So I have a different type of Q&A event for Ain’t It Cool News readers in the Chicago area, and it’s for the new Ryan Reynolds-Sir Ben Kingsley film SELF/LESS from the great director Tarsem Singh (THE CELL, THE FALL, IMMORTALS). SELF/LESS is a psychological thriller that asks the provocative question: What if you could live forever? And while that may sound like the stuff of pure science fiction, the study of extending life, living forever, and immortality is being researched by some of the smartest scientists at the most prestigious universities across the country. In fact, the pursuit of extending life and achieving consciousness transfer – people are calling it “science future,” not science fiction. And these ideas are at the center of SELF/LESS, which also happens to be a cool action film as well.
With all of that in mind, immediately after the Chicago screening, we will have a discussion with Dr. Sliman Bensmaia, Associate Professor in Neuroscience at University of Chicago. And with his help, we’ll be able to ask the question: How close are we to the science on display in SELF/LESS? The screening takes place on Tuesday, June 30 at 7pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win…
To win, send me an email at SelfLessChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “Immortality!” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest (each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest--if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “What would you do if you were able to extend your life significantly?” Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 100 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Best answers (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you won, so check your email over the weekend.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:45pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house for our guest. If you can't arrive by 6:45pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to the Focus Features for giving us this very cool screening and our guest to Chicago.
