Notes from a month of movies and essays: Silicon Valley archetypes, America’s paranoia, China’s retro-nationalistic fantasy, and the stubborn need for optimism
Although not a movie guy, I hung on every word. Great job!
To be fair, if 'fairness' is the right word, China's 'cinematic' language is equally condescending towards fellow Chinese. Northeasterners are typically featured in criminal dramas; peasants are either dim or malicious; the southwest and western regions usually only function as exotic backdrops, and with the nigh extinction of Qing dramas, Chinese minorities no longer feature as active protagonists, and when they're stock villains, aren't even granted leave to plot in their own language.
Being the optimistic sort, I just put it down to income disparities. Rising incomes across the regions will shift tastes somewhat. I can already spot some green shots in the animation scene. I can't ever pass up an opportunity to praise 'Slay the Gods'.
Really enjoyed this. Fully agree on Mountainhead. The China vs. U.S. accelerationism angle is brilliant. Please write more on that! On Eddington, River Page at TFP thought the film's refusal to provide clean answers might be deliberate, to map today's polarized chaos and the chasm between the left and the right. Curious if you see any value in that kind of "frustrating ambiguity"?
awwww thank you teach Wu for saying that! it means a lot.
The me from 5 years ago would still enjoy "frustrating ambiguity," but this year I want to be more intentional about not indulging in "frustrating ambiguity" as it might mask itself as impact-driven action.
Hi Geremie, thank you so much. I'm a big fan of your work, and your comments always make me feel seen and appreciated! I'll email you to follow up with my thoughts on accelerationism.
Dear Afra: Thank you so much for your warm response — one often never knows if anything one scribbles away at is ever read.
I’m excited to be able to follow your thoughts and work. So many insightful writers are appearing now, shedding light and by so doing making dark times less so.
Love your writing and your acute observation of current culture. Also thanks for the link to Anton’s post on AI Mercantilism. Also great writing and a very interesting point of view.
I always love reading your work! Brilliantly engaging and insightful as always!
thank you so much Ben!!! it means a lot to me
Although not a movie guy, I hung on every word. Great job!
To be fair, if 'fairness' is the right word, China's 'cinematic' language is equally condescending towards fellow Chinese. Northeasterners are typically featured in criminal dramas; peasants are either dim or malicious; the southwest and western regions usually only function as exotic backdrops, and with the nigh extinction of Qing dramas, Chinese minorities no longer feature as active protagonists, and when they're stock villains, aren't even granted leave to plot in their own language.
Being the optimistic sort, I just put it down to income disparities. Rising incomes across the regions will shift tastes somewhat. I can already spot some green shots in the animation scene. I can't ever pass up an opportunity to praise 'Slay the Gods'.
Yes, I agree. Chinese films often seriously lack sensitivity, with a big portion still focused on spectacle and pure entertainment value.
Really enjoyed this. Fully agree on Mountainhead. The China vs. U.S. accelerationism angle is brilliant. Please write more on that! On Eddington, River Page at TFP thought the film's refusal to provide clean answers might be deliberate, to map today's polarized chaos and the chasm between the left and the right. Curious if you see any value in that kind of "frustrating ambiguity"?
awwww thank you teach Wu for saying that! it means a lot.
The me from 5 years ago would still enjoy "frustrating ambiguity," but this year I want to be more intentional about not indulging in "frustrating ambiguity" as it might mask itself as impact-driven action.
Afra: I very much appreciated this thoughtful essay and look forward to more. Geremie
Hi Geremie, thank you so much. I'm a big fan of your work, and your comments always make me feel seen and appreciated! I'll email you to follow up with my thoughts on accelerationism.
Dear Afra: Thank you so much for your warm response — one often never knows if anything one scribbles away at is ever read.
I’m excited to be able to follow your thoughts and work. So many insightful writers are appearing now, shedding light and by so doing making dark times less so.
Best, Geremie
Love your writing and your acute observation of current culture. Also thanks for the link to Anton’s post on AI Mercantilism. Also great writing and a very interesting point of view.
thanks for the support Alan!
Awesome list - will check out Mountainhead. And thanks for the shoutout on my neuroimmunology piece!
Of course Heidi, you are doing amazing work and looking forward to reading more great pieces from you.