Computer Chess (2013) on Netflix
In 1980, teams of programmers gather at a California hotel for an annual tournament to see which computer chess program is best. Peter Bishton, a shy young programmer, takes part.
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- Netflix3.8/5
- IMDb6.2/105,051 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes88%
Trailer
Plot summary
In 1980, teams of programmers bring their chess programs to a California hotel for an annual tournament. A grandmaster, Pat Henderson, presides over the weekend with a videographer and a microphone. The computers are primitive and are carted from room to room. The programmers discuss artificial intelligence and its dystopian possibilities, and the Pentagon takes an interest in the gathering. Shelly Flintic is the only female geek present. A Human Potential Movement group is staying at the same hotel, and the two groups have awkward run-ins. A shy young programmer, Peter Bishton, catches the eye of a swinging older couple.
Cast
- Patrick Riesteras Bishton
- Myles Paigeas Papageorge
- James Curryas Carbray
- Robin Schwartzas Shelly
- Gerald Pearyas Henderson
- Gordon Kindlmannas Schoesser
- Kriss Schludermannas ADVANTAGE Member
- Kevin Bewersdorfas Cameraman
- Gene Williamsas MONSIEUR D'ECHECS member
- Jim Lewisas John
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Computer Chess (2013)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Cinematographer Matthias Grunsky shot the film on black-and-white analog video tube cameras from the 1970s, specifically Sony AVC-3260 models; director Andrew Bujalski and Grunsky chose the obsolete technology to recreate the visual aesthetic of early 1980s video.
- The film is more improvisational than Bujalski's earlier work, built from only an eight-page treatment instead of a script, and he cast nonprofessional actors who were knowledgeable in computer technology.
