Second thoughts on Worldbuilder – actually a very depressing film about male desire.

Here’s the narrative, such as it is: man creates cyber world for girlfriend/would-be girlfriend; girlfriend/would-be girlfriend gambols delightedly though idealised cyber dreamworld, observed, without her knowing it, by her admirer/lover, until called back to the reality of the intensive care ward.

The flower has significance in this story: initially it’s just a kitsch detail of the world creator caressing cyber objects into life (think Michelangelo’s detail of God’s finger infusing Adam with life) but returns as a real flower inserted into a vase by the side of his unconscious girlfriend/would-be girlfriend. Yes, I wrote ‘inserted’.

It’s a troubling short: more about male inability to connect with the female ‘other’ except through fantasy and idealisation. This is why I think it’s about porn – although in porn idealisation (of the body: toned, tanned, pert, erect and ever-prepared) mixes with debasement (woman as object or ’slut’ constantly available).

What’s my take on the ‘message’ of this film? Real world or ‘meatspace’ is messy and complicated; cyberspace clean and uncomplicated. Guys, get yourself a girlfriend if you must – preferably a comatose one – and a fast broadband connection.