Virtuosity is a 1995 American science fiction action film directed by Brett Leonard and starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. The film had an estimated budget of $30 million and grossed $37 million worldwide.
The plot of the movie revolves around a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of multiple serial killers who manage to escape into the real world. Washington plays Lt. Parker Barnes, who has to help find SID 6.7 (Russell Crowe), a virtual serial killer who has escaped into the real world in 1999 Los Angeles.
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the film's plot and action sequences, others criticized it for being too full of action and lacking in imagination. Despite the mixed reviews, the film has gained a cult following over the years.
Plot
The plot of Virtuosity (1995) revolves around a virtual reality simulation created using the personalities of multiple serial killers that manages to escape into the real world. An ex-cop is then tasked with stopping its reign of terror.
Trailer
Cast
- Denzel Washington as Lt. Parker Barnes
- Russell Crowe as SID 6.7
- Kelly Lynch as Madison Carter
- Stephen Spinella as Dr. Darrel Lindenmeyer
- William Forsythe as William Cochran
- Louise Fletcher as Elizabeth Deane
- William Fichtner as Wallace
- Costas Mandylor as John Donovan
- Kevin J. O'Connor as Clyde Reilly
- Kaley Cuoco as Karin Carter (uncredited)
The film also had a number of special effects and visual effects crew members, as well as stunt performers, but the main cast consisted of the actors listed above.
Director: Brett Leonard
Writer: Eric Bernt
Box Office Gross $24,047,675
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Action
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 11, 2020
Themes & Reception
The themes and reception of Virtuosity have been discussed in various contexts, including music, dance, and film criticism. The film's reception differed by national and urban context, and its themes have been analyzed in relation to poetic praxis and critical reception.
Additionally, the soundtrack of the film, which includes the song "1000 Fires," has been noted for its dark themes and successful chart performance. Furthermore, the concept of virtuosity has been explored in the context of private ethical acts and care of the self and others.
Fun Fact
- Michael Douglas was the original choice to play the character Barnes, but he had to drop out due to a bad knee injury. As a result, he decided to make "The American President" instead.
- Robert Downey Jr. met with the director to discuss the possibility of playing the character SID 6.7, but due to problems with his drug addiction and erratic behavior, the director decided to look for someone else.
- The song "1000 Fires" by Traci Lords, which mostly focuses on dark themes, was included on the soundtrack of the film Virtuosity (1995), in which Lords also had a cameo appearance.