Conceiving Ada (1997)

Synopsis: Ada Byron King was the daughter of poet Lord Byron, and is credited with having written the world's first computer program, a machine called the Analytic Engine. She is also the obsession of a woman named Emmy in this unique film that has an... Ada Byron King was the daughter of poet Lord Byron, and is credited with having written the world's first computer program, a machine called the Analytic Engine. She is also the obsession of a woman named Emmy in this unique film that has an intriguing sci-fi premise and a stylized look. Emmy is fanatically devoted to finding a way to penetrate time with genetic information and to meet and talk with Ada Byron. The two women live somewhat parallel lives; Ada and Emmy's mother are similarly overbearing and played by the same actress (Black) and their personal lives also are suspiciously similar. Director Lynn Hershman-Leeson conceived each shot in the film with the DNA double helix in mind in order to emphasize this aspect of the film. The film has an astonishing climax in which Ada and Emmy finally meet, but it wouldn't be fair to say any more. [More]

Starring: Tilda Swinton, Francesca Faridany, Karen Black, Timothy Leary

Starring: Tilda Swinton, Francesca Faridany, Karen Black, Timothy Leary, John Perry Barlow

Director: Lynn Hershmann-Leeson

Director: Lynn Hershmann-Leeson
Producer: Henry Rosenthal

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