Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning revolves around artificial intelligence, which seems to be a common theme lately (see Heart of Stone). The film does a great job of exploring the powerful implications of a weaponised AI. So as you’d expect there’s plenty of nice examples of FUI in this latest instalment but this time with a deeper focus on AI.

Artificial Intelligence

An AI model can be visualised in so many different ways and in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning it’s presented as a constantly shifting data cloud with an undulating core. This interpretation is quite simple but really effective. The erratic, ever-changing outer edges convey relentless activity, while the steady, glowing core exudes a sense of ominous power and control. It’s a thought-provoking representation that perfectly complements the AI’s mysterious and formidable nature.

Tracking

This sequence is really fun as it shows two opposing sides tracking Hunt at the airport, each using distinctly different interfaces. The government’s interface is clean and orderly, while the Mission Impossible team’s system feels intentionally raw and hacker-like.

The MI team’s interface has a no-frills, engineering-led aesthetic - everything is neatly arranged and functional. Yet, it’s peppered with those slight visual touches that add a bit of flair without sacrificing utility.

The tracking of Hunt’s photo in the security footage is also worth noting, in particular the extra layer of rectangles that sits behind his figure. This tiny detail gives depth to the tracking and really completes the design.

What’s most interesting about this sequence though, is the concept behind it. The idea that AI could manipulate security footage in real-time is quite unsettling,

Hacked interface

Here’s a nice little example of an interface glitching and being hacked.

ID Scan

A simple visualisation of a fingerprint and facial scan that allows the story and camera to flow nicely.