WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

The Telidon System (1979-1985 approximately) was a Canadian telephone communication process which enabled the exchange of visual information, a forerunner of Videotex / Teletext and a precursor to advanced computer and game graphics. Developed at a cost of several hundred million dollars, Telidon didn't fulfil its potential and, ultimately, faded away as new developments surged ahead of it.

Pierre Moretti's film Graphic Variations On Telidon, despite sounding like the title of a brainy sci fi parable, showcases the system's ground-breaking capabilities. The visuals are (by current standards) limited, but very charming, with a mid-century feel that reminds me of an etch-a-sketch or the tin plate tube kaleidoscopes which served as entertainment before more spectacular things for kids to look at came along. 

Made in 1980, when hopes for the Telidon were still high, this eight minute film was a product of the National Film Board Of Canada, the greatest of all state run cultural organisations. 

THREE (MORE) SHOTS

 

A brief (final) press of the Return button for Ghost In The Machine. Yes, that's Karen Allen.

PC GONE MAD

Ghost In The Machine, d. Rachel Talalay (1993) 

Have you ever wondered what might happen if, at the point of his own death, a serial killer was absorbed into a powerful computer network and then continued his murderous career using microwave ovens, hand driers, dish washers and ATM machines? No, me neither, or no yo tampoco, as they say in Spanish. 

The main issue with this film is that it is just so creaky and stilted, with the actors clearly being unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the 'state of the art' (see above) effects they were supposed to be reacting and responding to*. Nowadays, of course, movies use CGI for even mundane things, so actors have got much  better at this sort of pretending. 

Ghost In The Machine cost $12m, made less than half of its budget back and would have been pretty much completely out of date before the credits finished rolling. Oh, well, mas que nada, as they say in Portugese.

* The dialogue is also awful, and the lead kid is annoying.

STARLETS