‘Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning’: An Electrifying Film Explores the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence

Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Is the Perfect AI Panic Movie

An Introduction to AI Villains in American Action Movies

Action movies have always been a reflection of the fears and anxieties plaguing a nation and its citizens. Throughout history, villains in American action movies have represented various sources of paranoia, capturing the zeitgeist of their time. During the Cold War, movies like “From Russia with Love,” “Rocky IV,” and “Red Dawn” tapped into the public’s fear of wily Soviets, intent on destroying the capitalist way of life. In more recent decades, action movies have drawn from the trope of the “bad Arab” to create villains from the Middle East.

The Rise of Sentient AI as the New Villain

In the highly anticipated film “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One,” writers Bruce Geller, Erik Jendresen, and Christopher McQuarrie have taken a different approach. The main antagonist in the movie, known as The Entity, is an all-powerful, all-seeing, sentient AI. This choice is particularly relevant given the current public fascination with artificial intelligence and its potential consequences.

The Entity in the film is capable of accessing any online network and using its technological powers to manipulate anything from global military powers to ordinary individuals. While the idea of a sentient AI attempting to take over humanity is not entirely new in the world of cinema, it feels especially pressing in 2023, as AI technologies continue to advance rapidly. AI-powered bots are now capable of generating content, from term papers to listicles, and this raises concerns among members of the Writers Guild of America who want to regulate the use of AI in script creation.

The Perfectly Timed Release

“Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One” was initially scheduled for release in 2021 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the unintended consequence of this delay is that the movie is now being released at a time when public awareness and discussions about generative AI are at an all-time high. Just weeks after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a push for AI regulation, the fears surrounding AI’s potential domination are yet again in the spotlight.

The timing of the movie’s release aligns perfectly with the heightened public interest in AI and its consequences, even though most people lack a deep understanding of the subject. It is this general unease and lack of knowledge that makes The Entity a compelling villain for the movie-going audience. Most individuals have only had limited exposure to AI, and their encounters may have been as brief as playing with ChatGPT or hearing stories about AI mishaps.

A Faceless Foe for the Masses

In an era when action movies must avoid crafting villains from specific nationalities, ethnic groups, or fringe political organizations, a sentient and seemingly evil computer offers a safe and non-controversial choice. The Entity in “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One” can be spurned and feared on a global scale without offense, apart from a small minority of staunch AI defenders.

Furthermore, AI is perceived as a relatively innocuous foe compared to traditional action movie villains. While there may be gaps and technological leaps in The Entity’s operations, those details are inconsequential to audiences seeking a new and mysterious threat. The inclusion of a sentient AI allows the movie to cater to a wide range of viewers who are eager for an exciting and entertaining experience.

A Glimpse into the Future of Action Movie Villains

The success of “Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One” at the global box office is crucial for recouping its $290 million budget. The movie’s faceless villain, The Entity, may serve as a harbinger of the future for action movie antagonists. Upcoming films like “Heart of Stone” and “The Creator” also feature AI adversaries driven by a desire for global destruction. However, despite the initial challenges faced by humanity, action movies ultimately offer a sense of hope and triumph.

In the meantime, millions of moviegoers can come together, united by their fear of what lies ahead regarding AI’s influence and potential domination. While action movies are primarily meant to be feel-good escapades, their timely exploration of AI-related anxieties allows for broader discussions about the ethical and philosophical implications of emerging technologies.

Conclusion

“Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One” capitalizes on the current fascination and unease surrounding AI by presenting The Entity—an all-powerful, all-seeing, sentient AI—as the primary antagonist. The film’s release aligns perfectly with public discussions about AI’s growing dominance and calls for regulation. By choosing a faceless AI foe, the movie is able to appeal to a wide audience while tapping into shared anxieties about the consequences of AI advancements. As the future unfolds, action movies like “Dead Reckoning Part One” may serve as important cultural touchstones, prompting philosophical discussions and critical examinations of our relationship with technology.