Have you seen “Ex Machina”? I rewatched it last night and now I have pop culture robots on the brain.
“Ex Machina” is awesome and thought-provoking, and it’s the movie that Alicia Vikander should have won her Oscar for, instead of “The Danish Girl.” (Let’s not even get into the category fraud issue.)
She’s outstanding as the sentient AI, Ava. So I have been thinking today of all the robots waiting to take over the world once we reach the singularity, and it made my head hurt. So here’s five questions on pop culture robots!
Questions:
- In the 1951 classic, “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” what three-word phrase does Helen Benson (Patricia Neal) have to say to the alien robot Gort in order to command him to stand down from attacking the assembled humans?
- In 2018, Thandiwe Newton won an Emmy for her portrayal of sentient android Maeve Millay on what television series?
- After escaping the soldiers who were out to destroy him, Number 5, the robot with lightning-induced sentience in 1986’s “Short Circuit,” decides to give himself what new name? He comes up with the new moniker after hearing a hit El DeBarge song on the radio.
- What actor studied Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire movies in order to master the physicality for his suave Mecha character, Gigolo Joe, in Steven Spielberg’s “A.I.”?
- What ball of robotic comedic timing was first introduced in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and quickly become a fan favorite?
Answers up after the bizarre and somehow perfect dance scene from “Ex Machina.” Oscar Isaac is my hero for pulling this off.
Answers:
- “Klaatu barada nikto”
- “Westworld”
- Johnny 5
- Jude Law
- BB-8
Want more pop culture? Check out our book of ‘90s movie trivia!