O Universo no Olhar

What if Shakespeare got it right when he wrote:

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. - Hamlet (1.5.167-8), Hamlet to Horatio

Actually, we know that Shakespeare did get it right. Science adds new discoveries and corrects old theories constantly as it progresses. What's this have to do with "I, Origins"? It's one of the main themes of the movie: What if there's more to the universe than what we can perceive with our senses. Ask any real scientist and you'll find out that the concept is hardly new or controversial. We can't directly perceive radio waves or x-rays yet we make use of them every day. Nevertheless, this movie approaches the topic in a way that makes this question, perhaps, easier to approach for non-scientists.

Similarly, the movie tackles the theme of science versus religion. This theme is played up a lot in contemporary press coverage and "I, Origins" tackles this question intelligently as well. Again, ask a scientist about science and religion and you will likely find out that there isn't really a conflict between the two. Science looks into how the universe works. Religion is concerned with why? "How" and "why" are two sides of the same coin.

The movie also explores the long-existing notion that we are in some way tied to certain individuals for all time. Soul mates, if you will. Don't ask a scientist about that one.

The main actors in "I, Origins" are young and beautiful. Even the lab rat, played by Brit Marling, who starred in director Mike Cahill's prior and debut film "Another Earth," cannot hide her exceptional beauty behind glasses and sweats or a pregnancy suit. So if you enjoy seeing beautiful people asking seemingly profound questions in interesting settings, this is your movie.

Like Cahill's "Another Earth," this movie probes profound questions about the human existence. It's beautifully shot (though I think it needs some more editing), well acted by attractive people, and in the end will probably get you thinking. If that sounds like a mystical experience and a good investment of two hours of your time, then this film's something you should see.

We saw this film as part of the Camera Cinema Club series in San Jose.

Mike Cahill creates another low budget low key fantasy film, using some of the same actors as in Another Earth, and again he succeeds in producing something intriguing. I watched Another Earth and I really liked it, because it didn't just publish an idea, but it built and grew its characters, reaching the underwhelming, but thought provoking ending. I liked I Origins for the same reasons, but truth be said, it's just not as good. If you watched this film and liked it, you will love Another Earth.

The story is difficult to explain without spoiling the basic plot. Let's just say it is a journey of discovery for the main character. The film starts with a really slow pace and much of what happens in the first half is just character exposition, rather than development. That may put some people off. However it is important to understand all characters to get the film, and they are all rather interesting and original, not tired clichés. I liked that.

So basically you get a well done, well acted movie, involving interesting characters in an intriguing story. What else do you need? With a cast like Michael Pitt and Brit Marling, it feels like the indie film that it is, but I thought it was clearly worth watching. Some scenes could have been removed to make the movie last less than the full two hours, but they do develop the characters and pull the viewer into their story a little.

This is definitely not for everyone. First, it's one of those slow paced sci-fi movies that is trying to make you think rather than throw visual eye candy at you (which I'm also a fan of, no dissing any sci-fi style here). It also takes quite a few liberties with actual science, but I'm ok with it as long as it serves the narrative and I do think it works in this case. Overall pretty interesting and original so I'd recommend it so you can make your own opinion.

We watch at least 4 or 5 movies every week, and I have to say that this is the best film I've seen in a long time. Brit Marling seems to choose her films very carefully, and I'm coming to suspect that anything she's involved in is going to be different, and very well done.

This film is inspiring - not just because of it's content, but because of the way it's made. Hollywood can NOT make films like this. They can do a lot of things, but they can't seem to write scenes, scenarios, and certainly not dialog like this. This feels like real life, and because of this, it really effects you and draws you in. You really get to know, understand and care about the characters, in a way that just doesn't seem to happen in 'Hollyweird' films.

I don't want to go into any detail about the film here. I just want to say that it is truly amazing, unpredictable, beautiful, powerful and worth your time.

IMPORTANT: Be sure not to turn it off as the credits roll - there's a great little additional scene at the very end, which ads another dimension to the way the story wraps up.

Truly excellence in film making. If there were more writer/directors like this, the world would be a better place. He makes us think and challenges us. Truly inspirational.

My highest recommendation.

Will Middle of NowHere, in some snowy, remote Canadian mountains

Or something like that. It's science and logic versus the inexplainable. The I of the beholder might see things differently of course. But apart of the obvious yet somehow subtle title wink (no pun intended), this movie does deliver (and yes, has more to offer than meets the eye, to get that one out of the way too).

The acting is really good and while you might be able to see where this is going (sorry for the puns), the movie is still able to hold up the tension. It sounds scientific at times, but never goes over your head, if you stay with it. It might be a bit too long, but it never gets boring overall. Whether you agree or get on with the ride, might change your view and your experience with the movie. But it's a "risk" well worth taking and watching