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Film review: Hackers (1995)
This movie was proposed by The Café Movie
Club.
I didn't have many expectations for this film, besides the title being somewhat related to my interests. I love computers, hacking, cyberpunk, etc. So, why not? The reviews online were harsh, but I rarely trust critics, so I went ahead and watched it.
And in all honesty, I've seen worse. It kept me (mostly) entertained throughout, with some scenes that really caught my eye. But maybe that's because I was interested in what people's vision of hacking and computers was in 1995, so I may be biased.
In terms of visuals, I didn't like it. It doesn't embrace computer graphics; it doesn't embrace computers enough. One stylistic choice that I really liked was near the beginning of the film, when Crash Override and Acid Burn are fighting over control of a TV station's broadcast. Hacking was represented by mechanical arms trying to take control over a tape. Really ingenious, considering hacking (in my opinion) is pretty much abstract.
Another scene I liked, was when the guys are talking around a table and one of them brings a bunch of classic computer literature. Or when part of the Hacker's Manifesto is cited. That makes me feel that there was some love put into the making of this film. But, again, that's just my opinion.
One last thing that I want to touch upon is the soundtrack. I loved it. It feels right. Halcyon & On & On by Orbital sets the mood better than any visual they put on the film. The soundtrack is more Hackers than the film itself. And I'm writing this review while listening to Protection by Massive Attack, which also can be heard in the movie.
Overall, I'm glad I watched it. In part for its memetic power ("Mess with the best, die like the rest" and other catchphrases), in part for the soundtrack, and finally because it feels like a time machine. A glimpse of the past, when computers were easier to deal with... And when outfits were really tasteless.
I'd give it a 5 out 10. It's not bad but it's no masterpiece, either.
That's all. Below are some shots from the film that really caught my eye.
