Cyberspace — Dreams, Memory and Virtual Worlds: TRON: Legacy, Total Recall (2012), Inception

Abstract

Continuing with the discussion of body and soul, in Science fiction cinema, this chapter looks at representations of virtual reality. Magerstädt draws on Deleuze’s.concept of the crystal image in order to analyse different layers of virtuality, making a distinction between external and internal virtual realities. This corresponds with her insightful analyses of TRON: Legacy, Total Recall and Inception. Concepts such, as memory, escapism and self-identity are examined as are the ways in which virtual realities challenge these. The chapter includes a discussion of nostalgia in contemporary science fiction, which relates to the notion both of memory and of utopia discussed in this book. Magerstädt finally explores the idea of providence in recent films and addresses the ethical questions that arise from the creation of virtual realities.