USA 2013 115m Directed by: Ben Chiu. Starring: Shanda Green, Larry Barnes, Gisella Kaplan, Terry Morgan, D. Rosh Wright, John Summer, Mary-Ann Maloof, Robert Gandy, John Dicus, Meredith Douglas, Andrew Olsen, Ryan Casey, Donna Sellars..
While researching a story that centers around an interface that connects the brain to a virtual reality super-computer, investigative reporter Sara Lincoln struggles with the technology's social and moral implications as the lines between her ethics, the virtual world, and reality blur.
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MindScans reminds me of some episodes of 'The Twilight Zone'.... It is a look at the implications of technology in the hands of a species that has to learn to grow into the responsibilities of the usage of the equipment.
Increasing the Twilight Zone aspect is the addition of several vignettes (or tiny filmsstories) in the main film, that flesh out the ramifications of the lack of awareness we can have. This gives us several threads of stories that are woven into a compelling storyline and all culminating in a surprise ending....
That being said, the story being interesting and avant-garde... we can discuss the technical aspects of the film.... This includes the cinematography and acting.... The equipment is High Definition with wide-screen aspect ratio shot onto digital.... This gives it a very clear and distinct picture that goes over very well on the big screen. The framing is good, the lighting is excellent, the sets make sense and the background scenery of San Luis Obispo is very effectively utilized in a stunning sequence of scenes shot both outdoors and indoors. I also enjoyed seeing some of the fine home interiors in the film, even though it is considered a rural area, San Luis Obispo has some fine architecture.
The acting is good and solid, some are exceptional in the scenes they played out. Of note is D. Rosh Wright who played 'Aunt Marie', the muse and mentor of the hero of the film 'Sara Lincoln' played ably by Shanda Green
One item of note here.... The cast and crew was all local people from the San Luis Obispo area. They were trained for film by the director who had to train stage actors from local theater companies to understand the technical challenges and freedoms that film can give an actor and the story. Another worthy note is the budget of the film... but don't let that minuscule amount begin to taint your idea of this film.... In fact, that amount is going to be tied into the legend of this film because people are going to be amazed at the low cost and high quality of this film.
I do believe this film will go down in history for its low cost and high value.
Review by John Dicus from the Internet Movie Database.