SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL: iCINEMA SCENARIO

Are you ready for a mouthful? Scenario is the world’s first 360-degree 3D cinematic installation whose narrative relies on an interactive audience using characters with artificial intelligence. In layman’s terms, you go in to a dark room of floor to ceiling screens that show the light “humanoids”. Stand in front of one for a few moments and it can read your body and will follow the actions you take while you assist in the story’s narrative.  A giant baby falls to pieces and you must collect the bits to rebuild it. Meanwhile dark “humanoids” try to stop you. The narrative is basic but the experience is mind-boggling. Is this the future of cinema? If so, there’s no room left for mindless popcorn escapism. (ES) ***1/2