Australian Odeon

We've all seen them. The super fast, sci-fi computer from which our hero reads out incomprehensible mumbo-jumbo (often involving holograms) that somehow solves whatever problem they're worried about. If the film is set at any point in the future (such as the three images above) that computer will have the incredibly advanced feature of transparent screens.

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But think that invention through. Look behind whatever you're reading this on now. Is it a phone? Then enjoy seeing your fingers through the screen. At work in an office? Then you might be wondering why there's a blurry image of your coworker from across the room in the middle of your screen. All screens could only be easily read when they have their back to a neutral coloured wall. Imagine trying to take a selfie. Forward facing camera on, but transparent screen showing what is behind your phone at the same time. They make absolutely no sense, beyond 'this looks futuristic!'

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That screen in Minority Report is still damn cool though.