Ex Machina, directed by Alex Garland in 2014, intricately weaves architectural brilliance into its narrative fabric. The film unfolds within the minimalist confines of Nathan Bateman’s futuristic mansion, nestled in a remote, pristine environment that symbolises technological isolation. Glass, a recurring theme throughout this film, becomes a metaphorical and visual tool, which blurs the boundaries and emphasises the tension between the organic and artificial. The underground laboratory, a visual spectacle of cutting-edge technology, mirrors ethical dilemmas. Ex Machina’s architectural choices contribute significantly to the exploration of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity, making it a cinematic achievement that seamlessly integrates storytelling with the evolving world of technology.
Ex Machina, the 2014 sci-fi thriller directed by Alex Garland, not only mesmerises the audiences with its compelling narrative but also captivates through its meticulous attention to architectural details. Beyond serving as mere backdrops, the architectural elements in the film play a pivotal role in weaving a visual tapestry that mirrors the narrative’s exploration of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and ethical quandaries.
The Isolated Retreat:
The film primarily unfolds within the confines of a secluded, futuristic mansion belonging to Nathan Bateman, the reclusive CEO of Blue Book, a fictional tech giant. The architecture of Nathan’s retreat is characterised by its minimalist design, sharp lines, and extensive and smart use of glass, allowing for transparency and seamless integration of the interior with the surrounding natural landscape.
The choice of location, a remote and pristine environment, reinforces the theme of isolation. The mansion, surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, enhances the sense of seclusion and exclusivity. This architectural decision not only serves as an aesthetic backdrop but also acts as a metaphor for the isolation that accompanies technological advancement and the creation of artificial intelligence and highlights the tension between the organic and artificial, a recurring theme throughout the film.
Transparent Boundaries:
The use of glass as a dominant architectural element in Nathan’s mansion serves a dual purpose in Ex Machina. On one hand, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the natural surroundings on the above floor where the CEO lives, creating a visual spectacle that contrasts with the sterile and controlled environment inside on the below floor where the experiment is. On the other hand, it metaphorically represents the transparency and vulnerability of the characters, both human and artificial.
The glass walls and surfaces become symbolic barriers that simultaneously connect and separate the characters. As Caleb, the protagonist, explores the mansion and interacts with Ava, the AI being, the transparent boundaries blur the lines between observation and participation, creating an unsettling atmosphere that challenges traditional notions of privacy and intimacy.
The Laboratory as a Stage:
One of the most striking architectural elements in Ex Machina is Nathan’s underground laboratory. Designed with a mix of cutting-edge technology and raw, industrial aesthetics, the lab serves as the stage for the creation and examination of artificial intelligence, the contrast between the sleek, high-tech equipment and the exposed, utilitarian structure creates a visual tension that mirrors the ethical dilemmas at the heart of the film.
The laboratory’s design reflects the duality of the characters, especially Nathan, who oscillates between the benevolent creator and the manipulative mastermind. The cold and sterile environment underscores the dehumanising aspect of technology, raising questions about the consequences of playing god with artificial intelligence.
The House:
The original place that was used as scenography in the film Ex Machina Is called the Summer House & Juvet Landscape Hotel, designed by Jensen & Skodvin Architects in 2013 in Norway. As we get into the movie the house itself becomes a character. The summer house where some of the scenes are shot contains this amazing blend of bringing architecture into nature where the glass meets the huge stone and the glass is actually cut to meet the edges of the existing stone.
In the real buildings they have used a mix of transparent and frosted glass to create a sense of privacy and calmness, but in the movie Ex Machina they have changed all the glass to be transparent, this creates an environment of surveillance which plays an important role in the movie.
As a cinematic achievement, Ex Machina stands as a testament to the power of architecture in enhancing storytelling and inviting audiences to contemplate the intricate relationship between humanity and the rapidly advancing world of artificial intelligence. The isolated retreat, transparent boundaries, and stark laboratory collectively craft a visual symphony that enriches the narrative, making Ex Machina a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between architecture, technology, and the human experience. In the end, it’s not just the characters that are dissected in the laboratory, but the very essence of what it means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. Ex Machina’s architectural brilliance remains a timeless example of how the fusion of visual aesthetics and narrative substance can elevate a film into a profound exploration of the human condition in the face of technological progress.
References:
- DamiLee [2022]. Architect reacts to 5 famous Sci-Fi movies [YouTube Video]. Available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8go_xBWa_EA [Accessed on 12 Feb. 2024].
- Image 1:
- Arch Daily [Year unknown]. The Juvet Landscape Hotel as Nathan Bateman’s mansion. [Photograph], Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/8600/juvet-landscape-hotel-jsa
- Images 5:
- Jensen & Skodvin group [Year unknown]. The blend of architecture into nature in the Summer House, Norway. [Photograph], Available at: https://www.jsa.no/Summer-House-Western-Norway
- Image 6:
- Jensen & Skodvin group [Year unknown]. The blend of architecture into nature in the Summer House, Norway. [Photograph], Available at: https://www.jsa.no/Summer-House-Western-Norway
