French director Jeremy Perrin travels to another planet to create an exciting sci-fi vision. Its weighty ideas and sophisticated hand-drawn animation create an intellectually stimulating combination.
The fear of a future in which artificial intelligence overwhelms living humans has always been the most important tenet of science fiction storytelling. And when these sentient robots closely resemble human behavior and appearance (as in “Blade Runner” and “AI artificial intelligence”), rather than being considered disposable, they are given human dignity. The difficult question arises as to whether it should be given or not. But the closer such virtual realities come to our present, the less likely we are to feel sympathy for these beings, for example, where generative AI threatens artistic creation. It seems to me.
French director Jeremy Perrin's cyberpunk mystery “Mars Express'' is a detailed yet rich world that further complicates our emotions. A fresh, gripping, immersive 2D animation about the dangers of coexistence between humans and machines. Perrin's first feature as a director inserts the necessary exposition in an almost natural way, gradually making us realize how this reality works.
The heroine here, Aline (Mora Golondona), is a realistic female police officer investigating the murder of a suspected hacker, which is similar to director Mamoru Oshii's seminal Ghost in the Shell. immediately brings to mind an obvious comparison. Then there's the character designs, which are kind of somewhere between anime and manga, albeit intentionally more realistic here. However, as some key concepts about the mechanics of this alternative future are introduced, the similarities begin to seem trivial.
Although humans are still at the top of the hierarchy of life on Mars in the 23rd century, there are those who believe that androids should also be given freedom, and that they can hack into the system, break out of jail, and follow human orders. so that you don't have to follow. Some of these beings exist in distinctly synthetic metal bodies, while others operate as flesh-and-blood mortals in skin-like disguises, though they quickly transform into human beings when harmed. It bleeds a blue substance that is distinguishable from .
As the robot problem worsens, new threats are emerging. Someone has devised a code that, once updated to all machines, will not only free them, but also convince them that they must leave Mars to float in space, even if there are casualties. Even this “freedom” is just an illusion programmed by its creator. This is how Perrin commented on the limits of what we think of as free will. What if what we know to be the ultimate goal is nothing more than a transplanted fabrication?
Allin's partner, Carlos Rivera (Josh Keaton), has a robot body but a human hologram head. The memories and personality of a real person can be downloaded into this robot's body and continue to exist even after death. Carlos and others like him often accept the fact that they are dead. Their regret follows the repetition of this artificial existence. Other gadgets are a more standard fit with those commonly seen in the genre, such as small button-like devices worn by humans that allow them to communicate with others through neural transmissions rather than voice.
One of the boldest narrative choices in Mars Express is that even in this distant future, on another planet, the human condition is at its most frustrating. Aligners aboard the Mars Express spacecraft transporting humans (and androids) from Earth to Mars still have to queue to use the restroom, just as they do on modern commercial aircraft. And although she struggles with alcoholism, bottles of liquor in small refrigerators in bars and hotel rooms are automatically locked in the presence of people who are registered as sober. This is also a system that questions how much independence someone has. These details about irreversible everyday hassles and struggles enhance Perrin and co-screenwriter Laurent Sarfaty's screenplay with both humor and insight, highlighting the inescapable desires that no matter how advanced technology becomes. This suggests that there is pain.
As the number of dead suspects and adversaries grows, Arin and Carlos learn that wealthy businessman Chris Roijacker (Kiff Vandenheuvel) is already developing a replacement to the robots. Although these new creatures are organic in nature, they are still man-made. Although they are not animals, they are easy to destroy in case of a riot, as some of them have great cognitive abilities like humans (they have a requisite floating brain).
Perrin keeps layering ideas while orchestrating impressive fast-paced chases and gunfights. And there are moments of genuine nail-biting tension, as he occasionally allows the violence to progress towards its worst outcome, rather than succumbing to more predictably tame beats, making for an effective He conditioned us to know that death is a real possibility in character.
As “Mars Express” begins, there are some strong visual references, including French electro duo Daft Punk's feature-length animated music video/feature-length animated feature “Interstellar 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem” comes to mind. A project made in Japan. The realism of Perrin's digitally hand-drawn characters is noticeable in their smooth movements and facial expressions, which contrast with the smoother and clearly computer-generated backgrounds. And it is from this slight dissonance between the two that some of the most memorable images emerge. As all goes awry between the humans and their artificial allies, Arin races through the streets to find his final target under a sky that flickers as if parts of the panel are disappearing, like pixelated images. Run through. Because it is actually a protective dome that provides oxygen for humans to survive.
Story-driven, Mars Express rarely stops its fast-paced pace to take a breather or ponder the philosophical implications of the dystopian picture it depicts. But considering what Perrin conveys so well in his less than 90 minutes, what we can glean about the characters' longings from their interactions amidst the thrilling action is a powerful intellectual stimulation. Offers.