The COMPLEX Beauty Of The ABSURD

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Sorry for the wonk editing at the start. The KZbin copyright system was not kind to this video and I had to re-edit it over a dozen times. Yay!

[@deboozombie23]

While I think that terry pratchett and hitchiker exist within the realm of existentialism and absurdity. But no one performs Absurdism as laconic and pure as the cohen brothers - the series fargo actually is paying hommage to albert camus "The Mythos of Sysiphos" - it made me appreciate the Cohen brothers much more. Imho Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams infuse the absurd situations with humour and humanity, which softens the blow - most of all the characters actions dont end in futility. The director Jim Jarmusch is also associated with absurdism (The Dead Don't Die). There can be also Dark Sides to absurdism when you think about David Lynch movies, or stories by Franz Kafka. I think dependant on the recipients character mileage may vary - I'd advise people with fragile mental conditions to postpone watching "Eraserhead", although they might recognize bits of themselves in "Metamorphosis" As mentioned above Albert Camus tackled the Absurdism in literary fashion, while his philosopher colleague Jean-Paul Sartre did similiarly they had a dispute and unfriended. As for theatre Samuel Beckett's - waiting for Godot is peak absurdism Other writers that I at least flipped through or are referenced in the works above would be Haruki Murakami (Kafka at the shore, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage) and Fyodor Dostojewsky ( The Idiot; The Gambler)

[@carlosroo5460]

I'm kind of curious, where do you thoughts fall with the absurdism of Monty Python's films and shows? I personally find it to be some of my favorites. But I would like to hear your opinion and I'm ready for whatever critic you have.

[@anananana]

Editing at the begining was kinda interesting cuz it was unexpected (different than usual) so it held my attention

[@jackwriter1908]

You could say the editing was... Absurd. Don't bother, it was an awesome video.

[@wildeskompositum9556]

Thanks for your efforts!

[@QuestioningYourSanity]

Absurdism is one of the few genres that still hasn't been done a million times. There's a bunch of room left for new voices. Everything Everywhere All At Once literally made me laugh and cry.

[@mnomadvfx]

Same, so frickin awesome and that entire erm..... jump.... powerup scene was hilarious.

[@sinkdemon5813]

I do fear that Everything Everywhere will bring a wave of absurdist comedies that try to do the same and fail by missing all the nuance, originality and heart this movie has. Like joy division spawning a bunch post-punk bands that don't do anything that different decades later. Ok I may be gate-keep-ish or snobby here idk

[@ameliedavis5940]

@@sinkdemon5813 That's just inevitable when you get something good.

[@sinkdemon5813]

@@ameliedavis5940 that's fucked

[@6ixpoint5ive]

Discworld is a strange one, because while I do agree it is absolutely absurdism, at the same time Pratchett isn't making up anything in the same way the Everything Everywhere All At One or Hitchhikers writers are. Pratchett (and Taika Waititi, come to think of it) just show a mirror to the world and say, 'see! You see how weird we are? WE are absurd!" His absurdism comes from the real batshit crazy - yet absolutely normal - goings on in the real world. A world on the back of 4 elephants on the back of a turtle? Thats so many world myths. A seamstress guild? Just look up Chicago history. Pratchett has said, 'I didn't make anything up; I just did good research." Even his character names are based on reality, In the Art of Discworld book, he said it took him less than 5 minutes to find a 'Weatherwax' in the phonebook. So while I absolutely do think Discworld is absurdism; it's its own brand of absurdism that sheds light on the true absurdism of the world we live in. It's a near perfect definition of the phrase: "the truth is stranger than fiction." I think thats what makes his books so incredible.

[@varenoftatooine2393]

Satirical Absurdism?

[@EvelyntMild]

The absurdity of Discworld seems like a tool for Pratchett to up his satire and parody game. As well as a vessel for his rapier wit. EDIT: I think Robin Hood: Men In Tights is another example of absurdism for parody.

[@CerebrumMortum]

I would argue to you that Hitchhiker's is also just a giant mirror, all bit in a different way. It's our world, our politics, our gender norms, our religious quirks, our innermost psychology, just dressed as aliens and stretched over the galaxy

[@paulnswden]

Yes, your audience noticed the reflection of absurdism in the shirt you chose for this vid. 👍

[@rhonwenbaker2448]

What was so absurd about a gun-wielding kittycat riding a deathray-glaring unicorn amongst a field of rainbows?

[@hannibal9503]

Albert Camus hit gold when he first mentioned absurdism, proposed the entire school and took it away from the pessimistic existentialists, took a view far away from doom and gloom people like Sartre, Kierkegaard. Camus's work shows the influence in most fantasies written since the Stranger was released. Would absolutely recommend reading Camus for getting to what the core of absurdism is

[@brycechapman3966]

As someone who prescribes to Absurdism and has studied Theater of the Absurd separately I hadn't considered the relation. I'm not sure if it's fair to say people need to go read Camus to understand the Theater but I'm certainly interested now in rereading Camus (it's been a while) and Godot. Also, THANK YOU god Kierkegaard is a pain. I know he's one of the founders and his philosophy reflects his time period but lord is his Leap of Faith so random in the space of what a boundary break is

[@hannibal9503]

@@brycechapman3966 oh yeah, my bad, i didn't mean to say you have to read Camus to get into absurdism, that's an extremely dumb thing to say. I meant if you want to delve deeper into absurdism and the philosophy as a whole, i would recommend taking a look at Camus because he is just interesting to read. And YES! Kierkegaard, i respect him for his works and his ideas, but my goodness i can't get into them no matter how much i tried. Hell Sartre is the same for me in that aspect, too much doom and gloom, fuckin Nietzsche is more readable for me in some instances.

[@jlb1993rawr]

Reading Camus as a late teen/ young adult helped me through a lot of things, it really is a great recommendation for many reasons!

[@meggletteprime]

I found it really interesting that a lot of ADHD/neurodivergent people (myself included) really identified with EEAAO since our brains process the world a bit like that anyways. Really highlights that we all live in an absurdist reality, just as our fiction can be

[@animeotaku307]

Like one of the directors, EEAAO made me realize that I had ADHD. Because I watched the character flit between different universes and moments on a dime and thought “this is how my mind works. Someone put it on screen.”

[@EvelyntMild]

Discworld taught me the joy of reading (in my late twenties) and ultimately led me to this channel. And you led me to the BobVerse. Thank you!

[@Dynnen]

This is a top 10 movie of all time for me. Everything Everywhere all at Once was: beautiful, well edited, amazingly acted, wonderfully directed/written

[@devonyhof516]

One thing not mentioned is there was a big wave of absurdist drama following WWII (ex. Waiting for Godot)-absurdism is often a response to tragedy, which could make it a very appropriate genre for our times.

[@CJthedragon8]

This isn't even close to your most popular video, but it is now by far my favorite! Everything everywhere all at once is probably my favorite movie at this point, and this video perfectly summarizes the complexity of why the movie is so wonderful.

[@aurora_skies_]

I loved this movie so much ! Saw it twice at the cinemas and cried both times

[@noahmellemstrand4756]

Me too!!

[@Jeremy-mg9tl]

I LOVE Scott Pilgrim and Everything Everywhere, and my favorite comedy is Top Secret. I love the absurdity.

[@ziloe]

If you like Top Secret, you might like Big Trouble in Little China

[@EbblingMis]

For anyone looking for more recommendations along this line, I would highly recommend the works of Kurt Vonnegut. I would also say you should give plays like "Waiting for Godot" or "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" a shot. Also If anyone is looking for a short non-fiction read that touches on these themes the Essay "The Myth of Sisyphus"

[@groofay]

The absurd in music, art, and fiction has helped me find a great deal of beauty and purpose in life, so it's really great to see a video that fully realizes and embraces this seeming contradiction. Thanks Daniel.

[@jmhaces]

Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, who plays her husband, did an amazing job in this movie. I don't think I'd ever seen him as an adult in any movie, but I was really happy to see he remains as charismatic and funny as he was in Temple of Doom and The Goonies when he was a kid. I don't think the movie would've worked as well as it did if either of their characters had been played by somebody else.

[@ziloe]

There's a Sci Fi movie called Mr. Nobody that I think you'd really like. It's about a boy who's born knowing all the outcomes of every decision he'll make, and having to decide which path of life and love will lead to the best experience. It also has him living through the other timelines as well, so as to show the audience the paths unchosen.

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

Is that what it was? I thought he had decided not to make any choice and therefore lived all of them.

[@ziloe]

@@drewtheunspoken3988 I can't speak on that much, without spoiling things for those who've yet to see it. But, you may be right. Either way, I loved the concept and I think Daniel will, too.

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

@@ziloe Agreed. And the fact that we both have different interpretations is a selling point as well.

[@parkermm]

I just recently read Kings of the Wyld and remembered exactly how much I do love the absurdism take and how it can still effect characters realistically. This video came out at a perfect time for me. Was just considering starting Discworld soon.

[@TEG13]

2:17 NOW I get the absurd part: There's two Daniels!

[@rainierday8155]

Discworld fascinates me for many reasons. I find it hilarious, touching, imaginative, profound and all of that. But the thing that I find the most intriguing is the shift in worldview and perspective I experience when I'm reading it. Started reading it when I was feeling negative about the people and the world in general. I never imagined a book set in a flat-earth AU would help me rediscover some fondness for the world and be accepting of the dual nature of mankind.

[@AutkastKain]

I normally don't go for the absurd, but Scott Pilgrim's absurdity has always stuck out to me. It's a movie that is very silly but real, weird but normal, out there and down to Earth. It's the kind of movie where the main characters react realistically to wacky stuff and I am always there for it

[@M.L.Shaw.]

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once was the first A24 film I've watched that I actually enjoyed, and it was more than just enjoyment. The movie was an instant classic, and I can't wait to watch it on again and again over the coming years.

[@wylanvallotton4462]

Absurdism done right is my favorite kind of story telling. Using unrealistic and wild mediums to tell deeply real stories and teach deeply real lessons are unfathomably powerful. On the animated side you have Phineas and Ferb, Bojack Horseman, Adventure Time, Page Master, and so much more. In film you have Scot Pilgrim, Hitchhikers Guide, Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, even the bill and Ted movies, and again so much more. In writing you have more than can be remembered. And in every medium you have retellings of the classic Absurdism stories like Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, even treasure island. However so many people love these stories and don't recognize them as Absurdism, or even know what that is, and I think that's a good thing. Giving it that title and expecting it to be such ultimately hinders the absolute beauty of it. It doesn't keep it from being amazing, but that anonymity is PART of the medium. Going in blind and receiving an overwhelming, beautiful mind fuck of an experience.

[@aureliedulac4107]

Everytime I'm near an existantial crisis panic attack, I think about "The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and I fell better. I also have a lot of anxiety toward Death (I think it comes with existantial crisis), and you finally convinced me to read Discworld. Thank you!

[@OtherSideLLC]

"Don't Panic" has legitimately gotten me through so much, which sounds trite but when I think about earth getting blown up for an alien highway bypass my problems don't seem as bad as they could be. God what a book.

[@darkelf1402]

I've never really heard about the absurdist genre as a genre before... which is kinda ironic, because Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Scott Pilgrim, Going Postal, Wee Free Men, and Everything Everywhere All at Once are all stories that I absolutely love! It's a really interesting technique for sure. I now understand so much better why I like so many random stories like Good Omens...

[@varenoftatooine2393]

Good Omens is a fantastic use of Absurdism. I need to read the book and rewatch the show, but it does point out the absurdity of religion.

[@darkelf1402]

@@varenoftatooine2393 Yeah, it's one of my favorite books and an excellent example of a genuinely good tv show adaptation. And I personally find that the absurdism does a really good job communicating coming of age and realizing that issues like climate change and extinction happen. Adam's whole character arc with that (and of course Crowley) are my favorite things about it.

[@ViridianForests]

Another amazing absurdist story that just came out is My Volcano by John Elizabeth Stintzi. You're literally reading a kaleidoscope of human emotions and lives taking shape and warping in different ways while the world is affected by very odd events that follow their own thread of logic. There's time travel, parallel worlds, a volcano growing in central park and everything about how people and the media would react to strange things in a blazé way. I can't recommend it enough to those who are even just mildly curious. I was vaguely interested and decided to take it out from the library and I'm still thinking about it. Don't go in expecting some grand ending though, its all about the journey.

[@mathieuleader8601]

I know its a dying genre but I would kill for a novelization of Everywhere and Anywhere at Once

[@ladyreverie7027]

Everything Everywhere All At Once is so beautiful. One of the best movies I've ever seen!

[@Kikilang60]

Hitchhiker's Guid to the Galaxy was arguement against Philip Jose Farmer's book "Venus on the halfshell" . Venus on the Halfshell is about the Earth being destroyed by a bureaucratic galactic government. The sole surviving human goes on quest to find out what happened, and what is the meaning of like life. Hitchhikers wasn't plagerism, but responce to Venus on the Halfshell.

[@mathieuleader8601]

I can see a novelization of Everywhere and Anywhere at Once winning a Hugo or PKD award

[@iainyoung8057]

I've not had a great relationship with absurdist stories, but believe Everything Everywhere All at Once is a masterpiece. I'm gonna try to reconnect with Terry Pratchett's work again, see if I can engage with it better than last time. I haven't read the death books, should I start there?

[@ConsoleHandheldGamer]

Yes, ye gods, yes. Avoid The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic, they're not the best books in the series. Maybe leave them until later when you might want to read them.

[@salaciouspancakes]

​@@ConsoleHandheldGamerI've always heard that you shouldn't start with the first two books in Terry Pratchett's masterpiece and I've always disagreed. Start with those two with the caveat that the series gets so much better after you're done. Equal Rites, the third book in the series, absolutely kills it and the ride just doesn't slow down until the end.

[@bigblueshoe777]

"I promise, you'll take something different away from it than I did." Powerful closing statement. As an enormous Scott Pilgrim and HGttG fan, guess you've now sold me on my need to watch this movie and also read Discworld. Thanks, I guess.

[@MisterJingo93]

Growing up, from an early age on, I was reading Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett and later on Camus. Nowadays reading Hitchhiker' s guide seems almost like reading a documentary. Because I have met a Zaphood Beeblebrox. Beaurocrats ARE vogons.

[@meggletteprime]

10:01 That desktop icon shenaniganery is deeply troubling and I choose to believe that is just a sneaky background prop :0

[@tylergreen5851]

I love how much Daniel's shirt matches what he's talking about. It's such a crazy yet cool shirt that matches the topic.

[@HumbleGnome]

After crying for the last 10 minutes, I had fun watching people exiting the theater with confused or incredulous faces. I LOVED it! Definitely in my Top 20 movies of all time! 🥰

[@MasterHigure]

I saw EEAAO just the other day. It was incredible. Personally, I was impressed by the amount of reuse (or whatever it's called). Basically every single element of the movie appears more than once. From the way the IRS lady circles the receipt, to the fingers, to the Indian drama, and so on and so on. Also, it has been a long time since I laughed as much as I did during that one fight. You know which one. Yes, I'm a man of simple humor.

[@Aditya-sn4sr]

hell yeah I love absurdism. Hitchhikers Guide and Catch-22 are my personal favorites

[@kohiek]

Wow... I have to see this movie now. You basically just talked about all of my favorite movies and books in this video.

[@winespringinc.9447]

One thing about absurdism is that its realy hard to pitch it to someone, because the things Daniel touches on, are hard to convey because its buried underneath pretty weird stuff

[@noahwaxegard9852]

The concept of the void inside of us all and the feeling that nothing matters because of the death we all have to face is terrible feelings but i think that life wouldnt be worth living if we never died and imagine how bored you would be after have lived 1000 years and done everything you ever wanted to do. If you compare death to immortality (a never ending life with neverending boredom) i think death is actually something of a blessing. I dont know if this really makes any sense but i really appreciate videos like this taking up topics about dark things like death anxiety is very good. Thanks Daniel

[@enzopalmer4745]

My favorite absurdist book of all time has to be the master and margarita. It’s old, it’s Russian, And I still don’t understand it. But you’re not supposed to. It was my introduction to absurdism, it moved me, and it made me cry for reasons I still don’t understand. So incredibly human and I really do recommend it.

[@justthinkingoutloud2538]

I’ve been confused why everyone is only now talking about this film and saying it’s now in theatres. I work at a theatre in the US and the movie started playing in late March, and stopped sometime in April. I’m not sure why everywhere else it seems to only now be in theatres.

[@benmassey6611]

This connected with me in a way I was not mentally prepared for. Great video!

[@starandeath4735]

Absurdism. I dont know if Mushishi is absurdism. But its weird as hell in a calming manner. I recommend you watch it than read it because theres a sense of wonder and calmness accompanied with music when watching it.

[@billyalarie929]

extremely well done, this is a genre i've been slowly (and inevitably, i now realize) been going towards, all along, when trying to actualize the story i want to tell as a framework for trying to explore the deep nuances of being a person with a disability. especially one that does not act in the way most of society expects from me. plus, there's the mental milieu of all this.

[@mathieuleader8601]

I have a feeling that with Gold Roger laughing at Laughtale OP could be one of the great successes of absurdist fiction worldwide

[@wilsontabb8222]

So I’d never really thought about it this way before, but I guess I love absurdism because I love all the things you mentioned. Guess I need to watch EEAAO

[@krishbohra5536]

Daniel made me start Discworld! Just started Mort and never thought that Death would be the coolest character ever!

[@saschabeth1852]

My introduction into absurdism was the fiction podcast Welcome To Night Vale. It’s still one of the most beautiful and comforting things I’ve ever listened to.

[@sheldonwong12]

Great video as always, but the most important question is still left unanswered: is that Pips riding the fire-breathing unicorn on your shirt, and if so, why?

[@rhonwenbaker2448]

Akira Kurosawa's Dreams is another great example of absurdism in storytelling, as are The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, A Clockwork Orange, Miguel Llansó's Crumbs, and almost anything by Alejandro Jodorowsky.

[@Unarmed_Shrapnel]

After watching your video about Discworld, I decided to pick up Small Gods. A year later, I'm 15 books in and don't plan to stop until I read all of them. Definitely my favourite series. I hope you make more videos about it.

[@ProfSpencerTV]

200% agree! This neverending fight against the nihilistic void within the human condition was captured so extremely beautifully by the Daniels! The fights and stunts were awesome to behold, but in the end it was a MOTHER doing *SPOILER* and thereby doing *SPOILER* which ultimately pressed me into my cinema seat and forced me to keep sitting and thinking throughout the end credits...! This movie has been the most astonishing and profound cinema experience for the last five (if not more) years!

[@bisqueknife]

Thanks Danny, I've not been able to articulate this preference until now, but I find so much beauty (and humor) in this absurdist genre - even music like Cake I find enriching in the imagery and creative wordplay they implement. Thanks for all you do!

[@annmoore321]

I have a different worldview than you (fairly conservative, religious, straight), and I love absurdism! I derive immense enjoyment from, and relate strongly to the genre. There really is something there for everyone, no matter who you are or what you value.

[@euanfreeman179]

I think the other big example of absurdism you can point people to and say "Surely you can see the power in this!" is Slaughterhouse Five by Vonnegut.

[@carterdahl9654]

This now REALLY makes me want to read Discworld. Not like my TBR isn't long enough

[@Kotsoros37]

Beautiful video Daniel. I agree that the absurd is such an amazing tool to delve into complex topics and realities of our universe. Definitely have to get into disc world!

[@Glokta4]

Love the Boblin stand in to illustrate the point.

[@linamekawatches214]

I am definitely looking forward to watching EEAAO, and Hitchhikers and Pratchett are faves. One newer absurdist story I loved recently was Space Opera by Valente. I think you'll like it!

[@leohh]

absolutely loved EEAAO, don’t know how it made me laugh so much but still made me cry 😭

[@picoplays4743]

Doom Patrol is my favorite absurdist television series. I love how this new movie captured it's magic in many ways.

[@bratturtle8631]

I just found your channel recently, by total accident. Some of your WoT content was in my recommendations, so I consumed all of that. But hadn't really had the chance to fully explore your other content yet, beyond just seeing your playlist titles. Now I have to go hunting for all your Discworld content. The turtle moves ❤

[@ruinouseffigy1810]

Incredible video, Daniel. This video really hit home and it's amazing how much passion you've injected into it. I too recently come out and it's amazing how your brain overhypes the idea of being different.

[@QuantumtestGaming]

I don't know why fans of serious stories thrash absurdism like I see many fans of ASOIAF, Malazan , Berserk make fun of absurdism of discworld, Dresden or one piece series . Just because the story isn't on a serious note doesn't mean it's a bad story. This is very immature behavior

[@marocat4749]

Yes berserk the most realistic series ever, also it has plenty humor. Seriously berserk fans have to agnowledge the plain weirdness of berserk.

[@samhunt6300]

@@marocat4749 Berserk fans talking about realism is ironic since it has a main character who could kill 100s of people

[@FDRTKOva]

I'm a fan of all those things. Except Malazan,its too edgy. And absurdist stories have some deep meanings. Probably sepper than the "deep" series.

[@angelcrush1582]

Literally some seinen fans

[@QuantumtestGaming]

@@marocat4749 I didn't say anything about realism you don't need to be realistic to tell a serious story especially in fantasy I think your confusing realism with tone and themes (even though there are some jokes here and there in berserk it's is still very miniscule compared to something like one piece or discworld)

[@BackAlleyTANGO]

HARD AGREE. One of my favorite genres of storytelling, hands down. I recently watched the HBO Max series "Our flag means death" and at first I couldn't quite put my finger on why I loved it to the insane degree I did... and then I realized OFMD is an absurdist romcom. About queer pirates. It all makes sense now. x)

[@akivasinger9061]

absalutly LOVED this video. ive read the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy and loved it but I never though of it like this, I just love this perspective. also I found hello future me's video "in defense of soft magic systems" (which I'm sure you watched cuz I saw ur channel in the end when he talked about the live stream) tackle some of the same ideas you mention and I loved that video as well. thnx so much for showing me a different way of thinking about this topic and I think I gotta watch everything everywhere all at once now

[@alecscott-ev5rw]

If someone has a real focus and genuinely unique point of view, total and unapologetic absurdity can take us beyond the beyond. For what is -- for my money -- the very best, and most profound, and also the funniest absurdism I've ever seen, read anything and everything by writer Steve Aylett, especially Slaughtermatic, Shamanspace, the Accomplice series, Lint, and most recently, Hyperthick. If you like anything explored in this video, odds are you will love Aylett's amazing, densely brilliant, truly astonishing work.

[@loplopdoosderachter9287]

"spirited away" is also a good example of this

[@stevezanders8279]

As someone who is rather passive but not a push over I felt so seen and respected by Waymond's character. I feel like we're constantly told that in order to be respected or be seen as someone who is morally ethical we have to "fight" and "be aggressive." I have always survived and had the best outcomes in my life by being willing to hear others out and not react with anger. That doesn't mean I'll accept disrespect but it doesn't mean I have to hit someone or yell in order to do that. The fact that the writers really highlighted his brand of fighting with kindness was the first time I had ever seen my personal survival style portrayed in media in a positive light. It has taken a lot of self-work throughout my life to dispel the myth that I am a passive aggressive weakling, who can never be a leader just because I don't react with anger naturally to those I may have disagreements with. Now I may be biased, but I think this film can serve as a highlight to others that there are other ways to fight the "bad guys" than punching them in the face, or being the loudest debater in the room.

[@miokjr6286]

I honestly think that absurdism is one of the best if not the best genre in which to explore and dive deep into emotions and themes. I really liked the way you put it "a genre that rejects the idea that just because nothing matters nothing matters" which is a statement that is true for a lot of what absurdism has to offer. It is also a genre that gets to focus on people in our society that most people don't think about and really lets us understand their minds and challenges they have to face. Definitely recommend absurdism to anyone that would like to read or write about themes or emotions in a new way that stays with you and makes you think.

[@Dyrnwynn]

Buffy and Angel both brought in elements of Absurdism (as a response to and / or acceptance of Nihilism) influenced mostly by Albert Camus. "If nothing we do matters, then the only thing that matters is what we do." Oh, and Pratchett's Death is fantastic, but it's my second-favorite depiction of a personified Death. Neil Gaiman's Death of the Endless is a character that effected me enormously and gave myself and many other people comfort.

[@KevinStubbs]

To explain how much Terry Pratchett means to me is no matter what the media KZbin/tv/books I can’t help but cry when anyone talks about him. I didn’t know I could or would miss someone I have never met. I can’t even type this without tearing up

[@WayneBond006]

Happy you are taking risks and covering more nuanced stories. Hoping this can help push the video further.

[@susanwoodcarver]

Have been with you for years. This is your BEST video to date. I've read and reread Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld series and as I grow older, with each reread, parts of the onion (or he would say cabbage) fall away to reveal deeper meanings and insights into the absurd. Good job, Daniel!! Good job. STP would be proud of you.

[@orionsbelt25]

I watched EEAAO with a friend a week or so ago in theaters and we had to sit a while through the credits to just process it all. I felt like I understood nothing and everything about that story. I am going to buy it on DVD when it comes out so I can watch it again and again. One of the most beautiful film I've seen in a while

[@esteban280889]

Only just started reading discworld with is my first real look at absurdism. Started with guards guards. The image of the librarian trying to talk to carrot via charades was good.

[@Nikotheos]

The goblin statue needs a spin-off show!

[@Okapeep]

Absurdism is one of my favorite genres in books and films, as well as art styles. So glad you put it in the spotlight!

[@JapLomm]

I just watched this movie yesterday. I did with the intention of having some fun with a comedic scifi movie but when the message of the story hits you, it was really emotional.

[@drewtheunspoken3988]

Steve Martin has been known to use absurdism in some of his films as well. L.A. Story remains a favorite. I have not yet dove into the Discworld books but it's definitely on my list. I've always been curious how much of Good Omens in Pratchett vs. Gaiman..

[@AtomicDoorknob]

hitchikers guide to the galaxy, scott pilgrim and everything everywhere all at once are all great i always wished we had more top tier absurdist stories, i mean besides real life which is possibly one of the MOST absurd things that could possibly be experienced especially when you stare at that void above your head

[@veridan2582]

I'm coming to realize how much absurdist media I've consumed growing up, and how that's influenced my sense of humor, the types of media I consume in general. It's been an interesting experience when friends ask me about certain things I watch or read, and trying not to sound like an absolute madman before finally just telling them "Well... just check it out, you'll understand it once you've experienced it." It's such a beautiful thing, but so, SO difficult to verbally share said experience with others xD

[@matinnikoomanzar9167]

There is a manga called goodnight punpun and it is one of the best mangas out there. It uses similar ideas to tell a story of someone from middle school to his 20s and it’s very well made, but also very depressing. So if you ever decide please try to make a review for it, it’ll be worth it like berserk.

[@theflickchick9850]

I have basically a near phobia of zombies and I was a kid with anxiety who feared Halloween stuff like decorations of skeleton ghosts in robes. Terry Pratchett made both of those things accessible to me. Death has anxiety, Reg Shoe hates oppression. I could sit and talk to them. That means a lot to me. Hell, all of Terry Pratchett's monsters being just people means SO much to me with my anxiety. And when I read "Hitchhiker's" in high school, it only changed how I saw myself writing books (surprise, you can do whatever you want!) but also opened me up to a view of the universe that was openly atheist. I'm Christian and that meant a lot somehow when I read it. Can't explain how. I've been trying my hand at absurdism and it's tricky but it's fun. I like making my own Reg Shoes.

[@Dyrnwynn]

Great video about a style / genre that doesn't get enough discussion or credit. One quibble: Scott Pilgrim isn't a teenager. He's 22 (23 to 24 in the comics). Part of Scott's issue is not growing or changing since he was a rather selfish boy in High School. Also, his age is why everyone is at least a little weirded out that he's dating Knives (a 17 year old High School student).

[@alexm-e4910]

If you like the absurd and thinking along these lines, then Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” (ou «L’étranger» si vous êtes prétentieux) might be up your alley

[@evi6629]

Watched the first few mintues of this, then decided against it since I hadn't watched the film yet. I watched it two days ago and came back to this. And god, what a film. Saying it's my favorite movie of the year holds less weight than it should because I'm not a movie person, but I think that even if I did watch 20 other movies this year this one would still be my favorite. A unique strength of absurdism is that it can often feel very real *because* of its strangeness, not despite it, because real life often does not make sense. At least not in a way we can understand. It takes the saying "reality is often stranger than fiction" and does everything it can to disprove it. Most of us don't understand why every thing that happens to us in our life is happening, taking that feeling and enlarging it can make for some really poignant storytelling, while also being hilarious. It takes a really good storyteller to do absurdism well, but when it's done well by god is it done well.

[@ninnusridhar]

Absurdism is best left in the world or even the story. And never character. Because the absurd in the world helps to highlight the real in the person. And pratchet nails that on the head. Be it death, or Sam vimes these people aren't absurd. They're as real as you can get. And placing them in an absurd world with absurd rules helps to contrast what's human about them with the world. Like a yellow dot on a black background. It's why we love them. It's why pratchet is a master of the craft. It's why one piece works so well too. The story can be absurd and so can the humor. But every single character has weight to them. And that's beautiful

[@Linguistic1]

It's a rare story that will make me go to a theater. But Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, I went and saw in theater. Mostly because I love Michelle Yeoh, but also cuz it looked really good. I was not disappointed!

[@bendefusco8706]

I liked the pacing of this video, how you slide from one example to the next, Good video

[@JoeSebright]

EEA@O was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I absolutely loved it.

[@alexlerouge1170]

What does it say about my mental health that when Daniel mentioned a black hole erasing all life on earth I just felt a wave of euphoric relief followed by mild disappointment when it didn't immediately happen.

[@declanm810]

Damn, what great timing! I legit just got back from watching the film. Absurdism done well in live action seems so difficult to get right as seeing real people on screen doesn’t really have the same ease of suspension of disbelief as theatre-of-the-mind style media like books, or a medium like animation which kinda inherently has a degree of separation from real-life. Everything Everywhere All at Once was an absolute gem of a movie.

[@TheAwkwardSeven]

I think Swiss Army Man, which was also directed by the Daniels, is another story that uses absurdism to get across a deep indescribable feeling that so often goes overlooked or avoided. I felt much the same way after i saw Everything Everywhere All At Once as I did after I saw Swiss Army Man, and they're now two of my favorite movies ever.

[@dillon1037]

Felt like the realest love letter to Camus I've seen.

[@louvenio7413]

im so glad when you make videos like this, thank you

[@BreakingStubad]

I love absurdism... can't wait for this movie to actually open and show here at the end of june!

[@najeebhq]

This movie is the first movie in a long time that made me laugh hard enough to get tears in my eyes

[@monkedits3964]

Loved this video and I think it's one of your best. Your passion for absurdism really showed! I need to start Discworld...