Big-O and Manchurian Candidate '04 ed. (tomatos!!)

BIG-O fans, have you seen the 2004 remake of THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE starring Denzel Washington? I did tonight. There is a HUGE Big-O reference in here that just freaked me out. It's eerie how similar its tomato reference is to BIG-O and it actually clarifies some plot points of what we know thus far in BIG-O.

During the library scene late in the movie, Denzel watches a video on the internet of a scientist explaining a study done on the genetic manipulation of tomatoes and how it relates to the human genome and memory-manipulation/implanting to help block out and move past a tramatic occurence. It sounds like BIG-O has more science in it than we expected. I mean, this was like exactly the same as the stuff Gordon Rosewater says--I kid you not.

In addition, there are hallucinations regarding tomatoes and memory implants in this movie. The main character even buys a bag of tomatoes compulsively.

Where does this science info on tomatoes and memories come from?!--it's origins, I mean.
Big-O started it in "popular" forums back in 1999 (long before this movie), and Konaka the head writer loves to bring in complex/symbolic things, so the tomato reference MUST come from something in real life in the science community.

Whoa. I'd like to know too.

The internet yields unrelated/uninteresting results:

http://tgrc.ucdavis.edu

Yeah, I saw that movie. Denzel is awesome in it. the tomato thing just creeped me out though. I guess it has something to do with something aobut vegetic genetics. That movie was make-you-hate-the-government-even-more-ish though.

Were there tomatoes in the roiginal, or just in the remake?

quote:

Originally posted by Document Oosha Were there tomatoes in the roiginal, or just in the remake?

That's what I was thinking too. When did the original come out again? Maybe Konaka got it from that. (far stretch)

The first version of "The Manchurian Candidate" came out in 1962, I think. That or 1961. I read on the insert for the DVD that it was one of JFK's favorite movies, and that he screened it at the White House right before it came out, so it has to be around then.

Suffice to say, there is no mention of anything tomato-related in it, let alone Tomato-related. And for you with a twisted sense of humor, I suggest picking up the book. It's by Richard Condon, the same guy who did "Prizzi's Honor." That should give you some idea about how it's written.

[Edit: Good screencap there, Zopwx. I just about fell off my chair when I saw that scene on the DVD. If anything, I think something like that might be where Konaka got the idea--especially given what that farmer had been up to in a past career.]

quote:

Originally posted by NotAsleep [Edit: Good screencap there, Zopwx. I just about fell off my chair when I saw that scene on the DVD. If anything, I think something like that might be where Konaka got the idea--especially given what that farmer had been up to in a past career.]

Yes. ^.^ I was thinking the same thing when I saw Zopwx2's sig! I believe that episode of Batman:TAS was animated by Sunrise in Japan...the same studio as Big O, so it is an intriguing possibility.

quote:

Originally posted by Gummibear Yes. ^.^ I was thinking the same thing when I saw Zopwx2's sig! I believe that episode of Batman:TAS was animated by Sunrise in Japan...the same studio as Big O, so it is an intriguing possibility.

Which episode was this? Did I miss a thread about it? Maybe I should rent it.

quote:

Originally posted by NotAsleep Good screencap there, Zopwx. I just about fell off my chair when I saw that scene on the DVD. If anything, I think something like that might be where Konaka got the idea--especially given what that farmer had been up to in a past career.

Does this refer to the Batman screencap, or the tomato/eye picture which may or not be a screencap of The Manchurian Candidate?

quote:

Originally posted by Paradigm Dog BIG-O fans, have you seen the 2004 remake of THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE starring Denzel Washington? I did tonight. There is a HUGE Big-O reference in here that just freaked me out. It's eerie how similar its tomato reference is to BIG-O and it actually clarifies some plot points of what we know thus far in BIG-O. During the library scene late in the movie, Denzel watches a video on the internet of a scientist explaining a study done on the genetic manipulation of tomatoes and how it relates to the human genome and memory-manipulation/implanting to help block out and move past a tramatic occurence. It sounds like BIG-O has more science in it than we expected. I mean, this was like exactly the same as the stuff Gordon Rosewater says--I kid you not. In addition, there are hallucinations regarding tomatoes and memory implants in this movie. The main character even buys a bag of tomatoes compulsively. Where does this science info on tomatoes and memories come from?!--it's origins, I mean. Big-O started it in "popular" forums back in 1999 (long before this movie), and Konaka the head writer loves to bring in complex/symbolic things, so the tomato reference MUST come from something in real life in the science community.

I remember thinking that when I saw the movie too. I kinda forgot about it shortly after, but that's just because I didn't find the movie to be all that memorable.

About My Sig:



I found it on the Anime Jump forums, and according to the person who took the cap it really has nothing to do story-wise with Big O:

quote:

Originally posted by Have Blue The episode really has nothing to do with Big O; Batman happens to visit a retired old guy on a farm. But when I saw that I just laughed and laughed...

Supposedly the character is named Karl Rossum.

Although, his bio is kind of interesting:

quote:

Voiced By: William Sanderson First Appearance: "Heart of Steel, Part 1" Position: Toy Maker/Inventor B:TAS Bio: A genius is the best way to describe Karl Rossum. Gifted at an early age with scientific and mechanical know how, it wasn't long before Rossum was receiving grants from around the world to continue his research. Although the tragic death of his daughter changed everything. He abandoned all he was working on and began work on artificial intelligence technology, in hopes of perfecting people. This plan, codenamed H.A.R.D.A.C., would fail after the computer gained sentience and free will and began duplicating people. He destroyed H.A.R.D.A.C., as well as his desire to work any furthur. He now lives on a vegetable farm outside of Gotham, where for the first time in his life, he's actually happy. He'll also help out computer companies from time to time.