Avatars, Surrogates and Human Emotion

Should we clone humans? It’s a difficult question for some, and very clear cut for others. What technology has allowed us to do is explore this brave new world virtually, either through Avatars or Surrogates (two recent Hollywood films) which are simply replacements for real humans. Although computer technology has created very realistic copies on screen, they lack the complexity and emotion of real people. Robots lag even further behind in technology development. While I can see the benefits of both–replacement body parts in the case of cloning–or manufacturing work and production–in the case of robots, I think we’re still a long way off from replacing people, even on the TV screen. Even while I watch a movie and feel amazement at the magic of CGI, I still look into the eyes and faces of real people. It has been said that “the eyes are windows into the soul.” Perhaps that is what is missing with technology. (Editor’s Note: It doesn’t hurt if it’s the eyes of Clive Owen or Johnny Depp or for the men, Kate Beckinsale or Charlize Theron. They do tend to pull you in.)

Below: Two Photos from modeling photoshoots that show that elusive human intensity and emotion. Look at the eyes.