Readings Discussion 1

Part 1:

You will watch the movie "The 13th Floor" in class. Please pay close attention to the scene in which Jane Fuller and Douglas Hall first meet. We will stop the tape after this scene for you to think about and answer some questions. The "right" answers to these questions are the thoughts that go through your head after you've seen their interaction. They seem to be talking past one another or in some ways their relationship seems odd. A handout contains a transcript of their conversation. Please write down your assessment on the back of the handout. Then we will resume the movie and play it until its end. (First Tape or DVD.)

After the film ends, we will play that same scene once again. Does it take on any new meaning? What is the subtext of their conversation? What are they thinking and not saying? Please write down your assessment on the back of the handout. Please DO NOT change your first assessment. (The Second Tape is cued to that scene or you may play Scene 4 from the DVD.)

Part 2:

For each story, "The 13th Floor" and "Non Serviam," allowing the writers some "artistic license," please write an informed critique of the two films. In what ways are the stories and images coherent and insightful about the present realities and likely futures of simulation? In what ways are they inconsistent or flawed? You are becomming familiar with simulation technologies. How could we go about creating such simulated worlds? Some notes on the films are posted here. Please turn in a well written and thoughtful essay of about 2-4 pages, single-spaced. on paper.