Nostalgia, Graveyards & an NYC Apartment

Why do we feel nostalgia?
0:00 Digging up a coffin
1:38 The Neistat Brothers' Respectability Tour
2:50 A new feeling for me
3:47 An idea on a Post-it note
5:28 The Fort
11:34 My son's obsession with cemeteries
14:15 The ultimate monument to nostalgia
16:41 The two purposes of nostalgia
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The Spirited Man is an unlimited series about the spirited man or woman who lives inside all of us (and fixing things).
ABOUT VAN NEISTAT:
A pioneer in digital filmmaking, Van Neistat made his first internet video, The Holland Tunnel, in 2000. He went on to collaborate with New York City artist Tom Sachs, directing a series of short films shown at the Guggenheim Museum in Berlin. Van has since directed dozens more films for the Tom Sachs Studio. In 2010 HBO aired The Neistat Brothers, an 8-episode series of short videos made entirely by Van and his brother Casey Neistat. Van Neistat’s directorial debut feature, A SPACE PROGRAM, co-written by Tom Sachs, premiered at the 2015 South by Southwest Film Festival and opened in theaters nation-wide in spring, 2016. In 2018 Neistat Directed the short film Paradox Bullets, co-written with Tom Sachs, narrated by Werner Herzog, and starring Ed Rushca. Neistat has written and directed commercial projects for Nike, Hurley, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, J. Crew, Twitter, Sleepy Jones and Frances Valentine. His work has been exhibited in museums throughout the world. He lives in Topanga, California.
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#VanNeistat #TheSpiritedMan #Nostalgia

[@cesarsaucedo5110]

Nostalgia is the license to surrender to the meaningful experiences in our future - Van Neistat

[@FullSenderson]

Hey that’s from the video!

[@andrewhobbs6962]

*a

[@zedlicious]

Van, how good are you at turning insight into a compelling story. You should be able to afford that 12x12 with your valuable philosophy - Gold!

[@benjaminleonard5770]

Beautiful

[@paulgreengod]

Hogwash

[@carinahilton521]

My husband showed me this video - NOT expecting me to weep uncontrollably. I grew up in a cabin in the woods with my grandma and it was pure magic. I always assumed I would have my family there someday. My mom offered it to me when we were just kids, and we would’ve had to pay $60k in taxes for it. At the time, we were just too terrified to make a purchase like that, so my wonderland went to auction. I still mourn that house years later. I’m expecting my first child and feel ALL of these things about not getting to show her my paradise. To top it all off, my grandmother and I used to explore historic cemeteries together. That was our thing from the time I was very little! So this whole video hit me so freaking hard!

[@gabrieldejesusx]

Wow 😯 thank you for sharing this

[@VitorMadeira]

That is quite a testimony. I was born and live in Portugal in the countryside and I'm now trying to get back to where my roots are and try to give to my children part of what I had in my childhood. I never thought that it would be so hard for someone like me to be able to acomplish this part of my dream... never I would thought that someone in the other part of the Atlantic would have lived something similar... Well, just thank you for sharing your story.

[@CoreyWagnerChicago]

This man does nothing but make art! Inspires the hell out of me, I'm going straight to make a video today. Thanks for the inspiration my guy!

[@Mike-ox1hs]

Love your videos Corey.

[@CoreyWagnerChicago]

@@Mike-ox1hs thanks man! I appreciate the hell out of that!

[@ericm1014]

Another black leather sofa video

[@CoreyWagnerChicago]

@@ericm1014 the more the merrier!

[@CoreyWagnerChicago]

@@mel5519 that is amazing

[@gigidodson]

The older you get the more nostalgic you feel about your past.. As a kid, my cousins and i would walk up the hill about 2 miles to the graveyard to "visit" grandpa. It was actually an excuse to get away from the parental units and eat junk and smoke cigarettes. Im 61 now and i miss those moments. My cousins and snitched smokes. Nostalgia.

[@Christine.Baraka]

I thought that NYE footage was from like 1985..then realized that 2008 is starting to look and feel that long ago😢

[@brian-esss]

I'm proud of you for letting the apartment go. I sense a lot of angst in younger generations about the lack of space and opportunity being made for them. I think your apartment represents some of that. Hopefully some new bright eyed spirited person will realize some of their dreams in that space. I'm only slightly younger than you and I feel like boomers, Xers, and even millennials are being strangled by nostalgia and it manifests in this hoarding of space and resources that previous generations let fall to the young. Something I have also been guilty of.

[@Skatted]

Spot on mate!

[@synapticburn]

Agreed, It's meant for people who need it to survive. It was the right thing to do.

[@rrrrliberty]

such spot on words, thanks Brian !

[@ZekeMan62]

The Boomers are most guilty of this. I swear they hate everybody that came after them.

[@SecondWindWorkshop]

Wow...when I got to the end I thought, "That wasn't 18 minutes!" Totally drawn in on this one Van. The last cemetery I visited was Arlington National Cemetery, about six years ago, to visit my Dad and Grandfather's graves. It's powerful for my own personal memories, experiences and love for my biggest heroes...but looking around, there is a shared experience with everyone else there. Everyone is there to pay respects and remember someone who hasn't just passed, but lived a life of service that walked the edge between life and death on behalf of others. I'm sad, grateful and proud all at the same time...a license to surrender to the meaningful experiences in our future...beautiful. Thank you.

[@VersanGetryx]

Arlington National Cemetery is one of my favorite places in DC, so peaceful, symbolic, beautiful, and orderly. Having moved away 4 years ago, I still remember it fondly. Respect to your family members' service!

[@Thelawncarenut]

The flat stones make mowing and maintenance easier. You'll pay more to be interned with a larger stone that requires greater maintenance. Or some allow/require DIY.

[@worksbykeyes]

This has got to be one of the best videos from the spirited man!

[@microminstrel]

😭😭😭this made me think of life as a dad, and of my dad. (He passed away recently and I still can’t wrap my head around it.) he used to take all of us kids to Cave Hill Cemetery-a truly gorgeous place in itself, but it’s also where Muhammad Ali rests. I took my girls there too when they were little. May we continue to recognize the good times while we’re still in them.

[@planetkayak]

Thank you Van. This has given me a great idea. My 16 yo son is terrified of driving and cemetery might be a calm place for him to practice. My father is buried in a very large cemetery and I have not been back to visit in almost 30 years. He died when I was not much older than my son is now.

[@michaelotoole8958]

Definitely! I learned how to drive a stick shift in The Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge Mass. Highly recommend.

[@Skatted]

Bad place to crash though.

[@ivan_valerian]

@@Skatted I mean, there would not be a casualty tho.

[@Skatted]

@@ivan_valerian dead

[@alexmorriss]

Excellent film Van! This one really hit home for me. Awesome story telling as usual. Thank you for sharing this story and for taking the time to host the live stream this morning. Have a great trip to NYC next week.

[@Major_Winkee]

I'm always blown away by the beautiful video documentation you have of your life. It must multiply the nostalgia when you can literally watch these moments again! Thank you for sharing.

[@adriano-moraes]

I love this “little” channel. So good to watch. The pauses are perfect. Thank you.

[@perrytferrell]

Nostalgia is one hell of a drug.

[@manbetterunderstand]

This is one of my fav! Very well put together.

[@YoannCharlie]

Hey Van! That one spoke to me, I'm approaching my 40's and discovering nostalgia, especially the time spent with my friends. Take care man.

[@rachelleo8881]

I am just captivated by what you do and how you articulate it. thank you for the insight you’ve given me into art, artists to help me better understand my husband (musician) and my personal creativity.

[@davidwilson7451]

Another beautiful video, many thanks. The graveyard trip reminded me of when my son was very young, learning to walk and I had just started my Architecture practice. He used to sit in his high chair at one end of the office while I was working and he would play with the pens and drawings. Our afternoon break was taking a walk around the local graveyard. We are in Aberdeen, Scotland and many of the graves would describe what the person did for a living, and very occasionally they would say how they died. Must be a Scottish thing. Thanks again for the films, you have captured how many men feel.

[@tobiassobottka7409]

11:12 and you had me in tears. Beautiful storytelling and I could see myself with my sons.

[@DrakeMartin]

You are so incredibly gifted at this. It's very inspiring.

[@TimeBreakPictures]

Incredible episode! Love it. The colors/light at the graveyard scenes were beautiful.

[@HenryBelcaster]

Brilliant surprise (from a previous video) with the author of The Wizard of Oz. Bravo, Van

[@marasae6555]

I grew up across from and next to a cemetery, we always felt the sacred nature of that space when we would walk through them. So much information to be gleaned from the simple information written on the graves, so much grief and love.

[@tamonline01]

So relatable. We all hold onto things... in our heads and hearts... but rarely do we consider why? Thanks for this reflection Van!

[@JustinCaseJustin]

You bring me tears in eyes . Thank you for all your videos !!! Greetings from Romania !!!

[@therogerxiii]

That's such a great story Van. You had me glued and then when you and your kid found Baum's grave...perfect. 👌🏻

[@mr_white743]

The Fort looks identical to Casey's studio in its style and vibe. Love that this 15 year project influenced that studio. Awesome work Van. Please more stories from the New York days.

[@sampost533]

Beautiful video Van. Cemeteries really are powerful places. I was last in a cemetery in May with family for my Dad's 10 years. Mt. Auburn, a serene, immaculately maintained spot. Before that we visited an incredible one in Charleston in November, and the previous October I walked through a small cemetery around Halloween with all the fall foliage popping. They're special and gorgeous, physical reminders of life and our limited time here.

[@austindodd1611]

As a current NYC resident, I resonate with a lot of your content. You nailed it with this one Van. Amazing.

[@quicktrips]

18 minutes, Van. 18 concise, beautifully told minutes. Your story telling and imagery are the best I have ever seen. Your videos and life are so intriguing. Truly a spirited man

[@raytracer13]

I loved this piece and this is so relatable. I can't shake that you've admitted to have an apartment in New York City that is subsidized by the gov or the city for poor people that was there unused so you could impress your kid. Man, this isn't right!

[@williamdavies1192]

Yea exactly…the public was subsidizing a place that could have been rented to someone that needed it and then he knew he owed and instead of paying what he owed on a subsidized place (who knows what the real cost is) he rolls over on his obligations. Not a very moral way to live or something to be proud of.

[@digdrivediy]

I'm the same age as you Van and I always feel that the video essays you've done in this style are an expression of exactly how I feel as well. Even the 90's and early 00's B-Roll you use looks like my memories. Wonderfully done sir. I will watch this video multiple times in the coming months as I have so many others of yours. Thank you.

[@kytovec2151]

Great video VanMan! Thank you.

[@Ares11989]

You're great sir I'm watching you for so many years every video I watched I learned something new and then I applied that thing to life to become better you're an excellent mentor.😇

[@TH-ib7zz]

Great video Van!!! Theses just keep getting better and better keep up the good work man! 👍

[@LangYee]

Loved this video. Thank you for making this.

[@richardsnook3277]

Nostalgia is about percentages, as I’ve gotten older more of my life is behind me than in front and so my future is now in my children and grandchildren and my memories are the fuel for me to help propel them into their adventures. I travelled back to the UK several years ago and had a burning need to visit my Grandmother’s grave, and I carry memories of her and now my passed mother and the passion they sowed into my life. How I wish I had created a video of that moment. Thanks Van for enabling our emotions.

[@jakejaramillo]

unbelievably beautiful. the way you craft stories gets me every single time. made me cry with this one :') thank you for creating this

[@sam_althaus]

One of your best yet. Grey set the synth on fire with this one. Beautiful story and music.

[@loser6351]

This video for me is just great for my introspection period I am right now! Beautiful!

[@douglas_martins]

I have been experiencing a lot different things from the moment that I became father. I can feel all that you are saying, filming and sharing Van. Thanks, again.

[@NYGearReview]

Incredible episode. Just beautiful. Amazing work

[@joshuaharder3848]

Your movies are so satisfying to watch. Thank you for putting this stuff out for everyone to see.

[@stvjrmllo]

Beautiful. Your son has great flow🤙 The video made me think about the time I first went drawing in a cemetery. Ty

[@Ponzuu28]

Very Poignant video! My late husband had to basically give up his 80’s V8 Vaga because of being behind on the rent as well 😔 it was simply something we had to let go 😔 he died never being able to finish a lot of projects so sad

[@BennyTheGinger]

Phenomenal story brother. I remember getting near crippling nostalgia as a kid. X will cherish these times.

[@arthurzilch3178]

Nostalgia always changes...and when we try to go back to visit it we see the reality of it. Even if there are still glimmers and sparkles of the past, our eyes don't live here anymore.

[@brunosscarpato]

Another masterpiece!! Van, thank you so much for this videos!

[@owenfrausto9375]

I’ve loved so many of your videos so far but this one hit me in a way the ones before haven’t. Keep it up.

[@cabinetwise]

Beautiful work. Unbelievable sometimes how fast life goes by. It’s good to remember

[@ol8122]

I become so emotional watching your art. Thank you

[@Mintyseden]

Yet another perfectly timed video, that put into words, what I experienced yesterday. Thank you again Van🤜

[@TheRuimsR]

I Van, Great film. In Portuguese we have a word that is very dear to us, which I think describes this feeling. The word "SAUDADE"... describes more than a mere feeling for the past, but also a hope in the future to relive that moment, such as seeing again a dear relative that you have not seen for a long time, or a place. A bit like you say at the end "Nostalgia is the license to surrender to the meaningful experiences in our future", it's funny that you described a word, in a language you don't know without knowing it. I discovered your channel recently, and I've been loving your style, the ideas and themes you put in your videos. Excellent work.

[@MaiElizabeth]

I wish you can tell the more story of you and Casey in the future. People need inspiration.

[@arwinkraze7927]

Thanks Van, by far this video was your best for me, I loved it...

[@megwysatta7393]

Love this. Thank you.

[@madelyn2351]

❤️ stunning work, thanks Van

[@hectormoreira4316]

Very inspirational. Thank you, Van.

[@phatmemer69]

The storytelling of Van is so inspiring

[@marcpaters0n]

I'm one of those oldies and this resonates with me. Thanks ❤️

[@Isaac-Brody]

Thank you. I needed this.

[@mcmaschio]

I love a longer Van video … you inspire me to be a better creator Van … Thank You ❤️💯

[@rhodyman69420]

You are an incredibly gifted storyteller; cheers!

[@baileyslivedeeparchives5855]

Thank you for this one Van. You've really been hitting some high RPM's lately

[@nietsmusic]

Probably my favourite short movie you've done so far. The story telling in this is just astounding.

[@parsashayeganfar3476]

Beautiful video Van, thank you

[@capeclasp]

This is such a great video. Thank you ❤

[@flogthegolf]

Kansas Quarter with the little paper tornado. Nice touch.

[@Rob_65]

I love the story about your son's obsession with cemeteries. Over here (the Netherlands) it is not common to just visit a cemetery but I always feel kind of relaxed when I am there. Looking at old graves, reading the text on the stones is, I think, the best way to pay respect to the people who have been buried there. Even if they are complete strangers - or maybe especially for complete strangers. I only visited my grand parents grave as a little kid. I pay respect to my grandparents and my father by remembering them in the things I do. Visiting a cemetery and reading about the people there is, for me, a way to respect what they did for all of us

[@LaiN900]

one of your best videos yet Van, been thinking about your fort all morning.

[@samnangali5160]

Van, I don't know how to say this, but your videos speak to me in a way only art has spoken to me before. It's indescribable. Safe to say I'm hooked. Thank you for awakening a part of me that I didn't really know could blossom. Love.

[@NewZeroland]

Maaan that was so unique and deep. I loved it!

[@eo151]

Van, thank you for letting us live vicariously through the beautiful moments you share with your son.

[@PacoZafra]

I loved this episode. Thank you so much.

[@whitec59]

This video found me at just the right time. Thanks Van

[@charlydemis]

Wow man, muchas gracias, te amo Van y amo tu trabajo. Keep it up man! Gracias

[@javierserrano2887]

This video is amazing. Great job!

[@kennyobrien]

Van, that was beautiful. Thank you.

[@sambernhofer7613]

This is a great one, Van. Thank you.

[@nicholasaustin2717]

In your video, “Narcissism vs Universality” you shared a quote at the four minute mark. I feel like it sums up parenthood and the way it makes you embrace nostalgia/homesickness as a willing participant rather than one who suffers its impact. Anytime you give fully of yourself there are elements of your old self that are dying, because a new self is in the process of emerging. -Brother Cornell West

[@BGaud]

this video floored me. great story telling.

[@benvincent6473]

I've always lived about 2 minutes walk away from a huge old Victorian cemetery (which I don't think is really a thing in America) which has an old church tower and hundreds of detailed headstones. As a child, it fascinated me to think that in some strange way I can have a form of interaction with these long dead people by reading their names and accolades. Maybe in a way that’s the nostalgia’s work.

[@contrerasjosue]

Thank for the video. I am feeling nostalgic now.

[@rhidiandavies1991]

"Nostalgia is the license to surrender to the meaningful experiences in our future" - this is exactly what I've been trying to do with my nostalgia; use it as a reminder to appreciate and fully experience the present. It's only in retrospect that we fully appreciate certain moments from our past, and to me that's what nostalgia is.

[@justanothercreator7273]

That, was friggin brilliant! Wow👌👏🏼🙌🏼

[@ranplan]

One of the best episodes. Thank you.

[@martinsatelier7865]

This channel goes on the opposity way to the algorythm and the fast pace of the life. Thanks (a lot) for that.

[@adeleetherton2665]

What a wonderful experience. As a kid, we used to have a picnic on my sister's stone... I was only 5 and she had died at 13 months... I still visit, not as often. I am 72 and those memories are embedded in my heart. Great video!

[@themoelman]

Great story/thoughts. The SRO reminds me of some of Casey's vlog details - interesting to see what can be done with a small space. Yall are very interesting. Godspeed

[@PaulaHeartland]

Deeper you go 💜 Beautiful.

[@spencz-]

One of your best videos yet!

[@InbalsKL]

Amazing. Loved it.

[@mtmccornack]

Your channel is a amazingly inspirational ❤️ to all I hold dear!

[@RobbieTilton]

beautiful video. thanks for sharing

[@cowboychris88]

This was really beautiful, Van. And because of it, I just became a Patreon subscriber.

[@Sentinelafilmes2009]

thanks for this video!!!

[@snoopy8870]

love every video and music in it Van!

[@ellizaogrady]

i think you did the right thing with the apartment. my parents sold their first apartment in Albuquerque and raised me in maryland, and looking back they also regret it. but last summer on a road trip I did from MD to california we made their old place a stop on our route. Even though it was owners by someone else and i couldn't go inside, seeing the place and their old neighborhood was still very impactful for me, imagining them in that environment , ect. The same will probably happen to your son one day

[@dbelcher5761]

This is simply a masterpiece of a video. Well done.