Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Werner Herzog asks the internet if it dreams of electric sheep, and then Elon Musk says we should all go to Mars and use space Wi-Fi, while a family blames the internet for everything bad, making it a surprisingly philosophical therapy session for the digital age.

🍿 Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Birth of the Internet

Herzog begins by exploring the humble origins of the internet at UCLA in 1969. He interviews Leonard Kleinrock, one of the key figures involved in the first message sent over ARPANET. The film captures the initial excitement and optimism surrounding this groundbreaking technology, showcasing the pioneers’ vision for connecting the world.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

The documentary delves into the world of AI and robotics, showcasing advancements in self-driving cars and autonomous robots. Herzog interviews researchers and engineers, exploring the potential benefits and ethical implications of these technologies. He also raises questions about the possibility of artificial intelligence surpassing human capabilities.

The Dark Side of Connectivity

Herzog explores the negative aspects of the internet, including cyberbullying and online harassment. He interviews the Catsouras family, who faced immense grief and trauma after photos of their deceased daughter were leaked online. This segment highlights the anonymity and lack of accountability that can lead to malicious behavior on the internet.

Living Without the Net

The documentary features individuals who have chosen to disconnect from the internet due to health concerns or philosophical beliefs. Herzog explores the challenges and benefits of living in a society increasingly reliant on technology. This section provides a contrasting perspective on the pervasive nature of the internet in modern life.

The Future of the Internet

Herzog speculates on the future of the internet, including its potential role in space exploration and colonization. He interviews Elon Musk about his vision for establishing internet access on Mars. The film also touches on the vulnerability of the internet to solar flares and other potential disruptions, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of our connected world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Werner Herzog (Werner Herzog): The interviewer and narrator who explores the origins, impact, and future of the Internet.
• Elon Musk (Elon Musk): The entrepreneur who shares his vision for the internet’s role in space exploration, particularly on Mars.
• Leonard Kleinrock (Leonard Kleinrock): The computer scientist who recounts the creation of the first internet message.
• Kevin Mitnick (Kevin Mitnick): The former hacker who provides insight into cybersecurity and the human element of hacking.
• Lesli, Christos, Christina, and Danielle Catsouras (Lesli, Christos, Christina, and Danielle Catsouras): The family affected by the dark side of the Internet after their daughter’s accident photos were shared online.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Werner Herzog: “Does the internet dream of itself?” – A philosophical question posed by Herzog, reflecting on the potential consciousness or self-awareness of the internet.
• Leonard Kleinrock: “All we wanted to do was log in from our computer to a computer 400 miles to the north up at Stanford Research Institute.” – Describing the humble beginnings of the internet and the ARPANET project.
• Leonard Kleinrock: “To log in, you have to type ‘L O G’ and that machine was smart enough to type the ‘I N’.” – Recalling the first message sent over the internet, highlighting the technological limitations and early achievements.
• Werner Herzog: “The Internet is not just a network of machines, it’s a reflection of humanity itself.” – Werner sums up his view of the internet as being a product of human creation, both good and bad.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $594,912
• Worldwide Gross: $765,796

💥 Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Lo and Behold’ to be a fascinating, if somewhat scattered, look at the internet. Werner Herzog asks such strange questions like ‘Can the internet dream of itself?’. It’s a movie that left me pondering our reliance on technology. The segments on the beginnings of the internet and the interviews with pioneers were incredibly insightful. It gave me a deeper appreciation for both its potential and the inherent risks.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Documentary fans”
  • “Tech enthusiasts”
  • “Werner Herzog fans”
  • “Viewers interested in the future of technology”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of cyberbullying”
  • “Images and accounts of grief”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety Film + TV: “An AI-Assisted Docu-Mystery That Won’t Give Werner Herzog Any Sleepless Nights – About a Hero Review.
• SF Film Festival: “A SF Film Festival review stated: ‘It kind of blew my mind to see the range of material that was covered.’
• Amazon Video: “Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World is a documentary by famed documentary film maker Werner Herzog. The guy has no niche, no area of expertise and has made films on everything from bears to volcanos to criminals and certainly has his way of doing things.

Audience Reactions

The film’s exploration of the dark side of the internet, especially the story of the Catsouras family, left many viewers deeply disturbed and thoughtful.: The unique blend of philosophical inquiry and technological exploration resonated with audiences, providing a thought-provoking experience.

Elon Musk’s appearance and discussion about the possibility of the internet on Mars sparked excitement and curiosity about the future of technology.: Werner Herzog’s ability to blend science and philosophy in a humorous way kept the audience engaged throughout the documentary.

Overall Consensus: Werner Herzog’s ‘Lo and Behold’ is a thought-provoking, though somewhat uneven, exploration of the internet’s impact on society, offering both fascination and trepidation about the connected world.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Werner Herzog has stated that he himself does not own a cell phone, adding an outsider’s perspective to his exploration of the digital world.”
• “The film began as a commission from Netscout for five short films about the internet, but Herzog expanded the scope after realizing the project’s potential.”
• “Herzog has mentioned that Elon Musk was shy on camera, requiring long pauses before answering questions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World?

Currently, ‘Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming or digital purchase platform for availability in your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World, you might like these similar films:

• The Social Network (2010): Explores the impact of the internet and social media on human connection and society, focusing on the creation of Facebook.
• Citizenfour (2014): A documentary that delves into the themes of digital surveillance and privacy in the modern world.
• Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013): Examines the privacy implications of online services and the extent to which personal data is collected and used.
• Grizzly Man (2005): Another Werner Herzog documentary exploring the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.

🛒 Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World Related Products

• Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World [Blu-ray]: Own the physical copy of Werner Herzog’s exploration of the digital age. Perfect for collectors and cinephiles who appreciate Herzog’s unique filmmaking style.
• The Internet: An User’s Guide: This audiobook offers the basics of understanding the internet
• Artificial Intelligence for Beginners: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to AI concepts and algorithms, essential for understanding the technology discussed in the documentary.
• Werner Herzog – Signed Movie Poster: A limited-edition movie poster signed by Werner Herzog himself. A must-have collectible for die-hard fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Das Rheingold: Vorspiel” – performed by Richard Wagner (Performed by Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Werner Herzog trolling Elon Musk with silence #elonmusk #wernerherzog

Ever wondered what it’s like when Werner Herzog and Elon Musk are in the same room? This clip is pure gold, watching Herzog’s silent ‘trolling’ of Musk is strangely captivating – you have to see it!

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