Tron (1982)

Tron (1982) is a sci-fi action film written and directed by Steven Lisberger, based on a story by Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird. Kevin Flynn, a skilled software engineer, used to work for the big tech company ENCOM before opening his own video game arcade. In an attempt to gain access to ENCOM’s mainframe system, he faces resistance from the Master Control Program (MCP). Meanwhile, Alan Bradley and Lora Baines discover that their access to projects within ENCOM has been cut off by the MCP. When Alan confronts Ed Dillinger, a top executive at ENCOM, Dillinger claims that these security measures were put in place to prevent outside hacking attempts. However, after secretly communicating with the MCP through his computerized desk, Dillinger realizes that it has grown into a powerful virtual intelligence and has been illegally acquiring personal, business, and government programs to enhance its own capabilities.

Dillinger, on his quest to reach the top of ENCOM, presents Flynn’s games as his own. However, the MCP has a hold over him and threatens to expose his plagiarism if he does not comply with its orders. Upon discovering that Flynn is the real hacker, Lora and Alan go to his arcade to warn him. Flynn then discloses that he has been searching for proof that Dillinger stole his work. The three of them devise a plan to infiltrate ENCOM and access Alan’s “Tron” program – a security system designed to combat the MCP’s control. Once inside, they split up and Flynn engages in a direct confrontation with the MCP through a laboratory terminal. Unfortunately, before he can retrieve crucial information, the MCP uses a new laser technology to digitize and transfer him into the cyberspace of ENCOM’s mainframe.