In Wim Wenders's 1991 film Until the End of the World, Sam Farber (William Hurt) is chased by bounty hunters and the free-spirited Claire (Solveig Dommartin). Armed with a VR camera, Sam doesn't merely interview his relatives; he records the electrochemical experience of seeing and, in his father's Australian laboratory, gives his blind mother the gift of sight.
When Sam and Claire record their dreams, an affliction called "the disease of images" sideswipes them. Until the End of the World extrapolates from the technology in "The Desire to Be Wired" (WIRED 1.4), but its high- definition video glimpses of tomorrow give fair warning.
With its haunting soundtrack, exotic locations, international stars, oddball techno-goodies, European pacing, and sobering payoff, World unfolds (on laserdisc) with life rhythms far removed from Hollywood's violent psychosexual fantasies, ultimately offering rich intellectual and emotional rewards.Robert Angone
Until the End of the World: US$92.99. Warner Home Videos: (800) 323 4767, +1 (818) 954 6000.
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