TempleOS
Programmer Terry A. Davis spent ten years developing his own unique operating system. The system, eventually named TempleOS, was limited in appearance and functionality, but its intended purpose was nobler than most. It was intended to represent the third temple prophesied in the Bible. Following a series of public eccentricities and outbursts, concerns about Davis’ mental state quickly overshadowed his own creations. The feature-length documentary TempleOS examines the operating system’s origins, the life of its mysterious creator, and its tragic, tragic end.
Davis is an innovative programmer who advocates enjoying the process. But his frequent postings on various forums revealed his dark side. He regularly harassed his critics and online communities of atheists with combative and abusive rhetoric. As detailed in the film, the posts became increasingly disjointed. Initially, many users may think his actions are a scam. However, it soon became clear that Davis was suffering from some sort of mental illness, and that his decline was happening for all to see.
The film reveals many of these confusing posts that dramatize the ongoing battle between him and users of the system. His tirade became increasingly manic and disturbing. Davis is clearly a genius, but his mental state prevented him from achieving the career and impact he could have enjoyed.
Much of the information that focuses on the programming aspects of Davis’ story is filled with language that may confuse non-technical viewers. But under the weight of the jargon came a personal portrait of Davis. His growing instability is reflected in his work and the videos he posts about his day-to-day life and worries. As public awareness of Davis has grown, so have concerns over his health and safety.
Schizophrenic, homeless and unemployed, Davis’ free fall ended horribly in March 2018 when he died in a train crash.
TempleOS is a deeper experience than it appears on the surface. By detailing Davis’ gradual descent into madness, it also manages to ask questions about online interactive platforms, how it can exacerbate an already fragile state of mind, and users’ responsibility in averting potential disaster.
