William Gibson Interviewed

This transcript records an interview between Giuseppe Salza and William Gibson, the science fiction writer closely associated with cyberpunk. Taking his film adaptation of “Johnny Mnemonic” as a focal point, Gibson discusses issues surrounding the politics of information and how those ideas translate from fiction to cinema. The conversation also covers his approach to storytelling, his relationship with the film industry, and the practical realities of producing the adaptation, including the casting of Keanu Reeves. Across the interview, Gibson reflects on how audiences frame technology, offering both ambivalence and curiosity about its role in society. He further considers how perceptions of new information technologies evolve over time, referencing examples such as email and virtual reality.