"The Net" was my introduction to the fascinating world of technology and coding, kindling an interest that would eventually influence my path in the field of programming. Sandra Bullock's portrayal of Angela Bennett juggling the demands of cybersecurity, coding, and the rapidly changing online world was truly mind boggling.
I found the film's portrayal of Angela's technological prowess, her run-in with a digital virus, and even the seemingly unremarkable act of ordering pizza online to be fascinating and inspirational. My ambition to learn about and make a contribution to the rapidly changing field of technology was initially sparked by the movie, which inspired me to explore the complexities of coding.
The Net Space
Viewers are introduced to cybersecurity topics and coding languages throughout the film. Technical jargon like "firewall," "encryption," and "backdoor access" gives us a peek of the difficulties that people traversing the digital world actually encounter in the real world. This was the first time I ever heard of the term IP address !
Breaking Stereotypes
The tech sector was primarily regarded as being dominated by men in the mid-1990s. By showing a female programmer who not only excels at her job but also becomes a key player in a high-stakes online conflict, Angela Bennett challenges this stereotype.
The heroine played by Sandra Bullock is not merely a victim; rather, she is a powerful force negotiating the intricacies of the cyber world.
Also the idea of ordering food online, working within the comforts of my own home seemed liked the best idea, which by the way still is ! #Remote
The Human Side
The Net" humanizes the world of coding while also delving into the technical concerns of hacking and online security. This portrayal of Angela dispels the myth that computer professionals lack empathy or are socially uncomfortable by showing them as a realistic person with genuine feelings and vulnerabilities.
This human component of the narrative defies stereotypes about women in technology and gives the movie depth.
The Dawn of the Internet
"The Net" focuses on genuine cybersecurity concerns and threat of potential identity theft, privacy breach etc. despite the fact that it may employ dramatic license.
The film brings attention to the possible dangers and repercussions of an interconnected world at a time when the internet was starting to become a necessity in our daily lives.
Infamous Gatekeeper
In the film a floppy disk containing the video game "Mozart's Ghost" and a backdoor marked "ฯ" that opens the door to "Gatekeeper," is shown as a popular computer security program offered by a company Gregg Micro systems.
Gatekeeper serves as a security system in the form of software. Under Devlin's direction, the cyber-terrorists trick Gatekeeper into allowing them illegal access to computer networks. They can enter businesses and create havoc because the software acts as a figurative gateway. And the plot thickens...
Practical Interpretation
Although Gatekeeper is a made-up character for the film, it serves as a metaphor for the larger idea of cybersecurity systems that restrict access to private data. When referring to security software or protocols that protect digital assets, the phrase "gatekeeper" is frequently employed.
The Climax !
After a classic Hollywood chase scene, fueled with fictional hacking and up and downs eventually Angela emerges triumphant, reclaiming her life as the conspiracy unravels on live television.
Pardon my long paragraphs explaining the plot a bit but trust me I just had to reveal some of it. Rest I would suggest everyone to watch this movie and keeping its year of release at mind not take it very seriously ;) It is after all a product of its time.
Conclusion
Although "The Net" isn't a documentary, it does show a woman succeeding in the tech sector. Angela Bennett's portrayal of a female coder may have been the first time many viewers saw a female coder on film, encouraging a new wave of women to pursue jobs in technology.
"The Net" offers a cinematic look into the field of cybersecurity and coding. The way Sandra Bullock plays Angela Bennett lends a degree of authenticity to the story, defying gender norms and providing a distinct viewpoint on how women's roles in technology are changing.
P.S. We need more movies like this
In short, let's celebrate and support more stories that highlight the variety and talent of women in coding as the tech sector continues to progress. Cheers, happy coding and learning !
