Johnny Mnemonic
“I want to get online... I need a computer!”
Virtual Insanity, Part I
For our Cinema Shock summer series, we wanted to spotlight a few films hitting major milestones this year. As we dug through the movie releases of 1995, one trend stood out: that year saw a surprising surge in cyber thrillers—especially those obsessed with the idea of virtual reality.
In hindsight, it makes sense. 1995 was a landmark year for technology. Windows 95 hit the shelves, home internet access was becoming mainstream, and for the first time, everyday people were logging on to the World Wide Web. Naturally, Hollywood followed suit. The result? Virtual Insanity.
This series dives into the strange, glitchy world of mid-’90s cyber thrillers—all turning 30 this year. Most of these movies underwhelmed at the box office, but time has been oddly kind to them. Some have become cult favorites. Others... well, they’re still weird, and we love them for it.
We’re kicking things off with JOHNNY MNEMONIC, arguably the strangest of them all. Based on a short story by cyberpunk icon William Gibson, it’s a film with a wild production history—plagued by delays, creative clashes, and studio interference. And somehow, it made it to the screen. Sort of.
Want to support the show?
Subscribers of CinemaShock+ can enjoy an extended version of this episode, which includes bonus segments and additional content, plus get access to all episodes two days early, exclusive merchandise discounts, and more. Join now at cinemashock.net/plus.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS:
Andy Lancaster | asotirov | Benjamin Yates | Caverly | courtland ashley | curtcake5k | Elton Novara | Hunter D Mackenzie | Interzone78 | Jackson_Baker | Jvance325 | Lucy Lawson | MagicBloat | Nate Izod | Nathan Kelley | Robert Stinson
Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.
This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop & Todd A. Davis.
For episode archives, merch, show notes, and more, visit cinemashock.net