even the more 'unrealistic' scenes (seeing the change in Dean's package at the store in 3D, matching bank balances to payments, etc.) are well within capability for systems today. Considering this is supposed to be the U.S. N.S.A., being well funded and advanced technologically, then it makes sense they would have such capabilities on hand.
I appreciated their not using semi-magical enhancement technologies, not pretending that satellites can track things sideways, and other obviously bogus devices. This fit in with the plot to give a real impression of the use of technology in chasing an individual, as opposed to some form of hard to believe Big Brother TIA.
Not 'insulting the intelligence of the computer literate' can be achieved by striking a balance; yes, in most all cases, computers are not the focus of the film, and so having excruciating detail is unwarranted, but at the same time, having things occur that are too convenient (systems randomly working/not working because the plot calls for them) and impossible are just silly. It's difficult to immerse yourself in the film if what you're watching sets off your BS alarm.