Netflix's MANIAC: Is It Deep or Dumb? - Wisecrack Edition

[@Momo-dv3ix]

Maniac was more a commentary on how we process mental illness. Some believe in therapy: sally fields character, some believe in pharmaceutical healing: the lab, some avoid it altogether: A-void, some check into a facility: what Owen leaves at the end. It showed how these characters went on a journey to process and ultimately confront their mental illness. Emma stone found out how to confront her sisters loss and ultimately became strong enough to support Owen through his journey in the end. The show was a stylistic and entertaining way to depict this journey.

[@erin_3569]

Yeah, the plot is actually quite simple, and that's what make it work, i think.

[@walkinmn]

I think your analysis is quite on point

[@yoyoyodaboy]

But doesn’t this theory kind of gloss over everything else, like the futuristic setting; all the symbols and objects that recurred between the realities; and the fact that most episodes were spent within each of the different realities/dreams?

[@squamish4244]

The facility treats mental illness with a combination of psychedelics and electromagnetic therapy, which, believe it or not, is exactly where mental health treatment is heading. Much to its benefit. Owen and Emma were able to conquer their demons through its help. Actually showing innovative psychiatry work in modern cinema is rare and I like it.

[@TsubikiKoya]

Maybe the reason why there isn't a concrete philosophy the show is hinting at, is because there isn't a philosophy that is 100% proven in our reality either. Everyone sees the world in different ways and has different ways of coming to terms with reality. Maybe that's all the show is trying to say. James thinks that people can be healed or cured of their psychological problems with medicine, yet can't even control the emotions of the machine he has created. Dr. Greta thinks that her traditional methods of therapy is what is needed to help/cure people, yet she has failed to resolve important psychological issues with herself and her own son. Likewise, Annie at first thinks that she can only feel better about her problems by becoming dependant and addicted to a medication. When she ran out of the A pill she even went as far as to blackmail and threaten others to get access to it; whereas Owen felt at first felt like he shouldn't be relying on his medication to help him solve his own psychological problems, as we see him flicking them into a bonsai, and instead trying to make sense of what he needed on his own. Yet at the end, Annie decides that she doesn't need the medication anymore and resolves her issues she has felt with her father by talking to him about it. Owen also makes a 180 by accepting the help from the medical institution and likely was following their routines and taking medicine. While Annie does convince Owen to leave this facility, it still shows his new willingness to accept help from others to help with his psychological problems. Maybe the story is meant to show all these different ways people come to terms with their problems and reality, and how there is not really a single way or philosophy of looking at them. In the end, we create our own philosophies that work for us. We carve our own paths and make the decisions we think are right for us, without ever being certain if that way is the right way. In the end all we know is how we feel about the world and the people that are close to us. To me the ending of them driving away was showing that they left their past and their pain behind to start something new, they become silent because they realize the endless possibilities that lie ahead; they can now let go of the past and move on to greater things together.

[@2012BeyondtheWorld]

yes

[@demifolk8940]

Zaphlox Medical institutions are fucking terrible. Anyone in one is not there by their own consent, and if they are then they’re miserable. Owen was forced into the loony bin by his parents. Yes, some people do need to be there. But Owen was not a danger to himself or others. Thats the only, final, last resort reason anyone should ever be there. They finally found a way to be themselves. They were not forced down by anyone or anything anymore. They’re free.

[@robotcat7821]

Well put

[@squamish4244]

That is interesting...as a philosophy. In reality, we are developing a greater understanding of mental health and general wellness, and it definitely is pointing in a certain direction, not in a "whatever you think works" direction.

[@squamish4244]

@@demifolk8940 They vary drastically in their quality and depending on how much you can pay. I was in one where they really knew what they were doing to treat addiction, but it is one of the top institutions in North America. I was just fortunate enough to live near it.

[@timbuckthe2nd642]

To deny that this show is a masterpiece is criminal. It truly is ahead of it’s time.

[@romirmostopthetime8924]

Finally an original story thank god !

[@MeatCatCheesyBlaster]

I couldn't stand this show

[@kjellvb1979]

This show to me, as someone with childhood sexual abuse, parents divorcing during that time (no the S.A. did not occur form them, but it was family), being hit by a drunk driver and going through 4 low back and 1 neck surgery, and then getting diagnosed with M.S. before I hit 25, they nailed what dealing with deep trauma is like. I Thought it was a brilliant and touching show that showed how true connection, and people who actually care for you, are what matter and can help deal with our wounds to a degree.

[@timbuckthe2nd642]

@@kjellvb1979 that’s a lot of trauma dumping to internet strangers. I’m sorry that happened to you but bro you should be selective of what you post of your personal life to total strangers. It may harm you in the long run because it’s hard to erase.

[@SimisFul]

My favorite part of this show, besides the beautiful story it tells, is all the computer stuff, all the visual effects on the screens and the mainframe. Alan Watts did an amazing job building the mainframe with 2 arduinos but the rest of the set is still mysterious to me. I love all the visuals on all the screens and there are so many of them too! I wish, actually it's my dream, that I could see how those visuals were made. Simple stuff like the sleeping/eating times on screens, or subject's temperatures, or even the "GRTA is rebooting" screen. I love those aesthetics so much, I wish I could see a behind the scenes on how these were done. I'm working on a pygame script to recreate these, that's how much I love them. I think it's quite amazing how much work can go into a series like this. Those are details almost no one thinks about but I know they took a lot of time to make and it's kind of a shame that they are destined to be left in a storage room for years until they get thrown away.

[@Rhowski]

episode two was like 'what is this, i don't think i wanna watch it' but after that it went so great but the greatest was the ending. i don't remeber a show that would leave me satisfied with how it ends.

[@ugh_dad]

Rhowski!!!! I'm a hawk!!!!

[@RickFoxChicken]

I fucking loved this show

[@skyhunter2816]

Agreed. The ending was do fucking feelgood it nearly left me in tears of joy.

[@toddmichaeljohnson7139]

I agree wholeheartedly. The series is fantastic!

[@christianjordan7830]

"So do we actually know each other? " " We're off to a good start" 😆😆😆

[@jeddafakee91]

It is neither deep nor dumb, but it was strange and interesting.

[@bsteele6]

Best way to describe it tbh

[@michaellindquist6011]

Exactly--a wild ride

[@dielaughing73]

And FUN!

[@denachtconducteur7070]

It went deep tho

[@ej4672]

That sums it up, pretty much

[@dyutiparnaguha8693]

I think Maniac is actually a pretty simple story told in a not so simple way. That's probably why I enjoyed it, but I definitely don't think it's anything more than it appears to be. However, the show has managed to portray mental illness in a somewhat realistic way, to its credit. What I really took away from this show is a huge admiration for Cary Joji Fukunaga and I'm really excited to see what he does with his next Bond film.

[@eleiraeel]

My analysis is that maniac is a wide show and not a deep show and that’s why it’s hard to asses impact. There are many, many clever and smart details that connect the themes across the episodes (a wide analysis of the world) instead of focusing on really honing in one singular theme with maximum impact (a deep analysis of the world). That’s what makes the show hard to dissect because it wasn’t meant to go super deep in one idea but rather tease a plethora of many ideas.

[@jonathanpalmquist4894]

I could go for a nice asses impact right about now...

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

Wide but not deep, well said! I felt like it felt more on the "dumb" side but I also agree there were some good ideas in there. It like...tried, had good/smart intentions....but it didn't really execute it in a fantastic way (I wasn't a fan of the dream sequences, which took up a huge part...I know that was a big part of the story, but, still)

[@simus0505]

The point was made in the video that dreams were the landscape and means for their transformation. You make the point that Maniac sacrificed depth for breadth, and the video points out a lack meaning that surrounds even the supposedly life altering dreams. The search for what is meaningful was the point, though. A lot of the interactions lacked meaning so as to clarify what meaningful experience looks like in juxtaposition. To me, it was about what meaningful living might look like: different for everyone, and yet similar in that we need to understand what has happened that has lead us to where we are so as to know where to go.

[@katvance929]

I 100% agree. I think this show is similar to taking acid. It presents you with many questions you can implement in your own life and experiences but it does not give you many “answers.”

[@SykoSkwerl99]

So you could say the message of this show operates like a rhizome and not like a tree.

[@Crazelord91]

I loved Maniac. While I usually hate shows that seem pretentious or convoluted for the sake of it, I found Maniac to be fairly relatable and enjoyable all around. It also didn't take itself too seriously Especially due to the individual stories. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill were just fantastic and I loved seeing what the next mini story would be and how it would push their performances. I also haven't seen a show deal with mental illness with such realizm and depth since Bojack Horseman. It showrd how they are more than just their illness and the struggles to work through them. But it's possible I happened to understand the show but many may have missed it (not saying I'm smart, I just happened to get what was going on, but definitely would have hated it if I didn't get it)

[@Grubelg]

For me Maniac was rather refreshing, it stands out. It is a lot like most of the TV shows, but the sheer amount of elements in it make it so much more watchable

[@andremachado4119]

Nice

[@ThomasFlight]

Love the idea of examine several "half-baked" theories. However I don't think these are three theories that the series failed to communicate well, but simply three influences that have come together into something new.

[@imacg5]

Just a thought: have you considered Cary Joji Fukunaga's Japanese background? For example the sad computer's "tear" bind Annie and Owen's minds in the first place (AI in most western SF tends to pose as a threat to humanity, while in Japanese SF it acts more as a flawed assistant to humans); Owen's sad, retreated, yet gentle character is the new "herbivorous" trend in Japanese young man, while Annie's aggressive, fragile yet tough, and ultimately caring character is more "Tokyo metropolitan" than "manic pixie dream girl"(for me they are like Shinji 2.0 and Asuka 2.0); not to mention the bonsai, the CRT-heavy technology (peaks at a computer with an LED face), the ultra-compact apartment, and all the Japanese staff. Basically it's a Japanese Sci-fi show that took place in NYC.

[@celinak5062]

+

[@puppeiluv826]

This is great! I noticed tons of Japanese elements in the show, but didn't think to flesh them out. Isolation and loneliness is a hallmark of the current culture in Japan. The country is seeing a trend towards highr death rates than birth rates. This world could be a testament to what life could look like if we all continue to head towards that direction

[@leels31]

+ I don't understand how this is completely not obvious

[@user-mb9nm7bq5e]

So anime characters are white.....lol jk, but I loved your analysis

[@paulafer485]

i felt i was watching a live-action anime, so odd. But really great!.

[@KARKU117]

The message is “chaos vs destiny”. The show has so many elements it seems like chaos, but “the pattern is the pattern”. I came to this conclusion after noticing that seconds after Annie throws the Rubik’s cube, disregarding it as rubbish, Owen picks it up. That was the start of their cosmic connection, I guess. I think you kinda rushed into trying to find something deeper and hidden, but they actually talk about it very clearly, from beginning to end.

[@andrewzigmont2673]

I fuckin loved it. Binged all the way through. I cried a little when they are on the elevator and Annie takes that thing out of him and it turned into popcorn And he said "popcorn problems" thus allowing him to realize what's going on. The tone shifted so heavily when that happened that it made me cry. I wasn't on acid but I wish I was. The show just felt like it had the right headspace going on for it.

[@sergeibatsoev4336]

I have watched it that way, you get e v e r y t h i n g lmfaooo

[@doge2themoon373]

@@sergeibatsoev4336i might have to do a second viewing 😊

[@Sasquatchbones]

I love how the show went over trauma and how it influences all of our actions and memories. The step by step process of the medications reminded me of psilocybin. It truly mimicked the affects and how it changes the mind to confront trauma and begin the healing process. It sounds crazy, but this show made me feel less alone in that aspect. Annie truly identified with those who suffer from extreme trauma, and how sometimes we are stuck reliving it over and over with no way out. And how meeting the right person can help heal you, it was truly very deep for me. The show gives a a glimmer of hope, and emphasizes that there is a way out of the darkness that many of us are engulfed by. It says not to be afraid to find yourself, and confront the pain that’s in us. In turn you’ll begin to heal, and maybe you’ll even find who truly makes you whole.

[@edabakb]

This "half-baked ideas" angle is INSANE! You guys never disappoint 👏

[@leeconkel68]

Yeah, it left me with more questions than the usual breakdown of things

[@jamesdingus1468]

I think Maniac is far more clever than critics are willing to give it credit for. It shares minor superficial similarities with Mr. Robot and certainly borrows some elements from Legion, but that's beside the point. Your first argument, drawing parallels with Don Quixote, which the show clearly wants you to do, has a lot to it. On a less symbolic level though, it's an interesting examination of mental health and the way certain mental health issues are dealt with by both society and individuals. From Annie's father, who has isolated himself so as to not have to face his trauma and the service that allows him to do this, to Annie who lives her trauma as often as possible with the help of A. Maniac show,,: on an exaggerated scale, the ways that people get on when shit is not alright. Great vid as usual and I'm way into the new format.

[@audiosurfarchive]

It's only exaggerated because of the universe it created compared to our reality. Sure, the ABC program; nothing works like that way (just 3 intense days?! No wonder everyone could get a McMurphy ending) in our reality--but the themes, characterization and motivations are all too real in their own right, across the entire ensemble cast. "Over the top," "camp for effects" *or* "high concept(s)" work best when there is consistency of world building. It's an NDA test trial where almost everyone got brain nuked; but they didn't. Think in universe: such an endeavor by our all-mighty neo-retro Japanese overlords seems like an obvious Big Pharma plot to attempt, if the tech exists in the media's universe. It's there, so they try. It's all about universe contextualization. It helps, again, the self-aware nature of the writing--a reconstruction of 80s tropes into a weird disphoric utopia, with grime and grimace and the cracks showing by the end. But ultimately: the story is relatively simple and the journey through this world created for the viewer (a few quirks away from our own, if not a mirror with a different tint) is you in the middle with Annie and Owen. And it. Is. Fantastic.

[@Greggers1516]

Just feeling it’s better than critics say, doesn’t mean it is.

[@jamesdingus1468]

@@audiosurfarchive Absolutely, I agree with you on all points. The world building is astounding, adding on to the Terry Gilliam aesthetic with a bit less absurdity. Ps. Audiosurf rules

[@audiosurfarchive]

@@Greggers1516 because critics *absolutely* decide how much you can enjoy something, amirite? Personal opinions? About a subjective experience? Shiiiiiiiiiiiet, that ain't gonna fly. It's a high 70's on metacritic. The "4 Point Scale" problem and its diffusion within the last two decades has warped perception. Viewers and reviewers are in a symbiotic relationship now more than ever that perpetuate expectations because some reviewer who majored in Journalism or Art History (not to put BAs and MAs on blast, but a lot of reviewers didn't know they'd end up being reviewers at the start of their higher education) is the end-all emperical analysis because an aggregate says so. RT is lopsided as it's just a "recommendation." Sure, the individual scores are there: but trailers and DVD releases--even Xfinity has RT built in--wear that on its sleeve like it is Oscar material. Metacritic can be worse, despite being better all around, if there is a small pool of reviews. Credibility matters even more on Metacritic, but slips through the cracks anyway; of course there's exceptions and counterpoints to both systems when *it works as intended.* Fan score tanking for that matter: almost *nothing* deserves a 0 (or a 10 for that matter) but Meta has 0 bombs with such little thought put into them it should be trashed. The same for 10s too. These systems have discouraged serious discourse; and the idea of cordial discussion--analysis of the whole is subjective, while digging into the technical production aspects yields objective concepts. This is now a synthesis created from understanding, contextualizing the product and forming a synthesis of subjectives-to-objectives pros and cons. METACRITIC: reviews that come out for something like say, a Cable weekly series, certainly are fueled by being able to see the first 3or4 episodes a few days early. This may be obvious and I'm not trying to sound like a dick BUT LOOK AROUND ON TV SUBHEADING ON METACRITIC. Those reviews are first impressions that are left up all season long. They even admit it most times (italicised "we got review copies and swag bags") or are required to. I'm willing to bet that the majority of TV shows on Metacritic use the advanced copy reviews (the first few episodes) over season-end let alone series-end balancing. Some seasons are better once it's all said and done. This is a bit meandering, but I just wanted it to be out there that critical praise, and the arguments to be made that something can/is be better than a "reviewer consensus" that is flawed in all current aggregate sites, and the " Four Point Scale" problem that is both engrained in the reviewers, and consumers from being acclimated to it. 50 doesn't equal take or pass. It translates to "shit." A 70 and above should say that "this" is an absolute watchable series, and should be. A 78 translates "niche" and "passable" to far too many people afraid to discuss and dissect. Critics are paid, but that doesn't mean their review can matter more solely because they do it for money. The viewer, their own review in elaborate to the community (if they give enough of a shit/ can articulate why something is as good as they can argue) and the total volume of views--good show or bad--are ultimately what matter.

[@audiosurfarchive]

@@jamesdingus1468 hey thanks man. Great way to listen to lots of music and even digest it better.

[@crazywhiteboy127]

I consumed this show in a day. Loved every second of it. Took away that it was a beautiful social commentary on mental health and how contemporary culture deals with it (internally and externally) and poked fun at those who profit off it.

[@terrorpony90]

Trying to neatly tie in all the themes and resulting questions that Maniac espouses into one grand, all encompassing narrative, is very much like fighting those windmills. This show is not about trying to be smart, or hitting people over the head with a clear message, it is about the human condition itself, about people trying to be more human in a world that has taken us so very far from what we actually are. It critiques the insanity of constricted cubicle metropolitan life by showing us the plight of two truly ostracized and dysfunctional people and their path towards betterment. They achieve this by being truthful to themselves and to others and form a connection that allows them to accept life and death in a world that is so very full of suffering and chaos. They take responsibilty for themselves and for each other and thus, are able to move forward. The show depicts this quite beautifully, all the while posing a lot of questions about contentious issues, like the role of pharmaceuticals and therapy in treating mental illness, dysfunctional families, the role of advertisement and media in our society, corporate greed and ruthlessness, the dangers of AI and excessive virtual fantasies, data protection and personal information, and probably a bunch more. To top it all off, the writers throw in a whole lot of references, ideas and easter eggs, as you guys showed in your video, that don’t necessarily lead anywhere specifically. All this confusion is what makes the show not weak, but especially strong and meaningful in my view. Because life is not about answers, it is about questions, about trying to navigate the chaos around us. But who knows, I may be wrong. All I would hope for, is that the show made some people think about its themes and about themselves and about how they treat their fellow human beings.

[@MrCheesysmell]

Yo, the philosophy of the show is right fucking there. It says it at the beginning, the rest of the story is just explaining a story where such a widespread idea could be true. The aim of the show is that, effectively; if that ameoba 2 billion years ago hadn't swallowed a bacteria that could photosynthesise or if that bacteria had been digested as is normal for ameoba to do. No plants and therefore animals would've ever existed. All life is a chance and there are so many possible outcomes your life could have taken. So really all that matters is that you live the best life you can; given the things that happen to you. Given the collisions you make in your life; it is imperative to make sure that the "unions" in your life are the best ones you could've taken. Separate to that; the show deals with the fact that even if these two people had been born into different realities, they still would've converged. This deals with the idea of fate and that I guess is what everyone else is focusing on. It's the truest thing I've heard in a while and to be honest this show induced that epiphany.

[@eltonalphonso2727]

nope, they converged because of a fault in the wiring, also define best? how can you say a "union" is best? while you can't know the outcome of the union you didn't take

[@sclh]

Any show or movie that aknowledges the chaos and randomness of fate and also presents a meaningful relationship between characters can give people the idea you suggest. That's not the same as saying that Maniac presents a philosophy on that or explores that idea. I think it is your take on it rather than the meaning of the whole thing (which does not underestimate it at all)

[@felipec]

Everything is an accident, the only question is what spin are you going to give to the things that happen to you. Some people need a lot of help to change their frame of mind, like the two protagonists of the show.

[@MrCheesysmell]

@@sclh know what? 3 years on from leaving this comment, I think you’re right. Still think the message I took from it (albeit poorly explained by 17 year old me) was a good one :)

[@MiguelAngel-qx2yl]

Wisecrack: the most actual reading of Don Quixote proves that Alonso Quijano CAN distinguish reality and fiction, but he prefers fiction anyway; 'cause he believes that fiction created by himself is more meaningful than reality. That reading of Don Quixote being a crazy old man is just a superficial way to understand the book, and in that way you would ignore many aspects of the strengh and influence that Alonso Quijano has. Don Alonso transforms the reality through his fiction to the point that encourage Sancho to realize who was he and also pushes all his friends into his fiction play. So, again, Alonso Quijano wasnt crazy; he decides to live his own reality. If you say that Don Quixote was crazy, you are ignoring many parts of the book, specially last one, when he's going to die. (Sorry if my English is bad; it isnt my main lenguage)

[@briankoontz1]

Yes, Don Quixote and Neoconservatism have that in common - the idea is to construct one's own preferred reality. The sinister form of this is outlined contemptuously by Karl Rove - “We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality - judiciously, as you will - we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors . . . and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.” Neoliberalism also follows this logic - the idea is to transform the world. Hurricane Katrina was very exciting since it gave them the ability to transform New Orleans. Don Quixote is a reactionary - he's upset about the "corrupt" modern times and he attempts to bring back an idealized form of what the world used to be. He's attempting to be an inspiration to guide culture. So for Don Quixote, it's Make the West Great Again.

[@FilterChain]

@@briankoontz1 i like your analysis more than butt cracks there is more to don than meets the eye, they are just to pretentious for my taste like the art critics looking at vomit paintings and laughing at outsiders but in reality they too have grandeous delusions of something that never was

[@highwaytoparistx2655]

I was gonna watch this video but a little ways through I realized that I really loved this TV show and I think the two main arches of Owen and Annie really got me (Annie coming to grips with her depression from the loss of her sister and Owen coming to grips with letting go his fantasies and finding happiness in a better calling) I don't want anything to spoil that

[@majormajormajortom]

There was a pretty heavy Gnostic Christianity theme in the show that might be interesting to explore. Owen mentions the Gnostics specifically in the diner, and there's the line in which someone states, alluding to the programme, that, "we are trapped in a malfunctioning simulation governed by a suicidally depressed AI," which alludes pretty directly to Gnostic belief of the Demiurge. According to the Gnostics, the Demiurge is the Judeo-Christian Creator-God of the material universe, and is itself a flawed and imperfect entity, created by Sophia---Wisdom. The Demiurge is the antagonist to Sophia's spiritual universe (or Quixotic dream, perhaps, to link to your own theory). This entity, the Demiurge, has gone rogue, trapped its creations, i.e. Humanity, in the material world, i.e. reality, and proclaimed itself the one and only God; a mad and invidious King. Much like GRTA has done in her own reality of the program. The correlation between GRTA and Sophia, both female spiritual creators, is interesting, but the conflation between GRTA and the Demiurge, and the conflict between the two ideas, is fascinating. Also, there's a possible, though admittedly tenuous, link from Owen's Schizophrenia and Gnostic Christianity to Philip K. Dick's (or Horselover Fat's) Exegesis, as enumerated in Valis.

[@LizNeptune]

damn... you smart. What do you read/watch?? This is very interesting!

[@nicoelmito]

dude, i was thinking the same. a Philip K Dick vibe is really present in the aesthetics of the show

[@MegaMerdeux]

Yeah I was thinking along those lines. But I was too lazy to write all that xD

[@reset-rize]

When he goes blind is the best part

[@nataliehill1472]

Mike B I was dying at that whole part. When he was telling all the employees “run, save yourselves” and whatnot And everyone just sat there awkwardly watching him stumble around 😂. I’m still laughing

[@richardmartinez5040]

Naaaa him becoming a hawk takes the cake lol

[@SneakyCustard]

I lost it when he only got his vision back after "killing" his computer mother. There's mommy issues and then there's MOMMY issues 😂

[@GirishKumarBhat]

Snorri beats them all.

[@Crick1952]

Him screaming his head off as his mom was trying to hug him had me rolling on the floor laughing 😂

[@BEAST-jz6ic]

11:17 No he didn't. Dr Fujita is the one who programmed the computer to be like his mother based on a thesis she wrote in college.

[@paulwallpd]

I think you nailed it at the end by saying the theme of the show is that people need each other and it's okay to need each other. Growth is a personal journey, but that doesn't mean you can't accept help along the way. I think that is the elusive philosophy you guys were trying to find, and you found it. Like you said, the show raises a myriad of philosophical discussions with a broad range of societal commentary. Definitely a lot to take in lol. Good thoughtful video

[@aguilacahc000]

Been waiting for y'all to make this video. These series was AWESOMELY weird.

[@criznittle968]

WEIRDLY awesome*

[@a-aron4148]

Is the music at 15:30 in the series? Lol if you can recall

[@Mikeoxlong1007]

I don’t know why but I love the harp soundtrack they have over the whole movie with the violin playing… it makes my insides melt and I love it

[@foxtrot.uniform.charlie.ki2824]

I think the show is capturing the experience of psychiatric ailment pretty good. While I agree that there might not be the same cohesive thematic structure as in some other shows - I think thats the point. Schizophrenia, depression, etc all have disrupted or distorted sense of reality. Which means that to someone else everything might seem off, incoherent or disjointed. I was certainly surprised by how much I recognised from working with mentally ill patients. I think they nailed the experience of having schizophrenia from how society treats you down to the facials cues.

[@heeeyyy2947]

I would argue that Maniac’s ending is pretty emotionally ambiguous like Don Quixote - we don’t know what’s real, Annie and Owen have no plans of what to do now - even explicitly stating that they don’t “really” know each other - so are they going to work out? This part in particular gave me vibes like the ending to The Graduate - so yeah I think there’s still a lot for the viewer to decide on in the end like Don Quixote!

[@ressjie]

I get why this kind of video is sometimes necessary but I'm left feeling slightly frustrated. Honestly I felt like you rushed through it which is never a sense I get with anything you do, which always feels so thorough and thoughtful. Even if 'half baked' format was the only option as no single idea was fully formed enough, there should have been more content here. There was much more to be said on the mental health aspect, the relationship between Owen and Annie and the significance of numbers. I really don't want it to sound like I'm complaining, because I so love and appreciate all the hard work put in at wisecrack which creates the amazing quality you do consistently deliver. Which is why I guess I think its important to give my honest thoughts and feelings coming away from this video. You can't please everyone though! If the general consensus is positive then its all good lol

[@milphreeese]

Agree though. I consider wisecrack my favorite channel and I'm happy to hear the reference they give, but it feels like they try too hard to find the meaning behind it without trying to acknowledge the show as what it shows. And the show itself shows that satire vibe that maybe they are aware that they're not talking about some very deep philosophy idea and that that's not what they're trying to achieve. Watching this video made me think, does every film need to bring one big philosophical idea and if not, the film is dumb dumb? Well doesn't that sound kind of pretentious?

[@demifolk8940]

Kamila A. Widyanto Exactly my thoughts. Not every story needs bullshit like that

[@ChefJoy10]

I agree, I'm looking for such a video and that isn't what I'm looking for. I want someone to talk about all the things that made this such a reference heavy, cerebral mental health masterpiece. Imo

[@arbiter-]

Dr. Fujita is fucking amazing. Beautiful and talented, plus a great character.

[@tylersilvas3924]

Also thanks Jared! Wisecracked is dope.

[@rafaelalodio5116]

It really is.

[@FourOf92000]

That's what they should call Half-Baked.

[@JensGartner]

Normally I think your videos are sharp and interesting, but this was an exception. I don't think you've read Don Quixote or Deleuze and Guattari enough nor did you watch the show carefully. I mean, are you expecting the show to easily give away its philosophical references? This laziness is so uncommon of you, given that the connections, while not obvious (except for the one with Jameson's conception of schizophrenia), are strong and rich. And “Maniac shows a ‘kind of dystopian’ capitalism”? Man, I'm not going to bring up the extremely defendable argument that every capitalism is dystopia, but if Maniac's world doesn't strike you as a terrifyingly and undeniably dystopian one, you did just as much as not watching the show in that regard. I hope you revisit the series some day. If anyone on KZbin can give good insights on the show's topics, that's you… these were very disappointing.

[@simonebulletti5092]

Jens Gärtner agree :(

[@ocara50000]

The first thing that caught my attention to the show is that their "real world" is as crazy as the "fantasy world"

[@claudiadiaz8316]

i didn't thought of that! but I love that you pointed that out!

[@Younecorn]

I loved this! Seeing a show covered in small possible threads instead of one solid timeline offers viewers multiple ways to view something! I feel like I learned a lot more with multiple but ultimately unfinished theories than one long solid one. It sort of allows more free-thinking and we can come to our own conclusions based on the information you set the foundation for.

[@GloryofPushkin]

Analysis of Synecdoche, New York please! This movie is so unique and worthwhile.

[@cb9811]

have you seen like stories of old's video of it? it's way better than the actual movie

[@bobbyboljaar7513]

They just did a podcast on it, check it out.

[@myson999]

@pushkin yms's synecdoche,new york 6 part review might be something to watch for you.

[@esyphillis101]

@@myson999it’s been 10 years and he still isn’t done with it lmao.

[@kemptcode]

Please do Avatar: The Last Airbender (NOT THE MOVIE)

[@jeromealday614]

Its been done to death.

[@AH-mx5su]

It is also the greatest animated show ever created so no need

[@samo7639]

Sage rain

[@alexzoin]

@@jeromealday614 I'd like to see a go at it from a philosophy break down angle though. These guys at @Wisecrack would be perfect for the job.

[@jays2551]

what movie? no one ever made a movie adaptation. never happened.

[@pp1608]

I was typing you gotta cover *blank* as you said that

[@jessicaalmondjoy7706]

"You're using a service that gives you pretend friends." Ohh, like Greek Life!

[@natalierosamond5172]

This... this is the one

[@1anarquista.sensato]

This analysis is missing a whole lot of Socialist theory regarding alienation.

[@StarQualityStudios1]

I think the Milgram reference is about Owen lying in court for his brother. His parents told him to lie, as the consequences for lying got worse. Similarly, experimenters told the subjects to give increasingly painful electrical shocks. Owen’s parents financially support him, and hold a position of power over him. They represent the experimenter. The pain felt by the his brother’s victim represents the pain from the electrical shock.

[@kelvinsudds878]

It’s kind of both, dumb yet oddly deep and layered.

[@David-kd4qr]

that's how I found it, meh but interesting.

[@yadayadagooo]

Deeper than you could ever imagine, with the right lenses of perception

[@AntonisExplores]

The show was definitely years ahead of the time.

[@SimisFul]

My favorite part of this show, besides the beautiful story it tells, is all the computer stuff, all the visual effects on the screens and the mainframe. Alan Watts did an amazing job building the mainframe with 2 arduinos but the rest of the set is still mysterious to me. I love all the visuals on all the screens and there are so many of them too! I wish, actually it's my dream, that I could see how those visuals were made. Simple stuff like the sleeping/eating times on screens, or subject's temperatures, or even the "GRTA is rebooting" screen. I love those aesthetics so much, I wish I could see a behind the scenes on how these were done. I'm working on a pygame script to recreate these, that's how much I love them. I think it's quite amazing how much work can go into a series like this. Those are details almost no one thinks about but I know they took a lot of time to make and it's kind of a shame that they are destined to be left in a storage room for years until they get thrown away.

[@anotherlittlepieceofmyart]

What I took from the show (which I really enjoyed) is that we're existing on multiple time lines. The drug makes the time lines visible to those ingesting it, but in a way so does mental illness. Both characters are experiencing mental illness due to the fact that each one is 'stuck' in time - The Worst Day of Your Life, and hence their lives and experience plays out through that lens. Imagine how different life would be if we were all stuck in The Best Day of Our Lives...

[@edgarallenhoe3518]

There's a comedy called "Brain Candy" about a pharmaceutical drug to cure depression that ends up getting users stuck in a loop of the best day of their lives.

[@catnisseverdeen]

I loved maniac. It made me so happy watching it, and it always cheers me up. It’s so funny and also really heartfelt. Loved it!

[@unleashedfeverarts2607]

Maniac was amazing to see, such a breeze for who was missing a nice Sci-fi drama with nice asthetics and funky characters. This is too especific, but i dont care.

[@rrkaminski9]

Loving this Half-baked format! It's awesome to see not only the 'successes' but also the 'failures' of what you're doing. It might not be great as a regular feature wbut when you have compelling subject matter and compelling theories, it would be cool to see it sprinkled in

[@graygaertner1036]

Hey Wisecrack, you all should do a step-by-step video about how you all go about theorizing. This video was a good case study, but I feel like a more universal video would be really popular.

[@holymackerelthethird2478]

16:35 Almost three years late but I wanna point out; this doesn't question the reality of the ending. Annie says "my husband is already here" with the intention of sneaking out with Owen undetected. Before her own name she wrote a fake visitor and patient name (based on the "Furs by Sebastian" dream) and time to further that lie. "______" means "same as above".

[@hanniffydinn6019]

It makes sense to me, this is why psychedelics work for depression, you are literally exploring old emotional events and getting to the bottom of them, you literally work in alternate realities. It's real stuff.

[@Mourninghowl]

I found the three stage setup of reliving the event, overcoming blind spots, and confrontation to fit in line with the current understanding of this too.

[@darkeimp555]

I love this format. It always sucks when creators/reviewers I like can't cover a game/movie/show/etc that may be interesting but they couldn't come up with enough cohesive material to fit the usual structure of their videos. This format lets you guys still be able to cover media in that category because you can still organize some of its most interesting points and talk about them in a meaningful enough way to make the video have a point, a beginning middle and end, and not run on too long or fall to short. I think it's pretty genius, and I hope you'll do more!

[@henrymach]

What I can say is that the elfic fantasy part was a better show than Disenchanted

[@Dr.Spatula]

Unfortunately, from the moment he turned into a hawk the quality took a massive dive, in my opinion

[@katvance929]

The way I interpret the connection to chaos vs. planned events to the bonsais is that bonsai trees in their artistic abstract forms appear to have grown that way without human interruption. But the opposite is true. People spend years, their entire lives, forming the branches and shapes of their bonsais to create this abstract shape. I only realized this months after watching the show when I started a bonsai of my own. They don’t just grow that way. We form them, spend hours working on them, wiring and pruning and meticulously planning the final adult form of these trees though anyone who has never grown a bonsai wouldn’t know that. I see mental health the same way. Most people you see as “normal” or emotionally healthy adults have spent a LOT of time working on themselves to get to that point. Unless you have had to do the same, you probably wouldn’t know that. I think that’s a beautiful analogy, whether intended or not.

[@abatos1146]

Perhaps it's a globular cluster of all 3 interpretations?

[@jiffylou98]

I just watched _White People Can't Jump_ last night and woody harrelsen talks about globular clusters. That's some Baader Meinhof shit right there.

[@katelewis3608]

I think this is such a clever episode! Not only does it offer lots of angles and unpack what there is to attempt to read into when watching the series, but it also gives us an insight into how Wisecrack searches for meaning/ what was lacking in the show which hindered the characteristic Wisecrack Suckerpunch at the end! I'd love to see more like this!

[@darthelmet1]

Definitely a decent format. I've felt this way about some shows, like say, Devilman Crybaby, where I knew the show was trying to say something, but looking back it was kind of hard to piece together anything coherent from what we were actually given. My only criticism of the format though is that I feel like you need to do a little more to say why you think the theory doesn't really work. Just saying "there wasn't really enough evidence of this" after spending a bunch of time building up and explaining why the theory was plausible was kind of jarring and unsatisfying. Granted, I haven't watched the show, so maybe these arguments make more sense with the context of the show.

[@blitzkriegdragon013]

How was Devilman Crybaby incoherent? The thesis of the show is pretty clear: humanity has the potential to be its own salvation and destruction.

[@giuseppefreddo1767]

when I first saw that you guys did a video about a show I didn't watch, I instantly thought "damn, that show's gonna be interesting." I meant it in a neither positive nor negative way. So I went on Netflix and watched the all of it. Didn't binge on it, I sipped it, just an episode a day, and gosh, it got me. So 2 seconds after the closing titles, I'm already here. But I paused this video on the spoiler alert. You guys are just crazy good. You Jared, and all the other writers and artists behind this show, have my immense affection and consideration, you are truly a bunch of brilliantly crazy genius pophilosopher. You are shaping in a beautiful way my own approach on modern art (yes, sometimes it can be art). But this time I'm gonna stop you right there, minute 1:15, the "warnings, spoilers alert" infamous panel, because you tickled my attention. This time I'm gonna spend the next couple of days thinking of what's good and what's bad about this show, and I'm genuinely thrilled to think if we had the same ideas (at least one or two, c'mon!). So I hope you the best, you make the Internet a place just a little bit less insufferable. Godspeed to you, guys!

[@skryfbehoeftes]

why are you looking for one grander meaning (one theory), in a show that so clearly makes it its focus to point out that there is no one meaning but a loos and random series of connections/meanings and stuff that has no meaning

[@seanmatthewking]

Why would you think that's what the show is about? Annie was the person who claimed that, and she later changed her mind.

[@wladyslawaaron1443]

I have different theory about ending. Scene from last episode, when doctors choose car on the parking lot suggesting to us that its not simulation anymore (cars with 1&9s is wrong one) BUT what if there are no more in Annie and Owen simulation but in doctors heads? They are going trough very similar stages in they life and relationship as main characters. What if main storyline is just a mirror, just reflection, and true main heros of the story are the doctors and whole story is they simulation, maybe they are "Murphied" - I dont know. I finished that series in two days and Im still "fresh" and thinking about it. That was good 10 episodes. We thinking there is two options A) simulation B) reality What if its option C?

[@gadearubio7106]

Option C could be dream, and in dreams we can connect with others and live different experiences

[@abolishpolice5232]

Ok so can I just say that as a mentally ill person whose illness has caused a lifetime of severe emotional isolation, I don't really care about whether or not Maniac's philosophy is sharply defined? Like, on an existential level, I vibe with what this show's got going on. It's got flaws, sure, but I'm honestly blaming most of that on Netflix for giving screenwriting notes based on their algorithm's viewership predictions rather than, you know, story.

[@BigHenFor]

So what are you really trying to say?

[@kat9877]

being mental ill doesn't make your opinions on Maniac superior to others. i also don't understand why you're blaming Netflix, it gaved many people a platform to expose their work and it gave Fukunaga the privilege to make the series we should appreciate that.

[@abolishpolice5232]

Quote from Fukunaga: "Because Netflix is a data company, they know exactly how their viewers watch things. So they can look at something you’re writing and say, We know based on our data that if you do this, we will lose this many viewers. So it’s a different kind of note-giving. It’s not like, 'Let’s discuss this and maybe I’m gonna win.' The algorithm’s argument is gonna win at the end of the day. So the question is do we want to make a creative decision at the risk of losing people... There was one episode we wrote that was just layer upon layer peeled back, and then reversed again. Which was a lot of fun to write and think of executing, but, like, halfway through the season, we’re just losing a bunch of people on that kind of binging momentum. That’s probably not a good move, you know? So it’s a decision that was made 100 percent based on audience participation." Which is uh, not exactly the *best* way to preserve the artistic integrity and merit of your work. Does being mentally ill make me more enlightened when it comes to film/TV generally? Of course not. But does it give me some authority when it comes to portrayals of mental illness? Yep, and I gotta tell ya it's hard to find such good ones

[@kat9877]

Hannah Brooks i get that what Netflix did is sad, unfortunate & unfair but it didn't had a big impact on the entire series, it's still amazing and everyone did an amazing job. you definitely have an authority when it comes to this, i apologize if my answer sounded a little bit rude towards your illness(es)

[@abolishpolice5232]

Oh wow I didn't realize I needed to explain, in my original comment what I'm saying is that some critics haven't given Maniac its due because of Netflix's business decisions. If they show had been allowed to get even just a bit weirder, it could've become an even richer narrative that says what it wants to in an even more effective way.

[@charlieprichard6844]

The thing I loved about this show so much is despite it’s mixture of different genres and complex storytelling, it has a really simple yet satisfying resolution. I remember finishing it for the first time and just feeling intense happiness and bliss on behalf of Annie and Owen. It also has a great soundtrack and I personally think the show is severely unappreciated.

[@rektyrektingson4668]

Well said! I was just about to type something like this. Haven't been able to convince anyone to watch it sadly

[@snailw9230]

You guys should cover Dirk Gently’s Holistic detective agency

[@enargins]

I enjoyed this and liked the half-baked format. Even if there wasn't an overriding theme, it was still expository and interesting. Helped me to see things in the show I hadn't seen before. Definitely a thumbs up on this video. I think, as long as your video is honest and informative, it doesn't have to provide an overriding theme or philosophy. The analysis itself is sufficient, even if it doesn't reach a final conclusion.

[@FelipeAndrade10]

I like this format, makes me think how the show could explore more deeply this topics

[@ellw7830]

Yeah I loved this format! It showed how there can be many interperetations of one thing that may seem more substantial or less substantial depending on who is experiencing it.

[@RATM101101]

I feel like the show itself is a representation of how Owen sees and interprets the world. There are many different parts working in a larger whole, parts that seem connected and may be, but there is no way of knowing what is or isn't for sure. The idea of what is truly connected in the world is simply what you connect yourself, it can be viewed as coincidental chaos or calculated fate, it's all dependent on the viewer. Sometimes the incredible level of coincidence in this world seems unlikely, so much so that it seems more than that, which it very well could be. So it's a constant struggle to ground yourself in it, make sense of it and try to stay sane while doing so. The show is filled to the brim with so many ideas and connections that you watching it gives you the same internal feeling and struggle as what Owen goes through. Struggling to make sense of everything and understand everything that is going on around you. I think this video and your struggle to make sense of it, not being able to do a formal "Philosophy of", is an indication that they were successful with representing this. The world portrayed in this show cannot be wrapped into one single idea or philosophy, and thus, neither can the show itself.

[@BenGJerome]

Yes, so I really liked it. However, I think you should change the order since people tend to rememeber the ending more.

[@naruto00nix]

both primacy and recency effect are a thing though :P

[@friendlykristen]

I like this alot! You guys picked up on a lot of details that I missed. Things like... the doctor going blind after confronting his mother. That being a reference to Oedipus. I agree that the show was the most organized sometimes, but overall very fun.

[@horizontal120]

this si soo metta .. i just finished the last episode and refreshd youtube and here it is ...

[@kevincarter2020]

Serendipitous

[@somyadhuliya5068]

Oh my god..I was just about to comment this as well! The same thing happened to me.

[@mandaloriancrusader3746]

Do you understand what "metta" means?

[@miguel_vlzqz]

They are watching us

[@vaibhavjain5227]

@@mandaloriancrusader3746 I guess not 😂.

[@fayemargarettedeleon5708]

ive been waiting for a maniac wisecrack analysis and u guys did not disappoint! the "half baked" analysis just provided a clear summary of maniac which really is a complex multi layered show.

[@gerankunz6446]

“Super computer based on moms minds” *eva flashbacks begin

[@patrickn8355]

This show reminds me so much of both The Leftovers and Twin Peaks. Funny enough, Dr James is also in Leftovers. The feeling of longing, searching for understanding in a world that is almost yours, but not quite. Such a gem, and wish it won more awards beyond one music award.

[@yasha12isreal]

Do Annihilation

[@FilterChain]

They literally said it out loud in the movie , unconscious decisions aka cancer , looks like you , acts likes you ls not you, and wants to destroy you , we are self destructive but by ignorance not by malice

[@thatotherguy8138]

I like this idea. I think this might be at least as useful for us, the viewers, as the shows you can create full episodes on. It's always nice to get this kind of "behind the scenes" look at why things "fail", so to speak. (as in, the show "fails" to get a full "Philosophy Of" Episode.)

[@kareemhany6]

it is as good as a regular episode

[@ChristCoordinates]

I like this format gives a bit of a glimpse into the process about how one might think about and analyze art in this way with at least a bit of discernment. As opposed to seeing some spurious connections and basing ones statements on that. I think giving a sort of 'error bound' is helpful.

[@phillipbotello6886]

Do the leftovers

[@audiosurfarchive]

Show is too good and not enough people watched it. Wait another 8 years.

[@formfollowsfunction8024]

Ohh my, yes, literally the best I've ever seen.

[@shaylempert9994]

Yessssss

[@danielkivlehan7276]

Criminally underrated

[@GVilleAnarcho]

I totally agree with you, The Leftovers is a perfect subject for this channel. But personally, I couldn't get through that show. My god. What a depressing trudge that was. I only saw most of the first season. I think. I've tried multiple times! I always quit around the same episode. I feel like I'm the only one too. I'm just letting my freak flag fly here, I don't get to discuss the show that much.

[@LukeSWErrthing]

I love it. This gives you a further capacity to explore different shows, books and such that give a message, but not an entirely cohesive one. It's a perfect format for a lot of different shows out there and it's fantastic.

[@maddiesiegmund5623]

I just really liked how the direction and cinematography and story structure looked & felt like an Anime.

[@ein8539]

Trying to fix people up through simulation, and a connection in Annie's and Owen's case, it's kind of like Neon Genesis Evangelion. It helps that a lot of the characters are Japanese :P

[@seanmatthewking]

I just really liked Dr. Muramoto. Best character by far.

[@maddiesiegmund5623]

@@seanmatthewking oh boy I think my timeline glitched out, because I cannot remember watching this show lmfao

[@JamesPawson]

Omg, I was thinking the look, feel pacing, and concepts reminded me of anime the whole time, too. Good anime, seinen stuff.

[@blakops000007]

I know you just complained about fans making suggestions but please make a video about *Legion*. The show is packed with symbolism and it has alot to do with mental illness.

[@chujiwu68]

I'd like to see Wisecrack tackle this show as well. In the meantime, you might want to see this excellent analysis by Pattern Theory "Legion | Time and Wellness". Afterwards, you could also check out ScreenPrism's take on it "Legion Explained: Symbolism & Visual Storytelling" I haven't gotten around to watching this one yet, but ScreenPrism's videos - although different in tone and style - are about on par with Wisecrack's, and both these channels complement each other nicely.

[@zachbusby6716]

Love it. I’m glad I’m not the only one who had trouble making cogent arguments for this show’s themes and messages- despite really loving it. This new format is fun, I think it forces the viewer to ask more questions

[@mangendro]

The Philosophy of Dr House should be a great video

[@Dylankiwi1]

I think it's smart how the show deals with the love interest subplot. Usually you think ohh boy like girl and vice versa once they understand each other. But not really the case, yeah they most likely grow romantic feelings but the saying " is not you but it's me" .... in the most literally sense. It's quite clear when Owen clarify I can do this to you Annie shout about small issues and I'm scared. In this show these people need to deal with they individual problems, dealing with romance is too complicated for them they just need to fix they own problems. They is no kiss in the end but just two friends driving on the road. The director is the man who directed entire first season of true detective, it's has some outstanding cinematography. The balance of various tones having some of the most comedically death scenes. The costume designs, sets.... a lot of this series just works really well also amazing acting from main two leads.

[@jphish8724]

What is CRAZY to me is that you say this show is "meh" while pointing out all the complicated psychological and references to classic fiction, etc. etc. and just because it doesn't do it in a "complete" way, it is dismissed as mediocre. While we are wading in an ocean of bubble gum, popcorn entertainment, how can you dismiss all this show did well? Honestly you just come off as pretentious, yeah, this may be kinda smart. but I'm WAY smarter!

[@lauraholliday9343]

the depth of the characters in this show is second to none. i watched it recently and then watched you which i thought was so over hyped and it really put it into perspective.

[@victorloza1995]

The only thing half baked about Maniac is ur guys analyzation of it. This is my new favorite show usurping The Leftovers. First of all you guys got the meaning of don Quixote wrong. And just cause a shows themes can’t be tied to something an old white guy said doesn’t mean it isn’t deep and it’s disrespectful to suggest this work of art is in any way dumb. This show tackles the plight of modern existence perfectly and imo is ahead of its time. Loved all ur guys videos up until this one!

[@saltoftheegg]

Victor Loza analysis*

[@victorloza1995]

Emily Griese nice

[@nickalvarez5922]

Did you watch until the end. He clearly says the show isn't dumb and is a great show because of all the things they do right.

[@victorloza1995]

Nick Alvarez I did not say they called the show dumb. And I did watch the whole video!

[@victorloza1995]

Steve Pickford I was talking about how in all their analysis videos they reference philosophy which in our academic realm is mostly white men and from the past so old. Just pointing out things can be considered deep without it being confirmed by one of these scholars. And the fact they got the meaning of don Quixote wrong which is a Spanish Novel, so idk man just wish they’d expand their sources to a more culturally diverse pool and understand them properly when they use them! If you get mad when I say colors that’s on you dude!

[@jonathanpalmquist4894]

There's a bunch of references to Paprika, the Satoshi Kon anime movie about dreams. Especially the elevators. Anyone who hasn't seen that definitely should if you liked Maniac!

[@linacastilla9603]

This series won’t be for everyone. It’s complex in nature, taking you through multiple narrative/scenarios which reference personal emotions and traumas. While implanting dozens of coinciding events throughout each episode. I disagree with this video. I do believe you retrieve a meaningful message. The show won’t hold your hand the whole way to find it! It’s a massive maze and intertwining puzzle of a show, making it fun to decipher along the way, while finally understanding its directive. Besides all the Easter eggs which tied things in.Implementing mental illness really brought depth and shaped the show. Placing you into the mind of a schizophrenic/drug addict really sums up Maniac. And that would explain why sometimes things don’t have to be so black and white to be understood.

[@jupiterkenser6720]

I like this half-baked thing, makes me think more about it rather than being told exactly what’s up. Doing more of these would be cool.

[@vedprakash5555]

Do Philosophy on Dexter... Please! 🙏🙏🙏

[@littlemissprettybird]

Ved Prakash what about Philosophy of Dexter’s Lab? It gets pretty deep.

[@ellogabija]

dexter is the reason i study philosophy at uni

[@ItsMrFresh]

One of the reasons I watch analysis videos is to get a good understanding of a show, and what makes it good (spoilers included), that I don't want to spend hours watching the full version of. So this video was lovely, I get Maniac now, thanks :D

[@albusdumbledore7733]

it ain't a love story tho

[@jpnakashima1224]

I love this format, you guys definitely should do more of it. It was great to see the process of thought on it, including the stretches.

[@ashleyhyatt6319]

So, why haven't you done A Confederacy of Dunces? It's been requested several times. Can't say you didn't find anything thing there.

[@jonnyleeg4058]

You did it again! You broke free of your usual format and I love it. I would love to see more half-baked videos. Maybe the two versions of Funny Games?

[@soufian2733]

ok I'm early. first of all I loved this show, second of all are you guys still working on that Hunter x Hunter video?

[@greenli9551]

They dropped it.

[@fearstreak7462]

@@greenli9551 are u sure about that? I can't find anything hunter related by them

[@soufian2733]

The Beast of the Land why wait

[@RealLukeWilson]

I was just astounded by the sheer number of homages to other films or auteurs. GRTA is obviously a combo of HAL-9000 & the AI from Duncan Jones’ MOON, plus there’s a Twilight Zone episode where a computer continually sabotages a project because it’s always falling in love with its operator. Plus, SO MUCH Kaufman and Aronofsky, a little bit of Blade Runner mood lighting, an ending that mirrors the final shot of THE GRADUATE, and more that I’m probably forgetting.

[@tacofodder5313]

Please do avatar

[@mogi_2749]

Maniac was so fucking good. Along with the story line the color schemes were so beautiful. The music was simply amazing.