{"id":6651,"date":"2021-02-06T03:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-06T10:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=6651"},"modified":"2021-02-06T16:00:16","modified_gmt":"2021-02-06T23:00:16","slug":"a-glitch-in-the-matrix-rare-documentary-that-asks-a-question-it-knows-it-cant-answer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2021\/a-glitch-in-the-matrix-rare-documentary-that-asks-a-question-it-knows-it-cant-answer\/","title":{"rendered":"A Glitch In The Matrix * Rare Documentary That Asks A Question It Knows It Can\u2019t Answer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.b.jpg?resize=225%2C126&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6654\" width=\"225\" height=\"126\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Documentary filmmaker Rodney Ascher tackles this question &#8220;are we living in a simulation?&#8221; with testimony, philosophical evidence and scientific explanation in his for the answer. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, \u201c<em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>is a radical, uniquely-presented look at simulation theory in the digital age \u2013 specifically, how those who prescribe to the notion that we\u2019re all living in a simulation came to those beliefs and how this belief affects their outlook. Dense, but accessible, directed by Rodney Ascher, it\u2019s the rare documentary that asks a question it knows it can\u2019t answer.\u201d See the rest of his review below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Glitch In The Matrix<br>By Benjamin P., Kids First! Film Critic, Age 15<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>is a radical, uniquely-presented look at simulation theory in the digital age \u2013 specifically, how those who prescribe to the notion that we\u2019re all living in a simulation came to those beliefs and how this belief affects their outlook. Dense, but accessible, directed by Rodney Ascher, it\u2019s the rare documentary that asks a question it knows it can\u2019t answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ak040r1iJZY?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.a.jpg?resize=225%2C94&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6655\" width=\"225\" height=\"94\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.a.jpg?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.a.jpg?resize=1024%2C427&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.a.jpg?resize=768%2C320&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.a.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In the late 1970s, famed author Phillip K. Dick, known for his sci-fi stories, gave a talk where he laid out his theory that we are living in a simulation. This becomes the entry point into the maw of simulation theory, its depth only outmatched by its complexity. <em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>utilizes a famed and celebrated movie as its main frame of reference in exploring its theme &#8212; <em>The Matrix<\/em>, a film that put simulation theory into the mainstream. Ascher\u2019s film investigates where stimulation theory stemmed from, how its tenets and principles have been echoed throughout history by everyone from Plato to Elon Musk to current times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.c.jpg?resize=225%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6653\" width=\"225\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.c.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.c.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.c.jpg?w=900&amp;ssl=1 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The conceit of <em>A Glitch In The Matrix<\/em> can\u2019t so much be explored as marveled at, and the possibilities of a simulated reality tinkered with, and so that\u2019s exactly what it does.\u00a0 This film boldly depicts this proposed reality entirely through CG animation and clips from popular culture that have dealt with similar ideas. I respect that a film about simulations indulges so heavily in them.\u00a0 For example, many people who speak in the film have their identities shielded by virtual avatars that filter their perspectives, enhancing the feel of a simulation. This method of using simulation techniques in a film <em>about <\/em>simulation gets very \u201cmeta,\u201d but, in doing so, adheres to and honors the film\u2019s topic and not in a show-offy or self-congratulatory way. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.d.jpg?resize=225%2C119&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6652\" width=\"225\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.d.jpg?resize=300%2C158&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.d.jpg?resize=1024%2C538&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.d.jpg?resize=768%2C403&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/glitchmatrix.d.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I have respect for any movie that seeks to make you question the world you live in.\u00a0 Socially and politically, <em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>does that quite literally. If you\u2019re looking for a documentary that finds the key to its main topic and deconstructs it bit by bit, this isn\u2019t that, but if you\u2019re willing to go on a bit of a journey through a school of thought via the lens of a capable filmmaker that challenges what you think about your own reality, sit down, give this a chance and enjoy it. <em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>is left incomplete almost by design, but somehow that works to its charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>A Glitch In The Matrix <\/em>3 out of 5 stars and an age rating of 14 to 18 for some simulated violence and the description of a violent crime. It just premiered at this year\u2019s Sundance Film Festival, and it will be available in theaters and at home on February 5, 2021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Documentary filmmaker Rodney Ascher tackles this question &#8220;are we living in a simulation?&#8221; with testimony, philosophical evidence and scientific explanation in his for the answer. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Benjamin P. comments, \u201cA Glitch In The Matrix is a radical, uniquely-presented look at simulation theory in the digital age \u2013 specifically, how those who prescribe to the notion that we\u2019re all living in a simulation came to those beliefs and how this belief affects their outlook. Dense, but accessible, directed by Rodney Ascher, it\u2019s the rare documentary that asks a question it knows it can\u2019t answer.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[15],"tags":[2754,2762,2759,2755,1783,2760,2756,342,2757,1166,2767,2761,2769,2768,2763,2758,2764,2765,2766],"class_list":["post-6651","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-a-glitch-in-the-matrix","tag-a-glitch-in-the-matrix-movie-review","tag-are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation","tag-best-reddit-posts","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-elon-musk","tag-horror-movie-trailers","tag-keanu-reeves","tag-matrix-documentary","tag-movie-reviews","tag-phillip-k-dick","tag-plato","tag-rodney-ascher","tag-social-media","tag-stories","tag-the-matrix","tag-the-nightmare","tag-you-tube","tag-youtube-horror"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-1Jh","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6651"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6651\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6659,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6651\/revisions\/6659"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6651"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}