Educational Media Reviews Online

A film with more ideas than budget, Teknolust is likely to appeal to those who enjoy cerebral science fiction. This a low-key science fiction film stars Tilda Swinton as a socially inept scientist and also as her three color-coded clones, Ruby, Marine, and Olive. The self-replicating automatons (think Replicant prototypes) are supposedly theoretical online artificial intelligences. Unbeknownst to her colleagues, the clones exist as physical beings with individual personalities. The clones venture out into the world out of curiosity—and because male DNA is needed for their survival.

Although plot technically revolves around sex because of the need to acquire male Y chromosomes, the actuality is far less salacious. There is no nudity; intercourse is implied rather than shown. There is subtle humor in the film: Dr. Rosetta Stone talks genetics with her colleague Dr. Crick; Ruby provides her partners with red condoms and the men develop a rash—on their foreheads—that includes a barcode. Fans of Lost will be interested to see Jeremy Davies as a young man infatuated with Ruby's online presence.

Professors looking for a discussion-starter on ethics and artificial intelligence may find Teknolust useful, especially with audiences already familiar with Blade Runner and Spielberg's A.I.

Extras include footage of the DiNA art installation, an artificial intelligence that responds to questions, that inspired the filmmaker. Viewers who enjoyed Teknolust will also be interested in Conceiving Ada also directed by Lynn Hershman Leeson and starring Tilda Swinton.

Awards

• Alfred P. Sloan Award for Writing and Directing
• Hamptons International Film Festival Feature Film Prize in Science and Technology