Electric Dreams: A Retro Take on AI, Love, and Ethics

This week, the Boston Global Forum explored cinema, AI, and ethical responsibility at its BGF Roundtable, held March 11, 2025, at Harvard University Faculty Club, inspiring This Week in the History of AI at AIWS.net to spotlight Electric Dreams. Released in 1984, this science fiction romantic comedy marks the feature directorial debut of Steve Barron, with a screenplay by Rusty Lemorande. The film stars Lenny Von Dohlen, Virginia Madsen, Maxwell Caulfield, and features the voice of Bud Cort.

Electric Dreams hit theaters in the United States on July 20, 1984, via MGM/UA Entertainment Co., and in the United Kingdom on August 17, 1984, through 20th Century Fox. Critics gave it mixed reviews at the time. The story follows a computer that gains sentience and falls in love—a premise that didn’t dominate the box office but offers a charming retro experience today. It’s a heartfelt recommendation for 1980s fans and anyone intrigued by early cinematic takes on AI.

The film’s quirky exploration of a sentient machine resonates with current discussions on AI ethics, making it a timely revisit as we navigate technology’s role in society.