Star Trek Insurrection

I hate to admit it, but I actually enjoyed watching this film much more than expected. While Star Trek was one of the more traditionally science fiction films we've watched (go figure), I actually think it focused more on humanity than other films. I've focused on the concept of humanity versus technology or artificial humanity for movies like Moon, Blade Runner, and AI, but I feel that Star Trek does a better job at bringing up this internal conflict without the use of robotics.

The first instance I noticed of this theme was during Picard's questioning into the workings of the Ba'ku people. I was immediately intrigued when the Ba'ku male leader discussed how while his people were very technologically advanced, they chose not to use it in their daily lives. This immediately set them aside from the rest of the Federation, because they actively made the choice that machines were a hindrance to humanity. However, it is ironic that these people renounce technology and still reap the benefits from being virtually immortal, but I digress.

This scenario is made even more interesting when the plot point was realized that the Son'a were originally apart of the Ba'ku people, but split because of their differing views on technology. The fact that the Son'as wanted to steal the planet essentially for the immortality it brings does slightly mar the discussion of the goods and evils of technology, but it also brings forth another question about humanity. Are humans defined by our limited lives, or does the true merits of humanity rely on how we act? This film offers three different answers to this question. First, there is one of the Son'as, whose mission is to take the planet because he wants eternal youth, but also uses technology in all aspects of his life. Then there is the Ba'ku woman, who rejects technology but is immortal. Then, there is Picard, who chooses to remain aged, and while he uses technology, he maintains his morals even in the face of the Federation.


While the answer to who's humanity is the more acceptable is very relative, I believe that Jean-Luc presents the most human character. He does not use technology as a crutch, but he also does not let it encompass or control his entire life. The overarching theme of Star Trek Insurrection does not focus on the absence vs too much technology, but rather the right balance and morals used behind it.