Before I start writing about the subplot of Jupiter Mission, I'd like to state my position on the whole alien obelisk thing. I can't find any evidence in the movie to show that obelisks are for sure alien antennae devices or information messengers meant to advance humans; either way, it is pretty obvious that they are a) of mysterious alien origin and b) is highly involved in human advancement and discovery/ curiosity, whether that is in physical or metaphorical form. It also seems that the obelisk at least inspired or caused the evolution of modern day humans from the more animal-like prehistoric version. Now to bring HAL into the equation, he is an AI that seems like the pinnacle of human advancement. Cerebrally speaking, he seems very similar to humans, in that he can reason, wonder, and feel. The few differences are that he can process even better than a human, but is still created to serve humans; although he eventually begins to question them. Because of this and the revelation at the end of his sentence, I have two theories behind Hal's odd lashing out towards the crew of Discovery One.
Number 1: Hal seems to be far superior than humans as far as cognitive intelligence and likely figured out that aliens had something to do with thier motivation to explore farther into space from the top secret tape stored in his hard drive. While Hal may have been highly intelligence in other areas, he seemed to be immature as far as emotional or spiritual intelligence, which is possibly why he responded with fear and anger (both base emotions) at the unknown instead of the more human- like reactions of curiosity and risk taking. This is shown when Hal shows distrust towards the mission, a non-understanding of his emotions and reactions after trying to kill the crew members ("I am afraid, I am afraid"). This is the most distinct difference between humans and Hal, he does not show any interest in exploration; in his defense he had no choice but to venture into the unknown, which could understandably cause fear and frusturation (allthough, who's to say that man had any choice either)
Number 2: Similar to theory 1 in how Hal learns about the aliens. However in this theory, Hal's lashing out it caused by his vindictive personal interest. Perhaps, through Hal's superior database and intelligence, he figured that these alien obelisks had something to do with human advancment and feared that by venturing farther out humans would surpass machine once again in superiority. Maybe, Hal was so advanced that he experienced feelings of jealously and power hunger, and was planning all along to overthrow humans. (this theory is the most out there, but considering that Kubrick was probably on wicked acid, it's not as wierd as it could be)
HAL seems like a bad guy. It's a simple statement, but if you've watched the movie then you'd more than likely agree. He intentionally hurts Frank, which I thought was a big no no for robots. However, you raised the point that he might have understood what would happen to the ship as they ventured towards Jupiter. In a way he might've thought that in compromising the lives of these humans that he was protecting the greater good. Much like the IROBOT story we read, it's something he's been programmed to do (regardless of his own agenda).
ReplyDeleteI really like your theories. You're first one had me think of something: with HAL being really smart and having no feelings he almost fits the part of the evil genius if you mix it with like a few traits of a psychopath. I wonder if they were thinking about this when they made the movie since evil geniuses/scientists are so common in sci-fi stories. I also really like your point of how he might have been mad that he was forced up there. (perfect ending btw)
ReplyDeleteI feel that HAL's motivations were because afraid of the humans messing up on the mission that he was told was extremely important rather than the fear of the unknown. I think of him as a person working in a group project that is worth 50% of their grade who carries them and then one day snaps. But I do agree that HAL needs more compassion and overreacts.
ReplyDeleteI like this point. Like dammit Dave, a thank you every once in a while wouldn't kill you.
DeleteI agree partially with your first notion, in that Hal's lashing out had something to do with him experiencing such strong base emotions, likely for the first time, which resulted in more compulsive behavior. I also agree that Hal's cognitive capabilities are superior to that of a humans in some aspect, but to the degree that he would rationalize, let alone care about the implied alien presence with so much going on with himself, I not so sure. Either way, it's a fun thing to discuss.
ReplyDeleteI agree that HAL decided to kill everyone because they were holding the mission back. The computers are far superior to the humans, who need their space helmets and oxygen supplies to live. The movie also had the breathing sequences be super loud and dragged out, probably for this reason.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it's a bit upsetting, I like the idea that HAL was trying to kill off the humans because he truly was superior and they were endangering the mission's safety simply by being human. However by killing the humans he himself jeopardizes the mission's safety so perhaps he isn't as superior as he believes.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he saw himself as wanting to be human, like he was jealous of their human-ness, since he goes through human like emotions and etc.
DeleteThe whole movie is "wicked out there"--I'm not sure what theory you could possibly come up with that's too crazy for this film, right?!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a careful reading of the movie. This is how you generate theories--well done!
And I'm right there with you about the obelisk. I suppose we could make arguments about them being of earthly origin, but once they beam a signal to Jupiter, that seems much less likely.
What do you think about HAL now, after class discussion?