Synthetic Pleasures (1995)

SYNTHETIC PLEASURES is a fascinating but slight documentary about 
man's most recent attempts to control his biosphere, his being, and 
his brain.  Iara Lee (director) and George Gund (producer) take us 
on a whirlwind tour of artificial nature, virtual reality, and all 
points in-between.  We step inside a giant "ocean dome" in Japan, 
watch a performance artist undergo plastic surgery, and meet a 
high-tech nomad whose pedal-powered "home" is fully wired.  (Among 
other things, we're also subjected to thirty minutes of poorly shot 
computer-animated filler.)  The topics are techy, sure, but even 
those without pocket protectors can find inspiration in the movie's 
final message.  The promise of a world with more connections than 
separations is something any Earthling can relate to.  (Not Rated/
83 min.)

Grade: B-

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies in MOVIE HELL: October 24, 1996