1982 Directed by Denis Sanders
This movie explores the possibilities of interaction between man and computer, with some historical background. It demonstrates techniques introduced in the Walt Disney movie _Tron (1982)_, combining computer-synthesized animation and real-life object photography.
USA
USA
"If you're an entertainer, I'm out of a job!"
"Not so, we are on the verge of a beautiful partnership. When artists like you learn to use us, I amaze even myself."
Actress Elaine Joyce shares a stage with a number of quasi-futuristic supercomputers, lamenting her career prospects competing against machines, while the objects mansplain away her concerns in a rational, yet oddly sinister way. Heavy talking points by Joseph Campanella's narrator and the equally verbose HAL/Proteus style machines, are moved along with early computer art featuring works by Ed Emshwiller, Lee Harrison, John Whitney, James Blinn, Stan Vanderbeek, Nelson Max, and Robert Conley. A roll call that means CAPT! is visually quite striking, even if the presentation is extremely…
Computers, ostensibly do three different things for you.... Three different things... No, they don't. Sorry...
-A human answer to the question: "How does a computer think?"
Computers Are People, Too! is the Machines' first salvo, using the Mouse as a mouthpiece, lulling humanity into a false sense of security, showcasing their wood-paneled digital indoctrination camps while espousing their ability to help human artists achieve new heights in imagery, music (sitting in hollowed-out synthesizing pyramids), kinesthetics and screen-based amusements, including theatrical releases.
Oh, and did I mention that Disney's Tron, a major motion picture utilizing the latest and greatest in computer generated imagery, would premiere just a short two months from the airing of this television extravaganza? And that our finale…
A mix of terrifying 'proof of concept' animatics David Lynch would have a field day with, fascinating archival footage on synthesizers and period technology, awful comedy that appears to essentially reduce its lead hostess ['Match Game' staple Elaine Joyce] to a confused puppy, a five-minute promo for the '82 Tron film, montages with little restraint, and jarring edits at every turn. Personal favorite is when the talking computer expresses to Joyce that today's modern computers can do much more than play music, followed by an immediate cut to a handgun being shot. Apparently computers won't just play you a pre-programmed Beethoven piece, they'll murder you in cold blood too.
Cheesy TV documentary that tackled the moral panic in response to the technological advancements of computers. With Elaine Joyce starring as the sceptical and technologically illiterate hostess, we're shown a collage of early computer graphics, video games and quirky MIDI music. Since this was a Disney production, it also delved into the making of Tron (1982), through an interview with director Steven Lisberger, which came across as a rather shallow promotional tactic. Overall, it was a fun and ＡＥＳＴＨＥＴＩＣ time capsule that held true in its sentiment that computers won't replace artists since their creativity is the key component.
