Able Edwards (2004)
Directed by Graham Robertson
Cloning; Cyborgs; Genetic memory; Legislation; Nature/nurture; Science fiction
The story of a clone created to revitalize the original human’s failing corporation and his struggles to live up to the legend while also trying to have a life of his own.
When a biological contaminant is released into earth’s atmosphere, killing nearly 90% of the world’s population, the human race moves to an experimental space station orbiting earth. In the hopes of bringing some of their former culture to their new way of life and in an attempt to salvage the company, the Edwards Corporation (EC) creates Abel Edwards beta, a clone of the famous 20the century entertainment mogul Abel Edwards whose empire consisted of television, films, and amusement parks called Fantastic Wonderland. The film centers around a court hearing to distribute the clone’s assets after his death: should they go to the Edwards Corporation or to his non-clone wife and family? Through a series of flashbacks as different characters take the stand in the trial, we learn of Abel Edwards beta’s creation and life. A group of scientists travel back to earth to collect the original Edwards’s body which had been cryogenically frozen; the EC then accomplishes the first successful cell split and continued growth activity within an embryo derived from Edwards’s sample to create the clone. The clone, who will age normally, will assume control of the EC at the age of twenty-five. To ensure that the cloned Edwards is as similar to the original as possible, the EC creates a “half-life”—half human, half android—named GL-7 or Gowan to befriend, teach, and help Edwards beta to experience life events in a way that will guide him to a level of intelligence and creativity similar to that of the original Edwards. The EC board of directors decides not to hide Edwards beta’s true identity from him, and the chief director adopts him as a son. Edwards beta’s entire life is manipulated; he is made to suffer the same tragedies his predecessor did. His training also includes exposure to old videos and simulations of the way life was on earth. Edwards beta is continually distraught by the artificial, virtual reality of his existence. So, when Edwards beta assumes control of the EC, his plans for the company revolve around bringing “real-based entertainment” to the civilization aboard the space station: his version of the Fantastic Wonderlands include genetically engineered zoo animals, live action attractions, and “real” rides versus the now status quo virtual reality versions. After 20 years of success equal to that of the original Edwards, Edwards beta—married with children—decides to run for public office on a platform of reality-based living. Edwards beta wants to make humanity’s life on the civilization pod as fulfilling as possible, while his opponent champions returning to earth as well as an “Anti-Reality” platform. However, despite his success, Edwards beta constantly struggles with his identity and the fact that he can never truly be like the original Edwards. His family life is also in turmoil. One day, one of the “real” rides at a Fantastic Wonderland park goes haywire, killing his own son and the other children; all of the parks are shut down, Edwards beta loses the political race, and is deemed obsolete by the EC that created him. In his despair, Edwards beta takes a ship to the still toxic earth and, without protective gear, dies at the foot of a statue of the original Abel Edwards at one of earth’s Fantastic Wonderlands. The court unanimously determines that the clone’s assets belong to the EC, citing that Edwards beta is the creative property of the corporation.
Robertson’s film raises compelling questions about cloning, nature and nurture, human rights, and judiciary precedent concerning genetic science. Abel Edwards is a blatant analogue for Walt Disney, and the Edwards Corporation’s desire to clone him and resurrect his empire demonstrates humanity’s need for familiarity and consolation as they struggle to adapt to life on the civilization pod. Edwards beta’s own struggle to reconcile his identity and life with that of the original Edwards, presented against the backdrop of the court’s consideration of who owns him and his estate, encourages viewers to consider not only the gains and repercussions of human cloning but also the rights accorded to all human beings.
Evaluation: A creative story that treats cloning in interesting and thought-provoking ways. Instructors and students alike should find it enjoyable and productive as a tool for discussing genetics in film and culture.
– Lauren Wood Hoffer