Movies once tried the Levantine model, with generally inept results, have switched to the Aryan model, and present us with resurrected cosmology that is much harder to debunk that also have sometimes been great artistic achievements.

But has anyone looked at the canon of Aryan mythic work and the films made of it to outline for us its evolution since it began, say from 1922’s “Metropolis” to recent productions? Would such analysis show us where we’re headed?

Without supporting any of the apocalyptic visions, its hard to argue that the game has not, indeed, changed.

Would it be ok to email you my response to the book so the comment doesn’t get lost in the shuffle?

Going to watch the Cell now, excited about the visuals.

-B

I loved Cameron’s sequel to Alien. Saw it many times and thought it was a first rate work of sci-fi cinema, although it, too, was kitschy, like Avatar. However, the difference here is that the story is not a self-conscious attempt at moralizing, but just an attempt to make good popcorn cinema. Consequently, it works.

I also love The Cell, which, if you continue to read Celluloid Heroes all the way through, you will find some comments about.

Strange Days I didn’t care much for. Cameron wrote the screenplay, but it was a rip off of William Gibson’s short story “New Rose Hotel.” The film was lacking in any kind of ironic distance from itself and was grim and gritty with no real zeal or enthusiasm. It felt to me like someone just showing up and punching the clock for a day’s work. There was no real love of cinema in it at all. And it, too, like Avatar, tries too hard to manufacture relevant social commentary.

Hope you’re enjoying the book. Do let me know your thoughts.

Best,
John Ebert

Looking for more movies that deal with the entrapment of The Machine/electronic reality structure of simulation.. the great western cultural nightmare and fantasy.

Loving the book so far!