The Virtual World construct has been explored in a number of films from the Matrix to Avatar and many more. In most of these films the step into living in a virtual world is taken further and rather than experiencing the virtual world through the connection of a computer the films have explored the possibility of ‘plugging in’ your consciousness directly into a virtual environment. The line between what is real and what is being experienced in your mind is the interesting grey area explored in the complex story lines. One of the main debates within the films is the power of individuality and difference whilst recognising what is real.
In Surrogates a 2009 film with Bruce Willis humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots. These Robots are purchased and made to replicate humans however they are all ‘beautiful’ there are no flawed, disfigured or disabled surrogates. The real people live their lives through these robots whilst essentially housebound and there is limited interaction between any real individuals even within the same family.
There are interesting challenges to the desirability of a virtual existence debated in these and other films of this genre. Most conclude with their stories with a reminder of the value of real life and a real social existence being more rewarding and fulfilling that living a virtual one. Even the kids film Wall-E has a space ship full of humans who have forgotten how to walk and talk directly to each other because their needs are all met through their computer run hover chairs. Even in a society environment where the people are all in close proximity they still don’t interact with each other without the medium of the virtual environment.
If your virtual life is more rewarding than your real life then it’s no surprise that you would want to spend time where you are happier and more successful however it’s a vicious circle as you are living one to the detriment of the other. Virtual games and communities have developed into an important construct for many and provide community spirit and support that might be lacking in some areas of real life and society today but they can’t replace a real life – well not yet…