Dated

Three people have just finished watching an old film from the 20th century in their comfortable room. They proceed to share their impressions about the film. The film in question is Harold and Maude. Let’s listen in, shall we?

I thought that it was a very interesting film. I especially enjoyed the sense of rebellion that it had about it. I’m not sure I fully understand the end though.

Yes. What exactly happened to Maude?

Maude killed herself.

Well, why on earth would anyone do that?

It is a bit of an outdated ritual these days, but as you might recall there was a person just this last year who did the same thing.

I still don’t understand it.

Was she unhappy? She seemed so happy.

She was old. People had a life expectancy back then and it wasn’t very long. In those days when people got old they started to degrade. She liked being in control of her life.

How interesting.

That’s so sad. Why, I can’t imagine living in such a barbaric age.

I know. It is quite terrifying to think about.

Shall we watch another one of these old relics?

How about this one? The Matrix.

Alright, let’s do it.

Dream Theatre

There is a movie theatre only accessible in sleep. Every night, tens of thousands of people travel there through their dreams.

The lobby is filled with electricity and sound. There are people collecting impossibly snacks and playing absurd games. There is an energy of suspense and warm darkness that resonates from the intricate patterns on the floors and ceilings. It is hard to tell whether these patterns move and vibrate or whether this is simply a trick of the eye.

As you travel down the corridor to the main dome, you discover the wonderful sort of labyrinth that only one’s child-mind could imagine. Mirrors, windows, and inclines play cat and mouse with you. Occasionally you pass showings of films that you have not come to see. Sounds leak out from the doorways. Some films alarm you of soul chilling experiences waiting to be had. Others entice with the promise of fantastic journeys and new frontiers. The door to the main dome invites you to cross the threshold as strange opening slides are projected onto the massive main screen. They are not advertisements. They are optical puzzles. As you stare at them your mind begins to wander until it makes its way into the feature presentation.

Today an interesting twist on disaster movies and environmental documentary. You find yourself and loved ones, evading urban destruction. Your dearest companions comprise a family of eccentric scientists who are attempting to reverse, or at east curb, the strange frequency of sound that you have caused all motor vehicles to make. This sound causes buildings to tip and tumble. Entire cities can be destroyed by a single automobile. Even the honking of a horn can cause a forty story sky scraper to crumple to the ground.

You wake up before you can solve the transportation problem. Perhaps you will return to finish the tale another night. Presuming of course you can remember your way to the dream theatre. m