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*This section is for personal use, but readers may perhaps find some points of interest.
░ To Explore:
This section will contain notes on interesting movies, books, and other media that I would like to check out in the future.
* Luis Buñuel: A pioneer of surrealist cinema, Buñuel's films are often satirical, provocative, and blend the real with the absurd.
Recommendations: Un Chien Andalou (a famous early surrealist short film made with Salvador Dalí), The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Belle de Jour.
* Federico Fellini: While not strictly surrealist in all his work, Fellini often incorporated dreamlike sequences, bizarre characters, and a sense of the fantastical into his films.
Recommendations: 8½, Satyricon, Amarcord.
* Alejandro Jodorowsky: Jodorowsky's films are known for their psychedelic visuals, spiritual themes, and often shocking and surreal imagery.
Recommendations: El Topo, The Holy Mountain, Santa Sangre.
* Jan Švankmajer: A Czech filmmaker known for his distinctive stop-motion animation that often blends the grotesque, the whimsical, and the surreal.
Recommendations: Alice (his adaptation of Alice in Wonderland), Little Otik, Faust.
* Maya Deren: A key figure in experimental and avant-garde cinema, Deren's films often explore dreamlike states and subconscious experiences through visual poetry.
Recommendations: Meshes of the Afternoon.
* Alan Watts' Works:
The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
Watts explains, in accessible and playful language, how our conventional ideas of individual identity obscure a deeper, indivisible nature of reality—a theme very much in line with Advaita Vedanta.
Watts explains, in accessible and playful language, how our conventional ideas of individual identity obscure a deeper, indivisible nature of reality—a theme very much in line with Advaita Vedanta.
The Wisdom of Insecurity
This book delves into the fluid, ever-changing nature of life and how clinging to fixed identities can hinder us from experiencing reality as it is.
Watts’ approachable style can serve as a wonderful introduction to these philosophies, making complex ideas feel both relatable and invitational .
This book delves into the fluid, ever-changing nature of life and how clinging to fixed identities can hinder us from experiencing reality as it is.
Watts’ approachable style can serve as a wonderful introduction to these philosophies, making complex ideas feel both relatable and invitational .
* Classical Advaita Vedanta Texts and Commentaries:
For a more traditional grounding in these ideas, reading the Upanishads or exploring commentaries by classic teachers like Adi Shankaracharya can be very rewarding. These texts form the philosophical basis of Advaita Vedanta, discussing the notion of Brahman, the ultimate reality that pervades everything, and the illusory nature (Maya) of the individual self.
For a more traditional grounding in these ideas, reading the Upanishads or exploring commentaries by classic teachers like Adi Shankaracharya can be very rewarding. These texts form the philosophical basis of Advaita Vedanta, discussing the notion of Brahman, the ultimate reality that pervades everything, and the illusory nature (Maya) of the individual self.
* Other Contemporary Voices:
You might also enjoy the writings and talks by modern Advaita teachers. For example, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s book I Am That is widely celebrated for its direct, uncompromising approach to nondual realization. Although his tone is more austere, it complements the insights found in Watts' works with a profound depth.
You might also enjoy the writings and talks by modern Advaita teachers. For example, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj’s book I Am That is widely celebrated for its direct, uncompromising approach to nondual realization. Although his tone is more austere, it complements the insights found in Watts' works with a profound depth.
░ Cultural & Artistic Interests:
Media:
Exploring a wide spectrum of media, with a fondness for genres like science fiction, horror, and fantasy, alongside documentaries covering history and subcultures. A preference for audiobooks and text-to-speech is noted, with a specific enjoyment of German audiobooks. Genres of particular interest in media include science fiction – exploring futuristic concepts, technological advancements, and space-related themes – and horror – focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
* Science Fiction:
Appreciates science fiction in its many forms, from classic series like Star Trek, to more offbeat and psychologically driven works by authors like Philip K. Dick and J.G. Ballard. Enjoys exploring expansive universes and futuristic concepts across various media.
—Examples: Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, Star Wars.
* Horror:
Exploring horror media, including the works of Clive Barker, James Herbert, and the early novels of Stephen King, focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
* Fantasy:
Exploring fantastical worlds, creatures, and magic systems. Particularly enjoying works by authors like George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones).
—Examples: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub (blending fantasy and horror elements).
—Examples: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub (blending fantasy and horror elements).
* Urban Fantasy: Blending fantasy elements with modern urban settings.
—Examples: Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko.
—Examples: Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko.
* Detective Stories:
Focuses on solving crimes, mysteries, or puzzles, often led by a detective or investigator.
—Examples: Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie's Poirot, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
—Examples: Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie's Poirot, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
* Magical Realism:
A literary/artistic style where magical elements are interwoven with everyday reality.
—Example: Haruki Murakami's novels like Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84.
—Example: Haruki Murakami's novels like Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84.
* Avant-Garde:
Experimental and innovative art that pushes the boundaries of traditional forms.
—Examples: Kathy Acker's Blood and Guts in High School, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
—Examples: Kathy Acker's Blood and Guts in High School, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
* Surrealism:
Exploring media that features illogical scenes, dreamlike imagery, and a disruption of conventional narrative structures, often aiming to tap into the subconscious mind. —Examples: * Eraserhead (David Lynch) * Un Chien Andalou (Luis Buñuel & Salvador Dalí)
* Autobiography & Biography:
Exploring autobiographies and biographies as a way to gain insights into the lives, experiences, and perspectives of individuals from various fields. This section encompasses memoirs, biographies written by the subject themselves or by others, and potentially collections of personal essays that offer autobiographical elements.
Filmmakers & Artists: Focusing on autobiographies and memoirs from individuals within the film and art industries, offering a glimpse into their creative processes, challenges, and inspirations.
—Examples:
Room to Dream by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna.
* German Literature & Drama:
Exploring works from the rich German literary tradition, particularly those with psychological depth and introspective themes. Authors like Stefan Zweig are of particular interest, known for their deeply psychological and introspective works.
—Examples:
Lieutenant Gustl (Lieutenant Gustl) by Arthur Schnitzler (German Drama)
The Trial (Der Prozess) by Franz Kafka (German Literature - 20th Century)
Beware of Pity (Ungeduld des Herzens) by Stefan Zweig (German Literature)
Unter der Drachenwand (Under der Drachenwand) by Arno Geiger (Austrian Literature - 21st Century)
—Examples:
Lieutenant Gustl (Lieutenant Gustl) by Arthur Schnitzler (German Drama)
The Trial (Der Prozess) by Franz Kafka (German Literature - 20th Century)
Beware of Pity (Ungeduld des Herzens) by Stefan Zweig (German Literature)
Unter der Drachenwand (Under der Drachenwand) by Arno Geiger (Austrian Literature - 21st Century)
* Retro-futurism:
An artistic and cultural movement exploring how the future was imagined in the past.
Combines nostalgic elements from different eras with futuristic technology, creating a blend of old and new.
Two main threads of retro-futurism:
* Reimagining past visions of the future:
Blending contemporary elements with speculative technologies.
—Example: Steampunk - Combines 19th-century Victorian aesthetics with steam-powered machinery and futuristic inventions.
* Grafting modern technologies onto retro styles:
Integrating modern or futuristic technologies into retro styles and aesthetics.
—Example: Neuromancer by William Gibson - Combines 1980s aesthetics with advanced technologies, often depicting a dystopian future with neon lights, cybernetics, and gritty urban settings. (Cyberpunk example).
Combines nostalgic elements from different eras with futuristic technology, creating a blend of old and new.
Two main threads of retro-futurism:
* Reimagining past visions of the future:
Blending contemporary elements with speculative technologies.
—Example: Steampunk - Combines 19th-century Victorian aesthetics with steam-powered machinery and futuristic inventions.
* Grafting modern technologies onto retro styles:
Integrating modern or futuristic technologies into retro styles and aesthetics.
—Example: Neuromancer by William Gibson - Combines 1980s aesthetics with advanced technologies, often depicting a dystopian future with neon lights, cybernetics, and gritty urban settings. (Cyberpunk example).
* Solarpunk:
A creative movement that envisions a future where humanity lives in harmony with nature, powered by renewable energy and characterized by a beautiful and playful integration of technology and the natural world.
Combines practical solutions for a sustainable future with optimistic aesthetics that emphasize the preservation and integration of nature within technological advancements, often incorporating elements of art, whimsy, and community celebration.
Combines practical solutions for a sustainable future with optimistic aesthetics that emphasize the preservation and integration of nature within technological advancements, often incorporating elements of art, whimsy, and community celebration.
Key aspects of solarpunk often include:
Deep integration of nature and technology: Buildings designed to incorporate living plants and trees, cities that function as ecosystems, and technology that works in synergy with the environment.
—Example: Homes built around existing trees, vertical farms integrated into urban structures, solar panels that mimic natural forms, wind turbines designed as artistic installations.
Emphasis on artistic expression and community: A culture that values creativity, playfulness, and the celebration of sustainable living through art, storytelling, and performance.
Themes:
* The Human Condition: Complexities of human experience, darker sides of human nature. Including works like Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
—Examples: Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge, Harry Crews' The Knockout Artist, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago (Russian Literature), Albert Camus' The Stranger (French Literature - Existentialist).
—Examples: Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge, Harry Crews' The Knockout Artist, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago (Russian Literature), Albert Camus' The Stranger (French Literature - Existentialist).
* Urban life, rebellion, nonconformity: Exploring themes of urban alienation, societal critique, and challenging mainstream norms. Including authors like Charles Bukowski, Hubert Selby Jr., Hunter S. Thompson, Henry Miller, Anais Nin, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
—Examples: Charles Bukowski's Post Office, Hubert Selby Jr.'s Last Exit to Brooklyn, Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Nexus Sexus Plexus by Henry Miller.
—Examples: Charles Bukowski's Post Office, Hubert Selby Jr.'s Last Exit to Brooklyn, Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Nexus Sexus Plexus by Henry Miller.
* Unexplained Phenomena & Enigmatic Stories: Stories centered on events, entities, or technologies that defy conventional scientific understanding, often involving mysteries, the paranormal, or advanced science indistinguishable from magic.
—Examples: Twin Peaks, Lost, The X-Files, Stranger Things, Fringe.
—Examples: Twin Peaks, Lost, The X-Files, Stranger Things, Fringe.
░ Music Influences:
* Electronic Music with distinctive synth textures—upbeat melancholy that is compelling. Synth reinvigoration—modern technology enhances genres & blends familiar sounds with exciting new directions—eager what innovative sounds are yet to come.
* Sometimes prefer energetic electronic music—Italo disco, synthpop (upbeat, synthesizer-based pop).
* Calm soundscapes—Ambient (atmospheric, textural), Classical, Drone. (white noise—it helps me sleep).
* Past Genres—Punk (raw, energetic rock), Industrial (harsh, often abrasive electronic), Metal, Gabber, Speedcore
* Also Enjoyed in the Past: House, Big Beat, French Touch, Ska, Reggae.
Genre Notes:
* Darkwave: Post-punk subgenre, darker, melancholic, gothic & electronic elements.
* Coldwave: Post-punk subgenre, cold, atmospheric, synthesizers & drum machines.
* EBM (Electronic Body Music): Dance-oriented subgenre of industrial music.
* Gabber: Electronic music genre, fast tempo, distorted, aggressive energy.
* French Touch: French house subgenre, filtered disco samples, 90s/2000s.
* Electroclash: Genre blending new wave, synthpop, and punk influences with an electronic dance music edge.
* Coldwave: Post-punk subgenre, cold, atmospheric, synthesizers & drum machines.
* EBM (Electronic Body Music): Dance-oriented subgenre of industrial music.
* Gabber: Electronic music genre, fast tempo, distorted, aggressive energy.
* French Touch: French house subgenre, filtered disco samples, 90s/2000s.
* Electroclash: Genre blending new wave, synthpop, and punk influences with an electronic dance music edge.