Month: March 2020
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Future Predictions
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Appetite For Distraction
As human beings, we have an almost infinite appetite for distractions. Whether it’s checking our phones every few minutes, binge-watching our favorite TV shows, scrolling endlessly through social media feeds, or simply daydreaming, we are constantly seeking ways to occupy our minds and avoid boredom. This is not a new phenomenon, but it has been…
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The Long Tomorrow
One of the limitations in the conception of cities in mainstream American science fiction was the lack of understanding that cities are like compost heaps, just layers and layers of stuff from the past, present, and future, all totally adjacent. This radical concept was introduced by Moebius in his comic book “Metal Hurlant: The Long…
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Fire & Ice
Fire and Ice is a 1983 animated film, directed by Ralph Bakshi, that tells the story of the struggle between the forces of good and evil in a fantasy world. The plot is set in motion when the evil Queen Juliana and her son, Nekron, send forth a wave of glaciers, forcing humanity to retreat…
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The Great Silence
Sergio Corbucci’s The Great Silence, released in 1968, is a Western film that is both captivating and unforgettable. Set in the late 19th century in “Snow Hill, Utah,” the film depicts a place where farmers have been forced into banditry, leaving them at the mercy of sadistic bounty killers, such as Klaus Kinski’s Tigrero, who…
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Liminal Space and 4D
Liminal space, by definition, refers to a transitional or in-between space that is neither here nor there. It is a space that exists in the threshold between two places or states, and is often associated with ambiguity, uncertainty, and transformation. This concept of liminality can be found in various fields, such as anthropology, psychology, and…
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Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a 1976 British-Mexican drama film directed by Arturo Ripstein and starring Peter O’Toole, Charlotte Rampling and Max von Sydow. The story follows a Romanian aristocrat, Alexander Petrovic (Peter O’Toole), who retreats to a desert island with his wife, Gabrielle (Charlotte Rampling), and their servants on the eve of World War II. At the beginning of WW2, Liviu, a Romanian count, and his…
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In Accordance With The Logic of Their System
One of the hallmarks of great fiction, whether in film or literature, is the ability to present complex and nuanced characters. While it may be tempting to present characters as clear heroes or villains, the best fiction often eschews this approach, instead presenting characters that are more true to life. These characters are not necessarily…
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Masks, Spontaneity, Storytelling, Status
Keith Johnstone’s theories on spontaneity, storytelling, status, and mask work are well-known in the world of theater and improvisation. His ideas on improvisation go beyond simply teaching actors how to think on their feet; they explore the deeper psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie creativity and performance. In this essay, we will explore Johnstone’s theories…