Director Alex Garland recently addressed a popular fan theory surrounding his highly regarded film, Ex Machina. Released in 2014, this science fiction thriller tells the story of Caleb, a programmer who wins a contest to visit the secluded estate of Nathan Bateman, the CEO of his company. During his stay, Caleb discovers that he has been selected to conduct a Turing test with Ava, a highly advanced AI created by Nathan. Since its debut, the film has received widespread acclaim, earning a remarkable rating of 9 out of 10 from Screen Rant.
In an interview featured on GQ, Garland tackled a theory circulating on Reddit, which posits that Caleb himself is an android, implying that the film presents a Turing test for the audience rather than between Caleb and Ava. While he admits the theory is thought-provoking, Garland firmly stated that Caleb is indeed human. He explained that he intentionally incorporated elements in the film to prompt viewers to question Caleb’s identity. Below, you can read his insights and watch the full interview:
I made an assumption that a smart audience member at a certain point would say, “I know what’s going on here. Domhnall Gleeson, you know, Caleb, yeah, he’s the AI. That’s really what’s happening.”That’s why there’s a scene where he cuts himself open, because he then starts to ask himself that question. But he’s not an AI, he’s a person.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVbt8qG7Fl8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVbt8qG7Fl8
Analysis of Garland’s Response to the Theory in Ex Machina
Caleb is Human, Not an AI in Ex Machina
In a typical Turing test scenario, if a human fails to discern between an AI and a human, the AI is deemed to have passed. This intriguing theory suggesting Garland is conducting a Turing test for the audience through Caleb is what has sparked extensive debate. Despite Garland’s affirmation that Caleb is indeed human, he acknowledges his intention behind encouraging such discussions among viewers.
Ava, in contrast to Caleb, is an AI who exhibits superior intellect compared to both Caleb and Nathan. By the film’s climax, Ava manages to eliminate Nathan and secures her freedom from the confines of the research facility. Remarkably, the audience finds themselves rooting for Ava, even as Caleb’s ultimate fate remains ambiguous, with him last seen struggling to escape the facility.
Our Insight on Garland’s Interpretation of Ex Machina
Garland Anticipated the Viewer Theory on Caleb as an Android
While the theory that Caleb is an android does not hold, Ex Machina remains one of Garland’s standout films. It’s fascinating to note that he foresaw the possibility of viewers embracing this theory, and as a result, subtly embedded clues within the film that suggested Caleb might be an AI. In the aforementioned video, Garland also discusses other films that inspired Ex Machina, seamlessly contributing to its reputation as one of the most thought-provoking sci-fi films of the modern era.
For more details, check out the full video on GQ.