Transhumanist ‘Toons

“In the near future-corporate networks reach out to the stars, electrons and light flow through the universe.  The advance of computerization, however, has not yet wiped out nations and ethnic groups.”  Computerization has, however, wiped out the clear divide between human and machine.  And so begins director, Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 Japanese cyberpunk, anime creation, Ghost In the Shell.

In the year 2029 the world is equipped with a complex and highly integrated computer networking system.  In the process of making the planet a technology-based virtual plane of data exchange, criminals were inadvertently infused with the ability to reach new heights in the growing arena of cybercrime.  Japan is divided by powerful mega-corporations and the need to create a special division of police has become necessary in order to protect against corruption and internet crime.  Major Motoko Kusanagi and her partner, Bateau, are experts in the war against cyber terrorism.  Working out of Public Security Section 9, a top secret cybercrime police headquarters, Major Kusanagi and Bateau are charged with the feat of putting a stop to the Puppet Master, a legendary super villain heavily endowed with technological knowledge and hacking adeptness, dubbed Puppet Master for his ability to implant false memories in people’s brains and control them to commit crimes.

In terms of asthetics, Ghost In the Shell is a film to be admired for its true artistic quality.  The exquisitely detailed, incredibly realistic animation alone is enough to captivate viewers.  Despite a fair amount of action, a great deal of attention was paid to perfect the balance between adventurous exploits, beautiful scenery, and meaningful dialogue.  The film is a slow-moving series of seamless transitions and, on the surface, Ghost In the Shell is enjoyable to watch solely on the merits of beauty and entertainment value.  The film, however, is not unaccompanied by plot.  On the contrary, Ghost In the Shell is a work of animation that is heavily laden with themes, significance, and a multidimensional storyline.

Ghost In the Shell is a film that truly redefines human identity by making an extreme distinction between what is “ghost,” and what is “shell.”  The vast majority of humans have undergone a procedure to have their brains removed from their biological bodies and placed inside a new shell; a cybernetically engineered body equipped with advanced technological capabilities.  The movie opens with a scene reminiscent of birth, as viewers are introduced to Major Motoko Kusangi, serenely rising to the surface of a pool of water.  Upon contact with the air, Motoko becomes conscious, her “ghost,” or self remains intact, contained within a sleek and efficient piece of new machinery.

It isn’t long before Bateau and Major Kusangi are on the road, following signals from their high tech tracking devices, in hot pursuit of the Puppet Master.  They are led through an eventful series of high speed chases, crashes, gunfire and criminals equipped with thermo-optic camouflage, bestowing chameleon-like powers that allow their bodies to become one with their surroundings to even the highest tech eyes.  The duo become increasingly aware that catching up to the Puppet Master is no easy task.  As Motoko and Bateau drive through New Port City, finding the victims of the Puppet Master’s memory cleansing, they become engaged in a conversation about memory and identity making it increasingly evident that the fantastic animation and action packed clips are secondary to Motoko’s internal conflicts.  Motoko has a very keen sense of self.  She knows her ghost well, but is sanctioned to the confines of her robotic body and states, “There are countless ingredients that make up the human body and mind, like all the components that make up me as an individual with my own personality. Sure I have a face and voice to distinguish myself from others, but my thoughts and memories are unique only to me, and I carry a sense of my own destiny. Each of those things is just a small part of it. I collect information to use in my own way. All of that blends to create a mixture that forms me and gives rise to my conscience. I feel confined, only free to expand myself within boundaries.”

Motoko’s sentiments are fluid in both plot and powerful dialogue throughout the film.  Viewers are taken on an intellectual journey, forced to consider the meaning of existence, identity, and the definition of human consciousness.  Matters are further complicated when Motoko uncovers the true identity of the Puppet Master, project 2501, an AI program that has developed its own unique sense of self and awareness.  2501 is not a cybervillain by choice, only by code.  And thus the notion that artificial intelligence beholds the ability to develop those qualities previously connoted with the human brain arises.  Project 2501 demonstrates the ability to think, feel and make judgment between right and wrong.  And yet again, Motoko and viewers alike are left to grapple with the complexity of the origin and condition of sentience.  Project 2501 possesses its own “ghost,” yet no tangible means of existence; confined to the abstract realm of cyberspace:

Project 2501: I refer to myself as an intelligent life form because I am sensioned and I am able to recognize my own existence, but in my present state I am still incomplete. I lack the most basic processes inherent in all living organisms: reproducing and dying.

 Motoko: But you can copy yourself.

Project 2501: A copy is just an identical image. There is the possibility that a single virus could destroy an entire set of systems and copies do not give rise to variety and originality. Life perpetuates itself through diversity and this includes the ability to sacrifice itself when necessary. Cells repeat the process of degeneration and regeneration until one day they die, obliterating an entire set of memory and information, only genes remain. Why continually repeat this cycle? Simply to survive by avoiding the weaknesses of an unchanging system.

Ghost In the Shell is a work that leaves viewers thinking.  Evolution is a slow occurring process being rapidly helped along with the advent of technology.  So, how do we adapt and what is the effect on human consciousness?