Talk:Hackers (film)

Original Article?

• What happened to the original article? Why is it being replaced with this book? Demoman87 01:39, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

I think I fixed it. dr. yesterday 05:45, 12 May 2007 (UTC)

Notes on possible edits

This film is loosely based on the Masters of Deception.

• Some of the characters have names from actual MoD members as well as some of the names are bastardizations of others.
• The films Hackers represent the ethnically and gender diverse MoD members
• The script writer also spent time with Mark Abene Phiber Optik of the Masters Of Deception before and while he was writing the script.
• MoD still has copies of the script, although we disown this films farcical look at hacking and it's promotion of rollerblade culture as "cool" in New York City. A fact attributed to the Director's meterosexual bend and the fact that from London he was far removed from what passed as cool in New York City. --Netw1z 10:24, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

Guiness record

I remember reading an edition of guinness world records, which stated that the hacker's website was entangled in some legal battles over illegal "hacking" content. or something like that. any insight? 68.222.41.105 08:22, 17 December 2006 (UTC)

I just wasted 10 minutes wandering through web searches & came up empty on Hackers & Guinness. The closest I could find is naming Kevin Mitnick as the "most notorious hacker" (ugh). Also, you MoD boys really need to lighten up. Life goes on, you know?

Scalefree 04:03, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

Hackers 2??

To my knowlage there is no such film as Hackers 2 looking at IMDb the film Takedown(2000) has the informal title of Hackers 2 but the two films have nothing in common

It was a name added to it in early pirate releases, for some reason (As Hackers 2 or Hackers: Operation Takedown). People just kept on believing that Takedown was a sequel. The movies aren't associated with one another in any way. --Ifrit 05:01, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Though your point is completely valid, they do share one fairly unique trait: they both involve Emmanuel Goldstein, with him acting in the first and making a documentary about the second 184.175.57.28 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 04:18, 17 March 2019 (UTC)

Soundtrack: Hackers 2

Full Title Hackers 2: Music From and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture
Label: Edeltone
Original Release Date: October 21st, 1997 (U.S.A.)

Tracks (from Hackers 2)

1. "Firestarter" by The Prodigy
2. "Toxygene" by The Orb
3. "Little Wonder (Danny Saber Dance Mix)" by David Bowie
4. "Fire" by Scooter
5. "Narcotic Influence 2" by Empirion
6. "Remember" by BT
7. "Go" by Moby
8. "Inspection (Check One)" by Leftfield
9. "Cherry Pie" by Underworld
10. "To Be Loved (Disco Citizens R&D Edit)" by Luce Drayton
11. "Speed Freak [Moby Remix]" by Orbital
12. "Get Ready to Bounce [Radio Attack]" by Brooklyn Bounce
13. "Off Shore [Disco Citizens Edit]" by Chicane
14. "Original" by Leftfield

Hack The Planet Redirection

Hack The Planet should NOT redirect to a Movie. "Hack The Planet" is an ideology, not just a quote from a movie. I would be happy to contribute to the Topic, but it should NOT redirect here. --HockeyInJune 21:17, 11 June 2007 (UTC)

Schmackground

The entire 'Background' section is nonsense. It doesn't matter if the stupid people who wrote this screenplay insist they based a character on RTM - ask Paul Graham and RTM themselves. This is pure patent nonsense. Obliterate this embarrassingly stupid section. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.213.91.104 (talk • contribs) 16:46, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

Quote

I guess it should be noted that a Ozzy quote is stated in the movie. "Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most."

"Ozzy" is a funny way to spell "Mark Twain". - SummerPhD (talk) 03:24, 8 July 2010 (UTC)

Go watch the film Summer, it will make more sense. magnius (talk) 03:33, 8 July 2010 (UTC)

I've now seen the movie (I want my two hours back). The stoner attributes a Twain quote to Osbourne. Trivial. - SummerPhD (talk) 00:19, 5 June 2011 (UTC)

So does that mean you have the actual reference that proves Mark Twain wrote this down somewhere? I cannot find a reference to the work he is quoted from. I just need a reference to put this to rest. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 138.87.166.198 (talk) 18:08, 4 March 2013 (UTC)

Introduction needs rewriting=

Why is the explicit use of metaphor "inaccurate"? I don't see the walking-on-water scene from "Being There" on imdb's goof page! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.164.169.161 (talk) 12:21, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

A Question

What is the name of the song that is playing near the beginning of the movie when Dade and Kate try to take over a television station and fight over what is playing, and is played again when they are going to the payphones near the end of the movie to prove their innocence? 68.43.41.106 (talk) 23:09, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

Whoops, nevermind... It's Voodoo People. =P 68.43.41.106 (talk) 01:06, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

put this here for now

Label: Edel America
Original Release Date: June 25th, 1996 (U.S.A.)

Tracks

1. "Original Bedroom Rockers" by Kruder & Dorfmeister
2. "Cowgirl" by Underworld
3. "Voodoo People" by The Prodigy
4. "Open Up" by Leftfield
5. "Phoebus Apollo" by Carl Cox
6. "The Joker" by Josh Abrahams
7. "Halcyon & On & On" by Orbital
8. "Communicate" (Headquake Hazy Cloud Mix) by Plastico
9. "One Love" by The Prodigy
10. "Connected" by Stereo MC's
11. "Eyes, Lips, Body" (Mekon Vocal Mix) by Ramshackle
12. "Good Grief" by Urban Dance Squad
13. "Richest Junkie Still Alive" (Sank Remix) by Machines of Loving Grace
14. "Heaven Knows" by Squeeze

Non released tracks

Some musical pieces were not released on the official soundtrack, but do make a significant impact on the movie, such as the 'worm hacking' scene and the music around and in Grand Central Station

• "Protection" by Massive Attack
• "Inspection Check One" by Leftfield (Released on Hackers 2: Music From And Inspired By The Original Motion Picture "Hackers")
• "Original" by Leftfield (Released on Hackers 2: Music From And Inspired By The Original Motion Picture "Hackers")
• "Combination" (suggested title) by Guy Pratt
• "Grand Central Station" (suggested title) by Guy Pratt
• "Real Wild Child" (Wild One) by Iggy Pop, this song is sung by Joey under the shower

Soundtrack: Hackers 2

Full Title Hackers 2: Music From and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture
Label: Edeltone
Original Release Date: October 21st, 1997 (U.S.A.)

Tracks (from Hackers 2)

1. "Firestarter (Empirion Mix)" by The Prodigy
2. "Toxygene" by The Orb
3. "Little Wonder (Danny Saber Dance Mix)" by David Bowie
4. "Fire" by Scooter
5. "Narcotic Influence 2" by Empirion
6. "Remember" by BT
7. "Go" by Moby
8. "Inspection (Check One)" by Leftfield
9. "Cherry Pie" by Underworld
10. "To Be Loved (Disco Citizens R&D Edit)" by Luce Drayton
11. "Speed Freak [Moby Remix]" by Orbital
12. "Get Ready to Bounce [Radio Attack]" by Brooklyn Bounce
13. "Offshore [Disco Citizens Edit]" by Chicane
14. "Original" by Leftfield

Soundtrack: Hackers 3

Full Title Hackers 3: Music From and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture
Label: Edeltone
Original Release Date: September 21, 1999 (U.S.A.)

Tracks (from Hackers 3)

1. "Why Can't It Stop" by Moby
2. "Godspeed (BT Edit Mix)" by BT
3. "Absurd (Whitewash Mix)" by Fluke
4. "Quiet Then" by Cloak
5. "I Am Fresh" by Monkey Mafia
6. "Phuture 2000 (Radio Edit)" by Carl Cox
7. "An Fhomhair" by Orbital
8. "Fashion (Ian Pooley Mix)" by Phunky Data
9. "Psychopath (Leftfield Mix)" by John Lydon
10. "Stop & Panic" by Cirrus
11. "Strong In Love" by Chicane
12. "Hack The Planet" by Brooklyn Bounce
13. "Diskette" by Simon Boswell
14. "Launch Di Vinci" by Simon Boswell

G4

A time-compressed, edited-for-content version is CONSTANTLY airing on G4 these days, at least once a week.

The differences are, besides being sped-up from the original film, and edited for cussing, is as follows, so far:

The dream scene where Dade imagines Kate coming in and the Secret Service and Plague arrest her and him is using a different version filmed, with slight timing, angle, and re-actions being different, and Kate wearing a black tube-top under the jacket.

The party scene, where Dade is drinking from a flask in the LD version has been changed to a colorful canteen that Cereal Killer hands him.

Coffee4binky (talk) 03:59, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

What's your point? --TreyGeek (talk) 04:10, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

You deleted my comments with the edit summary "Don't be stupid." I'm serious, what is your point of bringing all of this up? Is there a particular reason why your comments above serve a purpose of improving the article? If so, I missed it and would like to know. --TreyGeek (talk) 14:18, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

I'd like to see his comments remain... 08:18, 8 August 2009 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.119.36.95 (talk)

The points made of the G4 version should be contained into the article, as it refers to the film thereafter. I don't understand the hostile attitude this TreyGeek has for some reason, but it's people like him that make Wikipedia lousy, in my opinion. If somebody wants to add what somebody caught about the movie when G4 was airing, which looks like last year sometime, as differences, like how Scarface or Basic Instinct (last I checked) had TV differences in their article. So, what is the point of the other user's addressing? There it is. It's part of the growth of the subject. 24.48.160.108 (talk) 13:26, 1 July 2010 (UTC)

Having watched this, on an old VHS recording, the G4 version, when transferred to DVD-RAM and editing out the commercials, comes in at around 8o minutes, which I think is 10 or 20 minutes shorter than the original. Also, the time compression is mostly heard than witnessed, as the music and talking seems sped up. The movie is edited slightly, but not by much. Since I'm just watching it, can't site me. I also have a Sci-Fi Channel recording of the movie, on an older, worse VHS tape, and that version has scenes cut, instead of compressed, and has fewer commercial breaks. I'll bet it comes in at around 90 minutes, but I haven't bothered transferring the tape over, due to quality being lousy, and I get a kick out of the old Sci-Fi promos. Circa 1997 when recorded. Apple8800 (talk) 13:41, 10 June 2011 (UTC)

Unless there is a reliable source discussing this, it is strictly trivial and original research. - SummerPhD (talk) 15:25, 10 June 2011 (UTC)

Trivia section

This film is filled with all kinds of references to all kinds of computing and cyberpunk works in the movie, not the least of which is the name of the plot-central "Gibson" which is an homage to William Gibson who coined the term "Cyberspace" and whose vision of the same was very similar to the movie's own CGI interpretation. Why isn't there a section mentioning any of this? NonaSuomi (talk) 07:13, 4 February 2010 (UTC)

If you have an independent reliable source discussing this, feel free to add it, with a cite. Thanks. - SummerPhD (talk) 14:34, 1 July 2010 (UTC)

Okay, let's see we can get a source for that "America First" TV show Dade takes off the air. (I know it's easy to just say it's a younger Rush Limbaugh, but seriously, that's why we need sources and verification, otherwise, the trivia goes bonkers, and people insert anything.) Apple8800 (talk) 13:36, 10 June 2011 (UTC)

Epix, Netflix, other random info

Currently, Epix, a premium movie channel, is airing Hackers. Well, I don't know if "airing" is the correct term, as it only aired a few days ago at, like, 10 AM, on a weekday. However, if onDemand is an option, the movie can be selected for play on Epix onDemand. Also, I think, if I'm correct, that it has returned to Netflix streaming, again. It seems to be off and on, depending on the gravitational pull of Kuiper Belt dwarf planets' moons or something.

This movie has previously aired on Sci-Fi Channel, circa 1996 'til 2001, Encore/Starz 2004 to 2006 or so, various other premium cable channels, rumored AMC airings, and on G4, circa 2009 or thereabouts. It may be part of the MGM syndication package for domestic American TV channels (a.k.a "local" channels), though it has yet to surface to my knowledge. (Rocky III seems to be aired frequently, though.)

I know the movie has been released on rental VHS, VCD (Asian markets), LaserDisc, Betacam SP (for commercial use, not personal), video8 (for airplane use?), DVD (two or more different releases, first release in 1998 was on a DVD-5), personal VHS (1998 release, though used VHS copies from movie rental stores existed), VHS as an MGM Movietime discount brand, and another VHS MGM Movietime brand release, with Angelina Jolie only on the cover, PSP. It may have aired on Hulu, and other digital download services, like iTunes or Xbox Live. Unknown, as I'm not actively looking to acquire ANOTHER copy of this film. I have two TV airings taped, the LaserDisc, DVD-5 edition, and various old AVI bootlegs of the film, which are totally unwatchable now.

Apple8800 (talk) 13:54, 10 June 2011 (UTC)

Plot question

Resolved

The plot summary, thanks to an anonymous edit 5 years ago, says that "causing a single-day 7-point drop in the New York Stock Exchange" was one of the incidents that led to his conviction. It's been years since I've seen the film but, seriously, a "7-point drop"? Surely the film mentions some larger number. (And if it doesn't, this needs to be excised.) - Dravecky (talk) 05:58, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

Here is the edit in question: [1]. The IP appears to be at a university with some good edits, some vandalism, so no help there. No immediate indication of ill intent. However, it's unsourced. While a number of sites make the same claim, it's hard to tell if they copied us or not. However, some give detail we don't/didn't have, lending credence to the claim: "ZC crashed 1,507 systems in one day causing a 7-point drop in the New York Stock Exchange"[2] (we say "and causing") or "caused over a thousand systems to crash and his actions resulted in a seven point drop in the stock market-- which by 1988 standards, must have been impressive."[3] Opinions? Anyone seen this recently? - SummerPhD (talk) 16:58, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

I have the movie at home and can watch the opening scene to verify what the amount of the drop was. One thing to keep in mind, is I don't recall the claim being that "Zero Cool" crashed the stock market. It was simply his virus caused enough damage to computer systems to account for that amount of loss in the value of the stock market. Also keep in mind that a 7 point in 1988 (about 0.3% of the Dow Jones' value) is different than a 7 point drop in 1995 (about 0.1% when the movie was made) and is much different than a 7 point drop today (about 0.06%). --TreyGeek (talk) 17:33, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

I just watched the first scene of the movie and it is a 7 point drop. So I guess the question for Dravecky is why should this be removed from the article? --TreyGeek (talk) 20:56, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

Only that it was unsourced and, to my jaded 2011 eyes, unlikely. If that's the actual figure from the film then it should remain. Thanks for clearing this up, folks. - Dravecky (talk) 21:05, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

This TV airing

http://www.thistv.com/view/movie/800/Hackers

Pretty neat movie summary page. May be removed after initial airings. Adds nothing to the plot nor research. Curious, but I wonder if This TV will use the old Sci-Fi Channel TV version, or G4's awful TV version. 70.180.188.238 (talk) 13:44, 12 March 2014 (UTC)

Pioneering?

"Made in the 1990s when the internet was unfamiliar to the general public..." Well, there were quite a few movies on the topic: WarGames (1983), Sneakers (1992), The Net (1995)...--Jack Upland (talk) 01:28, 12 December 2015 (UTC)

WarGames did not involve or mention the Internet. I don't believe Sneakers did, either. - Keith D. Tyler ¶ 21:38, 12 April 2020 (UTC)

That phrasing is still in the article and does feel a bit like hyperbole. Windows 95 was widely known and Internet Explorer was new, that's mainstream. Some forms of the Internet such email were well established, even if the World Wide Web hadn't gone fully mainstream yet. (The 1993 film War Games at the very least involved ARPANET, if not the Internet.) -- 109.78.195.140 (talk) 18:04, 29 January 2021 (UTC)

Reception: include Internet and hacker culture reactions?

I expected a lot more in the Reception section about how the movie was received by online culture at the time. Instead it's just stuffy newspaper reviews. The film holds a jocular place in 90s online culture. While a lot of laypeople found it visually stunning, and came back thinking they had some idea of what hacking was, most technical people of the time found it to be a bad joke in bad taste. There's got to be material about that around somewhere. - Keith D. Tyler ¶ 21:41, 12 April 2020 (UTC)

This is Wikipedia, lower your expectations, keep lowering them. No one is claiming this is a Good Article and even then you'd be lucky to get that kind of detail. An experienced editor should already know that if you want the article include something like that you are going to have to try to find sources and add it yourself.

The Reception section is supposed to focus on Critical response from stuffyreliable sources such as newspaper critics, see WP:MOSFILM. (Roger Ebert rightly points out that he took the hacking in this film about a seriously as he took the archaeology in the Indiana Jones films. Peter Stack and others praise the visuals. Mainstream critics have plenty of insight if you look carefully, they often express the same sentiments as laypeople might.) The section should probably also include Box office information because how well the film does commercially also indicates how it was received (Reception). [Edit: I added a a Box office subsection.]

The Legacy, Influence, or Cult status of the film could still be explored in another section (possibly as a subsection of Reception). The claims that the film even has cult status was not properly supported but after I tagged it some sources have been [4] but you'll need to find more sources[5][6] if you want to create a subsection to properly hacker culture or other audience reactions. -- 109.78.195.140 (talk) 17:34, 29 January 2021 (UTC)

We don't have to limit the Reception to "stuffy" reviews as you say, we just have to make sure they're covered first. I notice that the article for WarGames includes reviews from computing related publications too. For example 2600 magazine Autumn 1995 included a 2 page review of the film[7] the review titled "Baby... You're Elite" is on pages 52 and 53. I found a slideshow copy of the magazine online[8] although I expect that Wikipedia cannot use that source as a refernce. I also found a book that reprinted the text from of the review, and the second page of the film review can be previewed using Google Books[9] which I think can be used a reference. If anyone can else can find more a few more reviews, it might be worth giving them a short paragraph after the mainstream reviews. -- 109.78.203.56 (talk) 01:44, 31 January 2021 (UTC)