F for Fake and the Death of the Author - Brows Held High

Is there such a thing as "fake" art? Or a "fake" artist?
Forgive the constant mispronunciation of "auteur."
All third party clips are used under Fair Use.
Follow me on Twitter: / kylekallgren
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Or see my archive on Chez Apocalypse: chezapocalypse....
Support me on Patreon: / kkallgren

[@ShanaReviews]

I'm fine with Orson Welles being remember for voicing Unicron, because given the history behind the scenes, it sounded like he was both annoyed and happy to play it. and one thing I did enjoy learning about was that even if he took this role for the money, he gave it the best he could, given his health, and I would honestly love it if kids did find out about him through the Transformers movie The man earned his place in cinema history and has left his mark in almost every part of it. Heck, I can actually quote all of Orson Welles lines as Unicron from the movie, that's how memorable he made him.

[@DGJassy]

At first I was like: Little Red Riding Hood is a fairytale by the Grimm brothers, but then it struck me: They didn't write all the fairytales, they just collected the fairytales, that were spread orally. Well played.

[@RPG_Angie]

+Penguin With Glasses Actually, most of our favorite fairy tales did not start as folk tales. The Little Red Riding Hood, as folk-ish as it seems, was most probably authored by Charles Perrault in 1697, and then spread through print and translations. The Grimm brothers famously proclaimed that the fairy tales they collected from townsfolk are ancient and universal, and that idea stuck, even though there's no solid evidence behind it. Not even Wikipedia has fully caught up yet. It's kind of fascinating.

[@caseyj5637]

+Penguin With Glasses I can't tell you how it drives me nuts when people like to credit the Grimm brothers for writing nearly all fairy tales, or when Disney makes another animated adaptation of a fairy tale and then bitch that they "ruined" the story to make it kid-friendly when there was no definitive version in the first place.

[@RPG_Angie]

Casey J Actually, in most Disneyfied Grimm fairy tales, there is an original - written either by Straparola, or Perrault, or de Villeneuve/de Beaumont (in the case of Beauty and the Beast). Over only a couple centuries, these stories sold really well in print and spread like wildfire over Europe, spawning various localized versions. At least that's the most probable theory as far as evidence goes.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

The thing I love about Welles is that he revolutionized 3 mediums (stage, radio, film) while still in his 20s!

[@JediJared-bs1wt]

Makes me feel unaccomplished as a 25 year old

[@AGuyWithAChannel]

M for 'Make it.' M for 'Make it.' F for 'Don't fake it.'

[@slashandbones13]

19:45 at some point, that was Walt Disney's only job. "You know, I was stumped one day when a little boy asked, 'Do you draw Mickey Mouse?' And I had to admit I do not draw anymore. 'Well then, you think up all the jokes and ideas?' 'No,' I said, 'I don't do that.' Finally, he looked at me and said, 'Mr. Disney, just what do you do?' 'Well,' I said, 'sometimes I think of myself as a little bee. I go from one area of the studio to another and gather pollen, and sort of stimulate everyone. I guess that's the job I do.'"

[@italulu]

"I found you... faker." "Faker? I think you're the fake around here. You're comparing yourself to me? Ha. You're not even good enough to be my fake-" "I'll make you eat those words!"

[@kathrynblakeley9823]

Write a story

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

"That hour ended 17 minutes ago."

[@Genderkaiser]

Make it. Make it. Don't fake it.

[@caseyj5637]

+Fergus Ager NO

[@tatehildyard5332]

Fergus Ager YES

[@geminikid609]

fake it fake it don't break it

[@theothertonydutch]

I will guide you to make it.

[@shingshongshamalama]

In this video, Kyle talks about art while making art.

[@ornos3133]

Now this is a art conspiracy I can get behind.

[@abrahamlincoln9758]

It's like a who done it, but you're not trying to figure out who comitted a crime, but what is Welles actually talking about. Quite dizzying getting tugged from room to room in this magnificent mad house.

[@dmore454]

24:00 Well, sometimes art is made for the artist and not the viewer. Steve Ditko wrote and drew a bunch of Dr. Strange issues that have never been seen by anyone but him and a friend he let look at them once. When asked by the friend if he was going to have them published, he sincerely responded, "No, I drew those just for me."

[@slashandbones13]

Steve Ditko and Alan Moore may be the opposite people on the planet but they have one very important thing in common: They have truly chosen to deny themselves a lot of money over the year.

[@ackamack101]

The editing is the star of F for Fake

[@MarioRossiAncora]

I have so much trust in you that I stopped the video after 3 minutes, actually watched the movie, then immediately came back and watched this. Thank you for your hard work. It was a great analysis and piece of mind. Very honest ;)

[@tatehildyard5332]

It's really fascinating returning to this after the Other Side of the Wind has finally seen the light of day. An Orson Welles film that is so deeply rooted in the the auteur narrative of Orson Welles and requires you to be in the know on the Orson Welles myhtos and aesthetic (the frenetic 8 &16mm, Peter Bogdonovich running around as his right hand man, Oja Kodar running around naked in parodic art film montages). Another interesting thing to contemplate about the role of the author here is that no one would have put up the money to restore this and the film itself would never have been resurrected had the status of "lost Orson Welles film" not been attached to it. You can't kill the author in The Other Side of the Wind because the author is the movie.

[@tarnopol]

Could be Welles’s best film, and that is indeed saying something. One of his most innovative at the very least-and entertaining!

[@112steinway]

I write comics, I'd like to write comics for a living, and I say that because I would like to establish myself as someone who thinks he's an artist in order to make the following statement. In Homer's Iliad the hero Achilles claims he would rather live a short and violent life filled with glory rather than a long safe one because his "glory never dies". We as corporeal beings may die but our deeds, accomplishments, and creations live on making us kind of immortal. Speaking as an artist, or rather someone who creates something for public consumption, I like this idea of becoming immortal through a legacy. That being said I am terrified of blood and violence so I try to do accomplish the same thing through my work.

[@herecomemacOnTT]

I love that I'm going through your catalog now, since Lindsay Ellis JUST did a video essay on Death of the Author and used John Green and TFIOS as examples, even featuring him in the video. This is a brilliant breakdown, and I'm glad I came back to watch your videos again :)

[@LieutenantAlaki]

Upvoted at FOOD FOR THE FOOD GOD. :D

[@TerLoki]

Now I want Kyle to do a video on Warhammer 40k. I mean, it could work. Look at the burning of Prospero for Shakespeare month?

[@Pratchettgaiman]

I find it interesting that you brought up John Green given the recent discovery by John Green that he had inadvertently claimed a quote by a fan of his was his own--a real fake John Green quote essentially

[@Auburn_Zero]

Definitely one of my favorites of your works. You make me want to see it. Your insights are thought provoking AND entertaining. I hope you keep these up for years to come. I tell all the interesting and intelligent people I know about your show.

[@Poopdahoop]

Omg I fell in love with this channel instantly. Please never stop making these videos! :D

[@Kellen_Quigley]

Besides this being an excellent review that is making me seriously think about my own life as an "artist" and a "writer," I'm really digging the different facial hair. A new look for a new year, and it totally works.

[@williamcurtis5775]

I absolutely love this movie . Very creative and a true masterpiece .

[@ErjonPNL]

Every once in a while i rewatch this video. F for Fake might have become one of my favourite movies of all time and its thanks to this video that i actually saw it. I thank you deeply for this video as much as i thank mr Welles for this magnificent film.

[@redrazorminecraftvideos9571]

I like you dude...humble, cool, funny....intelligent, knowledgeable. Good luck!

[@benjaminrubin2178]

Great to see you on KZbin, Kyle.

[@thenerdyboo2134]

Oh Kyle, don't second guess yourself, you magnificent thespian! Your amazing! One of my favorite KZbinrs!

[@theothertonydutch]

I graduated in "fine art" a couple of weeks ago. This video was influential to me.

[@100percent-]

I watched this video right before looking at my English Literary Theory class to discover we were reading both of the essays you referenced. Thank goodness for your explanation. I would have been lost otherwise :)

[@VolvagiasBlaze]

i wonder if John Green has actually watched this...

[@Rikku147]

+Volvagia´s Blaze He did. He commented on the original video.

[@johndavidtibbetts7320]

+Becky A really? what did he say?

[@Rikku147]

John David Tibbetts I'm afraid I don't remember too well--if I'm recalling it right, he was very appreciative of the video and said that he too spends a lot of time thinking about "death of the author."

[@HenryKathman]

I had held off on watching this video for the past years that I have been watching you because I wanted to follow your recommendation and waited until I could find a way to legally watch this film. Now after two years of waiting and finally able to find this film on the criterion channel, I'm happy to say that your video was well worth the wait. Thanks for being such a good faker, Best Wishes.

[@Tom-V]

Ah you quoted Orson himself on that Unicron description lol 😂🤣

[@NatAnn64]

I wonder if the Green brothers saw this by complete chance. "Oh look, a review of an Orwell movie; I bet I'll like this."

[@tatehildyard5332]

"Orwell", love the pun there.

[@thunderstruck560]

I want to find a way to make that ARRRRRRT into a gif. You care too much about the opinions of people on the internet if they want to question your "crit cred". You put so much effort into your videos and I am glad you do.

[@christheleavittman7080]

9:21 Came cuz of Spazzmaster, stayed for the smart analyses. I like Kyle

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

I remember the first time I watched this video, and 30 seconds in, I literally did as he requested and watched the film on KZbin. It was glorious and I'm glad I did.

[@ornos3133]

Now this is an art house film I can get behind.

[@cyanmanta]

Seriously, play The Beginner's Guide. It's an amazing exploration of Death of the Author.

[@ttthecat]

You're an expert to me Kyle!

[@gamacminisplits8531]

This was an amazing review. Respects.

[@sewthernbelle]

Could you talk about Mel Brooks and his legacy as a filmmaker? I think people only view him as a comedy director, often missing that he has genuine moments of sincerity in his works. My favorite of his is his remake of To Be or Not to Be. He didn't direct or write it, but as a lead actor and producer his mark was all over that film.

[@kallesaarinen7559]

The point of the speech with the Gothic Cathedral, I think, was more about entropy of the universe rather than who has ownership of a piece of art. Art is an object that mankind leaves behind to prove to the universe that we existed. Everything turns to ash, but what of it? Keep on singing.... "or something like that"

[@monolith94]

Ten? Really? Cough up a list, buddy.

[@ingonyama70]

From what I know of Kyle, the list might include (but not be limited to): -Lindsay Ellis -Alison Pregler -Doug Walker (maybe) -Jamie Maurer (perhaps) -Jacob Hope Chapman -Justin Carmichael (RIP) -Mathew Buck -Lewis Lovhaug -Diamanda Hagan -Todd Nathanson Note that I am not saying that I personally think these reviewers are better than Kyle, but that since they are or were his friends at some point, and he has always held his colleagues at TGWTG/Channel Awesome/Chez Apocalypse in high regard, even going on record as to claim some of them as influences to his own style, that those are a few of the likely suspects for "reviewers who are better than me." Kyle sells himself quite short, I feel, and it saddens me. But the solidarity he has with his fellow CA alumni is extremely touching.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

@@ingonyama70 oh, how time flies

[@madameversiera]

My goodness I love all of your videos, honestly thanks

[@davehandelman2832]

I want to sit and watch you talk about the thing you want to contemplate all day!!

[@qweeq14]

It's strange Oancitizen here thinks he isn't a classical critic with authority and it's a bad thing but the reason I watch internet reviews is exactly for that reason unlike old school criticts they are not biased for the sake of their public image.

[@LittleGreenSoldier]

Recently, Elmyr's apprentice and heir, Mark Forgy, had a frankly dismaying email exchange with an auction house about "fake Elmyrs". I could feel my brain melting as I read this exchange, with Forgy insisting that only he could determine what was an "authentic Elmyr". It was buck fucking wild.

[@slopefriend]

This film changed my life. It’s a masterpiece.

[@femoman]

Do you think you could take a look at a fairly recent film, by the name of 'Imaginaerum'? It's a Finnish film made by the metal band Nightwish, and it's a pretty fascinating story about the last memories and the internal struggle of a dying old poet, and it seems like something you'd enjoy.

[@brentwheeler8277]

+Michael Welsh (Femoman) How have I never heard of this before? O_o

[@femoman]

+Brent Wheeler Well it's a pretty obscure movie. Pretty much the only people who will have heard of it are those interested in Finnish cinema or post-Tarja Nightwish fans.

[@hyperchica]

+Michael Welsh (Femoman) Wow, I didn't know they made a film! I would love to see Kyle do an episode on that.

[@TheHoagie13]

*INSERT "MRS'S PELL'S FISHSTICKS" HERE!!!* Ah yes Kyle Kallgren, my fellow Scandinavian-American (I'm 3rd Gen Norwegian-American; who's Grandparents came here in the U.S. in 1949!!! ....and YES, my Grandpa Kjell's gonna be 83yrs Old July 3rd!)

[@TheHoagie13]

.....I guesss I gotta finish my sentence huh? Ok then.... "I STILL love your work, I just fell off the goddamned bandwagon after the DEATH of BLIP!!! *THANKS, DISNEY!"*

[@FireFighter214]

Great review. I'm really glad to see your still making these. Did you have to change your opening because of your seperation from Channel Awesome? This looks like a very interesting movie. I'll have to check it out sometime.

[@jmalmsten]

As a fellow freeze frame connoisseur I wholeheartedly recommend this film!

[@Popcultureguy3000]

Oh thank sweet zombie Jesus you are still able to post videos online! I was beginning to worry that you and Lupa wouldn't be able to gather enough funds to self produce after cutting ties with Channel Awesome (and that awful producer Mike).

[@wratched]

Life is not dying. Many people find that goal extremely difficult, especially artists. Copyright and ownership of work is one way artists prevent themselves from dying. If we think they're dead, they soon will be.

[@Enrychan]

Kyle, the "gli" sound in italian is similar to the double L in spanish, like in "tortilla"! so it's not Modig-liani, ma Modigliani pronounced as it would be in spanish "Modillani". Just a suggestion from a (usually silent) italian fan. Awesome video, btw!

[@The_Lauren_Fox_Catalogue]

Great review :) I just want to say that I've recently stumbled upon a modern novel series (Bourbon Kid) written by an anonymous author. It's interesting how he/she kept him/herself anonymous in this day and age when everyone wants to be known, the way art works in the world as you said in the review. Check it out when you have the time.

[@HipsterShiningArmor]

Wait but I thought Ted Cruz was the Zodiac Killer.

[@connorrivers995]

No no, his father was the second shooter on the grassy knoll.

[@SupremeLeaderKokichiOma]

Great video, really made me think. All of the concepts are really interesting, but I don't have any wordy comments or new insight - just that it's made me think a little bit more today. : ) Really glad to see you're still doing these and I'll be waiting for the next one!

[@eryndean2769]

1:44 "food for the FOOD GOD!" lol XD

[@michellebrowne9100]

I just want that top ten list so I have extra people to watch. A list of your favorite introduction to film theory books would also be amazing!

[@disenchanted987]

Loved this review, and now I feel I should actually check out 'The Fault In Our Stars', need something to read for the summer!

[@CorneliaAmiri]

Great review. I just watched this incredibly intriguing, totally entertaining documentary that's exceptionally well-edited on HMO max. I never saw it before.

[@alyssarackley342]

This video has officially made me your subscriber.

[@jmalmsten]

I do not know why. But I return to this video every time I think of the term "freeze frame enthusiast"... It is surprisingly often.

[@reganburt6924]

I think Barthes' theory can go some ways to answering the question, Is there such a thing as 'fake' art. Barthes' argued the author is dead, in that, the way we idealise an author as the original creator of content - is an illusion. No author, or piece of art, exists in isolation. An artwork can be seen as a long (or short, if a fake) list of citations to other influences. Kyle gives a great example of this compounding process in his Cloud Atlas review: Pyramus and Thisbe = A Mid Summer Nights Dream = The Dead Poets Society = Community. So authors/artists can not be held up as the genius, auteur, original content creators that we so often view them as (hence my moral justification for torrenting :[]). We could argue, though, that authors do create something new, out of something old. Like an adaptation. The argument for an authors importance does not rest in their ability to create the art, but in the fact they did so. Whilst Elmyr's Modigliani may be just as valid, beautiful and worthy of contemplation; and with the title of 'art', as Modigliani's Modigliani - Elmyr's Modigliani wouldn't exist without Modigliani's Modigliani (...If you know what I mean). Art exists because artists re-create, and in this process of recreation, create something new. So is fake art, art? The answer may be like asking if a shot for shot remake of Psycho is art - maybe, but whats the point?

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

All art is just an effort to communicate. Each artist utters creations catered to one sense or another as well as can be done, yet all works of art are utterances of one self to other selves, a plea from that which is within one to be understood by that which is within another. With my art, my music, I simply wish to be heard and understood, to have my sounds resonate deeply with other people.

[@amphioxusanniversary]

Me: Want to watch this DVD before I return it to the library? My Dad: Depends on how long it is. Me: ...Spoilers?

[@fcane]

The best part is when (I think 5 seconds in) you say "quit this vid and go watch the movie" XD.

[@g.willikers465]

Saw this movie because of this review. Thanks for introducing me to it.

[@Demolitiondude]

Pork for the Pork Throne!

[@LenHummelChannel]

honesty, dishonesty, fakery, and money-grubbing is what makes the world go round & round, so to speak. trying to "make sense" out of the seemingly senseless.

[@undertasty]

Hey Kyle! You said in this video that there is a list of other youtube critics you could recommend. Would you please make and publish a list like that? I think you have a very valid and fascinating look into cinema, and I would be really interested whose view points you yourself find interesting. And don't worry, I wouldn't stop watching your videos ;D

[@spaceantqueen4327]

I followed your suggestion, and watched the movie earlier today. Thank you.

[@platoworld4012]

HAUTE BRILLIANCE.

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

Dude, I came here already being in love with this movie. I wonder how many can say that.

[@dildonius]

Why would you wonder that? Kinda sounds pretentious. "I already liked the film before watching this (aka before it was cool)!"

[@joaovitorribeiroalves1034]

Just another great video! You channel is awesome!

[@chefbanjo8139]

I gotta wonder: is it really so bad that Orson Wells’ last movie is Transformers? Citizen Kane is largely autobiographical, and it’s big twist is all about giving the middle finger to leaving behind childish things.

[@vksasdgaming9472]

He liked getting paid. He also delivered great performance nobody has matched in that role.

[@WTFisTingispingis]

*FOOD FOR THE FOOD GOD*

[@JiveDadson]

Before "art" meant a thing to be contemplated, it meant specialized skill and practical ability. It existed in the artist's brain and hands, not in a frame on a wall.

[@dildonius]

Well, the language evolved. It tends to do that.

[@mattswoollett1296]

Great vid man, loved the film, thanks for the great recommendation

[@egirlSkeletor]

Art being so tied to the artist is inherently a function of capital. Art itself is inherently collectivist until commodified

[@tatehildyard5332]

And going to that point, it's really fascinating returning to this after the Other Side of the Wind has finally seen the light of day. An Orson Welles film that is so deeply rooted in the the auteur narrative of Orson Welles and would never have been resurrected had the status of "lost Orson Welles film" not been attached to it. You can't kill the author in The Other Side of the Wind because the movie because the author is the movie.

[@ECL28E]

Shame you can't really lie to get into the arts anymore. Damn you, internet

[@tatehildyard5332]

ECL28E You go to politics to do that now.

[@dildonius]

Since when?

[@J_D_Sisson]

Best fuckin' thing Welles ever did, including Citizen Kane.

[@ArturoStojanoff]

You know what. I'm gonna stop this, watch this movie and come back to see this review. Maybe I'll be back in a million years, but I guess I am now intrigued, you convinced me. Say goodbye to your add revenue for another million years though, ha!

[@dondevice3342]

little red riding hood was written by jean de la fontaine

[@atticusshadowmore3263]

Why do people always seem upset that Transformers was Welles last film? HE PLAYED A ROBOT THE SIZE OF A PLANET! How fucking cool is that!?

[@robinblankenship9234]

Just delightful!!

[@Flowtail]

Okay, okay, sheesh kyle! i’ll go watch it *cough* after finals *cough*

[@manicpixiefangirl4189]

Just got through watching Lindsay Ellis’ video about death of the author and decided to revisit this one. Very interesting...

[@McMindflayer]

Never forget to be Awesome Kyle! Like the new haircut btw. looks good on you.

[@Segaman55]

well, according to your logic... I think, it's still a bit fuzzy, the person I'm watching in this isn't kyle kallgren, the person who made the video, I'm watching kyle kallgren the writer, director, cameraman (I think), for the sake of summing up, the artist, who I can't really understand as a person because I've never met them and because of that I make a construct made up of all the reviews, tweets, vlogs, basically anything I've seen him in, who may or may not be like the actual kyle kallgren while the artist construct was never alive to begin with... I'm pretty sure I got a lot of that wrong, or at least off base

[@ingonyama70]

In the case of a reviewer, you've hit the nail on the head. I feel there's a far thinner line between Kyle the person and Oancitizen the artist than there used to be, but that could just be what I want to believe. I want to believe someone as talented and insightful and humble and thought-provoking as him could exist. I want to believe he's as thoughtful and passionate and erudite in reality as he appears in his videos and social media. In the end, I'll likely never meet the real Kyle, so this is the closest I can come. It's the dilemma of every art fan, just as much as every artist.

[@duibhne9119]

Love your programs! Love classy movies 😊

[@namelessentity5851]

Most important question ever asked: Who would win in a "shirts-off pink-belly slap-fight" Orson Welles or Charles Laughton? I would give both of them a thick, 70's style broad leather belt, complete with huge belt buckle, but that might get out of hand.

[@jdprettynails]

Roland Barthes: You are an Author, therefore you are dead. John Green: no u

[@2kano113]

The first thing I think of when I hear John Green is his favorite taste.

[@Randomgen77]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAART!

[@kathrynblakeley9823]

Kyle has dramaturgical training (which is awesome for a person interested in dramaturgy) likes Shakespeare, interested in multiple mediums, and likes John Green! Also that you have an unironic interest in something popular. That seals it he's even more awesome in my book than I thought possible. Also anyone up for: Make John Green find the thing!

[@juneguts]

I did actually track down the film and watch it before continuing with the video, and I'm not sure why I was made to do that. Except as an excuse to get me to watch the film, which I did and very much enjoyed so thank you on that. But still. Is this film even spoilable?

[@dildonius]

To an extent. It also clarifies some points he makes.

[@bearowl4101]

I think neither auteur theory nor death of the author apply fully to all art. I think it depends on each individual art piece. Some pieces were made because of the author's own political/philosophical/religious beliefs, whereas others are made simply to make money or to produce something that's entertaining to a wide audience. However, I usually assume death of the author (in that the art has little to do with the artist's personal beliefs) before auteur theory when consuming art I don't know the context of. I do this to avoid saying, "this artist made something offensive so therefore they are offensive and believe every racist/sexist/homophobic etc. implication in their art. I usually try to criticise the art without attacking the artist. Is there anyone else who does this?

[@Mttjs1]

one of my favorite movies

[@RikkaP]

At the end the musing about fake and art did remind me of a quote I think I read in Hoimar von Dittfurths book on the evolution of the human brain and mind. I do not recall whom he was quoting (Lorenz or Tinbergen seems likely), but it went like this (translation by me): "The fin of the fish is an image of the water as we can derive the physical qualities of water from the anatomy of the fin and the knowledge that the fin works in its purpose, that is: propelling the fish through the water. In the same way the wing of the bird is the image of the air." Mr von Dittfurth went on with this thought by saying that in this way the human brain would be the image of the mental/ abstract world or dimension. A world that we are just starting to explore as the human mind is a fairly new invention of evolution, compared to fish fins and bird wings. We could derive the existence of the mental dimension by the existence of the human brain. This had me thinking: the fake, the lie in the art, could it be some kind of meta-reality, more adapted to the abstract, the mental reality (this sounds like crazy, but I mean the combined complex of ratio and emotio) then to the reality of the physical world? Is art the feathers of the brain, making the wing not only more effective but enabling us to use it at all? After all, things that have been no more then an artists fancy have been handed over to scientists and then engineers and at long last consumers. And now I joined the network, too.