Conceiving Ada

I did not particularly enjoy Conceiving Ada.

I mean, it has a lot of really interesting aspects to its cinematography. The use of a photographed background instead of an interactive one helps the film’s quasi-flashbacks seem more distinct and actually in the past (I realize this was mostly done because of its cost, but still, it has a nice effect). The digital touches were nice, and the acting was not shabby at all.

But I just didn’t like it.

I think part of the reason for this is the absurdity involved in the whole plot. Going back in time by use of a picture? I know I’m supposed to suspend my disbelief in a movie, but Conceiving Ada really seemed a stretch for me. It tried to explain how it worked (which needs to happen, even if it can’t work), and that explanation made absolutely no sense. Not to mention how poorly the scientific field was used anyway. Note these lines: Emmy: "information waves have a half-life", Ada: "I'm not at all certain that half a life is better than no life at all".

Besides, the reason this obsession with meeting Ada exists was never made clear, so the film seemed to really lack a purpose. I mean, why do we care about Ada? Why does Emmy particularly care? Who does she really work for? Etc

Not to mention how trvial most of the drama and such in the film actually is. I mean, the fights were just kind of silly, and everything with the horse racing problem was just stated, and you didn’t see any effects on anyone from it, really. That actually brings me to another problem: most of the film is spoken, and not shown. We hear Ada has a gambling problem, but we don’t see her life change, and then that eventually just drifts into the background of the movie.

Oh, and that dog really annoyed me. What was the point of that dog’s existence? I mean really?