1. 1 Perception, Illusion and VR HNRS 299, Spring 2008 Lecture 22 "Pan's Labyrinth" vs. "The Matrix"

2. 2 Tying things together How is "Pan's Labyrinth" like "The Matrix" ? OR How does a course on Virtual Reality and Perception relate to courses on Literature?

3. 3 The "real" world The "real" world for the main characters in both movies is not a pleasant place. Ofelia's real world "The desert of the real" from "The Matrix"

4. 4 A virtual (imaginary) world offers escape Neo--The virtual world is created by machines, using computer programs and to create a world like it was before the war. Ofelia--Her books of fairy tales create imaginary worlds where there are princesses, fairies and magic. Are books a form of virtual reality?

5. 5 Neo and Ofelia can enter their virtual worlds Neo enters the virtual world by means of electronic connections between his brain and the computer programs. How does Ofelia enter her fairy world? Is imagination or dreaming a type of virtual reality?

6. 6 The virtual worlds are not paradises Villains or monsters exist in both virtual worlds. Neo must face Agent Smith. Ofelia faces several monsters.

7. 7 Neo and Ofelia are special in the virtual world Neo is "the one" Ofelia is a princess.

8. 8 Neo and Ofelia both conquer the virtual world Neo "conquers" the virtual world by learning to control its reality. Ofelia permanently enters her imaginary world by completing the final test. What does she do?

9. 9 Books and Movies vs. Computer Virtual Reality If books are not a form of virtual reality, can they lead us to a new reality (of imagination)? Technology can open the doors to make our interaction with stories more realistic and immersive, through VR. Many current video and computer games incorporate some aspects of virtual reality. They allow the user to enter story worlds and be characters within those worlds. We can all be "the one" or "a princess". Is this a good thing?