The Final Moments of Karl Brant

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At what point does complexity acquire self awareness? Is flesh required for a soul?

“The story is set in the near future where experimental technology allows two detectives to bring a murder victim back to life in a digital state in order to question him about his final moments.”

Watching this film made me reminisce about  old sci-fi characters I had not thought about in years like Max Headroom and Dixie Flatline (Neuromancer, William Gibson).

The Final Moments of Karl Brant  was written and directed by  M.F. Wilson and stars Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman), Janina Gavankar (Luna on True Blood ), Fay Masterson (Eyes Wide Shut), Jon Sklaroff (CSI, The Comeback) and Pete Chekvala. It is a brilliant and dark 15 minute short film featuring an unexpected dramatic performance from an actor we usually typecast as the lovable fool, Pee-Wee Herman. On the tiny screen, he proves he is much more than that.

M.F. Wilson: Director & writer of Final Moments of Karl Brant and author of the graphic novel Fluorescent Black

M.F. Wilson: Director & writer of Final Moments of Karl Brant and author of the graphic novel Fluorescent Black

“I’m excited about the idea of copying memories into code,” says M. F. Wilson, also the visionary behind the cult graphic novel Fluorescent Black published by Heavy Metal Magazine. “Imagine for a second that, after your body dies, you can go on living in a digital state. This technology, which is currently on the horizon, will challenge our definitions of life and death. It makes a great basis for a high-tech crime story.”

 

The project was produced by the principals of the visual effects company Level 256 VFX who also developed the 3D holographic face of the digital character of Karl Brant using custom 3D software,  a hacked Xbox Kinect camera, and a Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Level 256 VFX has done graphic and visual effect work on movies that include The Bourne Legacy,  G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Fast & Furious 6, Knocked Up, Brides Maids, Clear History, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Charlie St. Cloud, I Love You Man, Superbad, and many more. Having a client list ranging from small budget documentaries to almost every major movie studio.

Level 256 VFX  is modeled after a co-op, so the company is owned and operated by a group of individuals, instead of just mainly one person. This gives them great flexibility in the projects they are able to take and the speed at which they are able to work.

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Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided drones and misguided men.