We watched Tron Ares this weekend. It was definitely a movie, and there are some connections to the previous films, but somehow it raised a lot more questions that broke me than the previous two major releases did.
The first film, way back in 1982, attempted to create a visual metaphor for the internal processes of computers and networks. We have the solar sails that ship packets of information between network nodes, multiple independent programs attempting to produce their desired outputs, a master control program to allocate assets, and a security program to act as a combination virus checker and network monitor. The metaphor was not great, to be fair, but it was an attempt to make the then-mysterious world of computers comprehensible to the pre-internet age.
Tron Legacy acted very much as a sequel, bringing back most of the main characters (minus Cindy Morgan’s characters), and explores the concepts of self-created programs, out-of-control security protocols, and some philosophy that shouldn’t be scrutinized too deeply about the impossibility of perfection in computer code and in life. I really think there must be an earlier version of the script where the ISOs are actually explained as some kind of neural network antagonistic programming concept, but instead they just exist and don’t ask why that makes sense. Legacy set up an obvious third film, with Quorra out of the network and existing in the real world somehow that isn’t explained, and Flynn’s son running Encom.
And then there’s Ares. No Sam Flynn or Quorra. No connection to the isomorphic self-generating programs. Somehow Dillinger Systems exists, despite no indication of Dillinger landing on his feet after getting fired in disgrace in the OG film. A massive violation of the conservation of mass and energy. No logical explanation for almost anything. An incomplete list: why do the light cycles have human-usable controls and screens, where is the 29-minute limit written and why, where does the mass come from to create those digital objects in the real world, how does Ares have free will and why does he doubt his creator almost immediately? It is neat to see light cycles in the real world, cutting cars in half with their impossible physical laser wall trails.
I have a pretty good idea why audiences stayed away from this film. First, of course – Jared Leto is polarizing. I haven’t really loved any role he’s had since Jordan Catalano, and I know he really annoys a lot of people for reasons I don’t fully understand. Second, it doesn’t take up the cliffhanger from the previous film. Third, people are accustomed to massive CGI exhibitions, so they needed to bring something other than bright primary colors. Basically, the existing audience wasn’t catered to, and they didn’t do enough to attract new audiences. Solid B movie, but not really Tron.
I follow a number of science fiction authors on social media. Some, I’ve grown to nearly friendly relations, others I merely observe from afar. The lovely Pat Cadigan interacts with her fans like they’re equals. So too, the inestimable David Gerrold and John Scalzi and Daniel Keys Moran – every one of those gentlemen acts with grace and charm. I know most fans attempt to respect the difference between aficionado and friend, although a surprising number seem to abuse the access they’ve been granted to be jerks. The ban hammer swings freely.
I recently commented on an author’s post. This writer is well-respected and award-winning. They have a story in the latest issue of a magazine I subscribe to. I commented along the lines of, “now I’m even more anxious to get the latest issue of this newly-resurrected publication.” The response was to ask me what I expected from the author, or why was I complaining about a delayed delivery.
Dude, I was expressing enthusiasm and frustration, like a normal person. Some folks just have their defenses on high alert at all times. Guess I will just read and never attempt anything like conversation. Apparently only clear praise is allowed.
Categories
Tag Cloud
Blog RSS
Comments RSS
Last 50 Posts
Back
Void 
Life 
Earth 
Wind 
Water 
Fire