biggest problem is.... - Multiplicity (1996) Discussion

[–] ntsci 15 years ago

Given that its a commedy science fiction, I don't think this one lends itself to deep analysis of the technological practicalities. From a purely genetics point of view, a clone of a clone would be an exact copy of the clone, but presumably something else was going on to transfer memories (which are not stored genetically), but.... hey the copy of a copy bit is a funny joke.

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RIGOLETTO: I'm denied that common human right, to weep.

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[–] Mad_Monkey 15 years ago

They talked about when they cloned #2, the doctor loved the idea because it was experimental. Obviously the doctor did not care about ethics so he was willing to try anything. He even gave them a great deal.

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[–] badhuman99 14 years ago

it might not have even been the original doctor who was up for it. we already know he has a clone and for all we know he came out evil like #2

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[–] FlyingPie 14 years ago

I think an even bigger problem with this movie is the practicality of cloning yourself just to be able to get more work done. Doug and his clones all need a place to stay, food to eat, etc., which all costs money. Not to mention the fact that they are separate individuals which will want to have their own lives.

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[–] conchord_phan 14 years ago

I think the biggest problem is the plot; the clones have a desire for free time too, given they each have the same memories. Number 2 is working all day and night, 5 days a week - how is it fair? Doesn't he want free time? Why be so selfless? Was Chris Miller thinking his viewers would be too unintelligent to notice this flaw? The clones were treated as slaves.

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[–] brock22 13 years ago

I didn't feel bad for the clones because they all got some of that hot Andy McDowell tail, even the mentally challenged Doug. It was worth the effort.

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[–] dsimpsons1 13 years ago

It's a comedy, folks. Don't get too hung up on the plot. But, thematically, the whole idea of Keaton wanting clones for more time is the reason for the plot. He wasn't thinking practically, he just wanted copies of himself to get stuff done. I think we all have that fantasy sometimes without stopping to think that our clones would need food and a place to stay. He did the cloning out of desperation and didn't stop to think about the consequences. That's what the film is about!

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[–] sunezno (231) 3 months ago

Thank you, I think this is the best explanation here. Doug wasn't thinking that far ahead, he was just thinking of the immediate benefits. That's one of the problems with people anyway. That's kind of the whole point of the movie.

If human cloning like this were actually possible today, you just know that some asshole out there would make a clone of himself just so that he wouldn't have to take out the trash while he's playing video games or something.
And that would not be an isolated case.

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[–] avortac4 (3478) 2 years ago

Yes, those are problems, and this movie is FULL of problems, from ethical to practical to philosophical .. all possible levels of life, you name it, this movie has problems about and with.

Of course if you make a 'helper', but that helper has a mind of their own, they are going to want their own 'helper' as well, then that 'helper' wants their own.

That's the problem with this sort of 'solution', it reminds me of the old dilemma, where some insects that were eating crops were defeated by bringing a huge amount of birds that eat those insects, but then the birds multiplied and became a danger, so then they brought some animals that eat the birds, but then they became a problem and so on...

This kind of short-sighted solution seeking is only going to make things worse, and that is one thing this movie showcases really well, but it's also incredible that NO ONE thought about it until it became a problem.

WHY didn't the doc or Doug CONSIDER the 'free will' problem BEFORE attempting the cloning procedure?

Why didn't they have LENGTHY philosophical, ethical and moral discussions about the individuality of the clone?

I almost expected the clones to be 'programmed biological robots', sort of perfect for doing simple tasks while Doug is away. But then, why would they have to look like him anyway.. you don't have to look like someone to be able to do the tasks Doug wants them to do.

The only reason would be if you want to _FOOL_ your 'beloved wife'. So you do anything for your wife, except TELL THE TRUTH.. this movie makes no sense even in its 'romantic' aspect.

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