In case it's not clear: while I might think the philosophical subtext is kind of clunky, the first Matrix is easily one of the best action films ever made. Every single action sequence serves to advance either plot or character (and usually both). It really shows the long process of development and polishing that the sequels regrettably do not.
Albert: You know, I know this *Funyun* doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is *Onion-y* and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize? Ignorance is bliss.
Agent Smith: Then we have a deal?
Albert: I don't want to remember nothing. Nothing. You understand? And I want to be rich. You know, someone important, like an actor.
Agent Smith: Whatever you want, Mr. Albert.
Albert: Okay. I get my body back into a power plant, you insert me into the Matrix, I'll get you what you want.
Agent Smith: Access codes to the *Tabs* mainframe.
Albert: No, I told you, I don't know them. I can get you the man who does.
I definitely did a graduate school presentation on Baudrillard and The Matrix (and some other theory stuff that escapes me at the moment). Basically all I can remember about it is that my co-presenters and I felt very strongly about dressing up in leather and sunglasses to give our talk. Literature grad students are already insane and those of us who were specializing in BASICALLY computer games and the internet are especially impossible to be around.
This has nothing to do with any of that (or does it?) but I got distracted halfway reading today's Tabs by the realization that all my life I've claimed that I'm a slow reader, and that while that's partly true, it's also partly because my undiagnosed ADHD leads me to become distracted by stray thoughts while I'm reading — but that same undiagnosed ADHD now allows me to blaze through books because I'm able to tune out the world through hyperfixation. Then I went back to reading Tabs.
I have never commented on an open thread of anything before but I just had to come here and say that I found today's post very beautiful! It felt like a stream of consciousness image and text poem. A little tightly wound engine spitting out ideas (/links) in all directions.
I really enjoyed the first Matrix (partly because I had incredibly low expectations after seeing Johnny Mnemonic). I still remember reading a long Wired article on how amazing the special effects were in the Burly Brawl fight scene in Matrix 2 before watching it and thinking "Is this really what they were talking about?"
"Fans will wear out their remotes replaying the scene on DVD, but what they won't see, even riding the Pause button, is a transition that happens early on…
This is virtual cinematography, but the most impressive thing about the Burly Brawl is that it doesn't look virtual at all"
It's absurd how fake it looks. And I don't even think that's _just_ the advancements of the last 20-ish years, it didn't look great when it came out.
Open Thread: The Symbolic Order Structures the Visual Field of the Snack Aisle
In case it's not clear: while I might think the philosophical subtext is kind of clunky, the first Matrix is easily one of the best action films ever made. Every single action sequence serves to advance either plot or character (and usually both). It really shows the long process of development and polishing that the sequels regrettably do not.
Also, new tagline:
Today in Tabs: Takes are Free, Poststructuralism is Paywalled
There’s a professional wrestler whose moniker is “The Chairman” because he hits people with chairs. That is all.
Ceci n'est pas une post
I always felt that the tag line "The snack that smiles back!" for Goldfish was incredibly disturbing. That's all I got.
Agent Smith: Do we have a deal, Mr. Albert?
Albert: You know, I know this *Funyun* doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is *Onion-y* and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize? Ignorance is bliss.
Agent Smith: Then we have a deal?
Albert: I don't want to remember nothing. Nothing. You understand? And I want to be rich. You know, someone important, like an actor.
Agent Smith: Whatever you want, Mr. Albert.
Albert: Okay. I get my body back into a power plant, you insert me into the Matrix, I'll get you what you want.
Agent Smith: Access codes to the *Tabs* mainframe.
Albert: No, I told you, I don't know them. I can get you the man who does.
Agent Smith: Rusty.
I definitely did a graduate school presentation on Baudrillard and The Matrix (and some other theory stuff that escapes me at the moment). Basically all I can remember about it is that my co-presenters and I felt very strongly about dressing up in leather and sunglasses to give our talk. Literature grad students are already insane and those of us who were specializing in BASICALLY computer games and the internet are especially impossible to be around.
This has nothing to do with any of that (or does it?) but I got distracted halfway reading today's Tabs by the realization that all my life I've claimed that I'm a slow reader, and that while that's partly true, it's also partly because my undiagnosed ADHD leads me to become distracted by stray thoughts while I'm reading — but that same undiagnosed ADHD now allows me to blaze through books because I'm able to tune out the world through hyperfixation. Then I went back to reading Tabs.
Today in Theory, tomorrow in practice
I have never commented on an open thread of anything before but I just had to come here and say that I found today's post very beautiful! It felt like a stream of consciousness image and text poem. A little tightly wound engine spitting out ideas (/links) in all directions.
other good version of that meme I found https://www.tumbex.com/primarylotus.tumblr/post/656013242538377216
This was like being back in college with you and I was not planning on that today, it's Friday for God's sake.
I got Krispy Kreme-flavored Smart Food popcorn which begs the question:
https://madnessmuseum.com/2021/09/17/i-wonder-if-i-can-get-popcorn-flavored-krispy-kreme-donuts/
Eeeeekkkkk we’re talking about post-structuralist theory!!!!!!!!! This is awesome!
I just ordered Simulacra and Simulation from the local book shop, so if this was a huge mistake I am holding Rusty accountable.
I really enjoyed the first Matrix (partly because I had incredibly low expectations after seeing Johnny Mnemonic). I still remember reading a long Wired article on how amazing the special effects were in the Burly Brawl fight scene in Matrix 2 before watching it and thinking "Is this really what they were talking about?"
"Fans will wear out their remotes replaying the scene on DVD, but what they won't see, even riding the Pause button, is a transition that happens early on…
This is virtual cinematography, but the most impressive thing about the Burly Brawl is that it doesn't look virtual at all"
It's absurd how fake it looks. And I don't even think that's _just_ the advancements of the last 20-ish years, it didn't look great when it came out.