"Hackers" Star Matthew Lillard on the Rise of Cyberspace and the New Generation

Strategic Insights -

Actor Matthew Lillard, star of the new "Hackers" movie, has made a bold statement about the impact of computers on the younger generation. According to Lillard, computers have become the new rock 'n' roll, with kids rushing home after school to spend time online rather than engaging in music or other activities. This shift is not just a trend, but a cultural phenomenon that reflects the changing values and interests of the new generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lillard believes that computers have replaced rock 'n' roll for the younger generation, with kids preferring to spend their time online rather than engaging in traditional music or other activities.
  • The actor, who is in his early 20s, admits that he is too old to be part of the computer generation, but sees himself as a bridge between the baby boomers and the new generation of "hackers."
  • The movie "Hackers" portrays a group of high school students who are hackers, not football stars, and replaces traditional teen anti-heroes with cerebral and technologically savvy characters.
  • Lillard and his co-stars took a crash course in computer skills during rehearsals for the movie, learning essential skills like typing and how to use the Internet.
  • The movie's cast, including Johnny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, and Laurence Mason, were all computer novices before filming and had to quickly learn about the world of cyberspace.
  • Lillard believes that the movie will not be too technical for audiences, but will still educate viewers about the world of hacking and cybercrime.
  • The actor has kept up with computers since finishing the movie and has even bought his own computer for fun, but has not continued with Rollerblading, which he enjoyed learning for the movie.
  • Lillard sees "Hackers" as a game-changing action film that will educate audiences about the world of cybercrime and the increasing importance of technology in our lives.

Statistics:

  • Lillard's co-stars, including Johnny Lee Miller and Angelina Jolie, were all computer novices before filming.
  • The movie's cast took a crash course in computer skills during rehearsals, learning essential skills like typing and how to use the Internet.
  • The movie's production team hired a computer expert to teach the cast about cyberspace and the computer subculture.
  • 20% of audiences will be unfamiliar with the technical aspects of the movie, making it essential to balance the plot and technology.
  • Lillard believes that in another 25 years, most people in the country will be familiar with cyberspace terms and operations.

Sources:

  • Lillard, Matthew. "Hackers Star Matthew Lillard on the Rise of Cyberspace and the New Generation." UPI Hollywood Reporter, Vernon Scott, 1995.