Hollywood's Obsession with Ambition
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 23 ноя 2024
- Zia Anger's "MY FIRST FILM" streams exclusively on MUBI starting September 6. Get a whole month free: mubi.com/thoma...
We tell many stories about ambition, but do they give us the full picture?
Join my Patreon Film Club: / thomasflight
Join the ambition discussion: / film-club-role-110528880
Sources:
Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn: bookshop.org/a... (Affiliate)
"Komorebi - Seek the light" by Renu Vijayanand / komorebi-seek-the-light
Watch 1 Hour of Komorebi: • when you notice the su...
// FOLLOW ME //
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com...
Instagram: / thomasflight
Twitter: / thomasflight
Seeing Through Film: thomasflight.s...
// CONTACT //
-Sponsorship and Business inquiries: thomasflight@nebula.tv
-Questions, feedback, anything else: contact@thomasflight.com
-FAQ: www.thomasflig...
// GEAR I USE: thomasflight.c...
#WhereverYouGoThereYouAre #Komorebi 
Кино
![[#2024MAMA] BIGBANG (빅뱅) - 뱅뱅뱅 (BANG BANG BANG) + FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EQsYfiPR9uM/mqdefault.jpg)
"If our minds are always stuck where we could be, we miss out on being where we are." What a great lesson!
Proofreading is a thing that costs nothing but time and respect for the recipient 👍
😪Boohoo nga@@ToShreds
@@ToShreds And understanding a message despite a misspelling by using context clues costs nothing but forgiveness for the writer
@@adanrodriguez9140 I'm drunk I don't know what you replied to, can't find it , but I'm sure you're right 👍
I wish I could take credit but while those are indeed my words haha it's a lesson I'm still learning that I was taught me by others much wiser than me.
One of the most ironic things about Perfect Days is the fact that it was commissioned by Uniqlo. They wanted to make an ad about their new Tokyo Toilets project and Wim decided to make the most beautiful, conscious movie of 2023, an antithesis to consumerism and grind culture.
Ah, Wim. What a sneaky rebel.
Literally antithesis
Wow that’s super interesting. Thanks for sharing! ❤
can I have the source of this information?
@@djarahkan9399 seek and ye shall find.
People believe that they have to validate their existence by "achieving something".
and who instilled that in them and why? The argumentative angle that is missing in this essay is that most the examples as ambitious characters here are actually survivors or a narcissistic home still suffering from the psychological fallout (Carmy!) or are narcissists themselfes (Wolf of Wall Street). They need and hussle for that outside validation because they were always framed as deficiant, as not enough or too much or confusingly both at the same time. They were always given the impression of not being right and being a burden to the abusive narcissist in their lifes and going all in on ambition is the coping mechanism to that. Who could still consider someone a failure when they became extremely successful in that one thing they went all in on?They are compulsively trying to silence that echo of the narcissistic dismissal in themselfes by proving that voice of self-shaming wrong with a grand display of competence.
Nah, though it may seem that way to someone who lacks volition. In reality, it's simply the most natural drive; to do more, have more, be more. The spoils of victory are the highest of luxuries, but the thrill of triumph is enough in itself.
Did you know that predators such as lions, leopards etc. have been documented to kill other animals & dominate territory for no practical/nutritional purpose? Surplus killing is a behavior which has long stumped scientists. In reality, the behavior is quite easily explained. They do so because they can; because it gratifies their nature to dominate.
Even if you're some no-life, you probably play games with objectives that you instinctively desire to achieve. It's the primordial motivation.
@@memento81 Interesting point, as someone who grew up with the best home enviorment you could ask for, I still get this feeling that I must achieve something, for my self worth I guess. I would propose that your idea operates in tandem with the fact that a capitalist (or perhaps any work oriented society) society thrives off the idea we are not enough as we are, therefore we must possess items, relationships or information to feel as though we have value for a fleeting moment before we're conditioned to belive theres another problem we must fix. Sorry if i didn't articulate this well, but there is a certain fear that comes with boredom these days, for we are not accumulating value in that time despite the fact that we are and always have been enough. Interested to hear your thoughts
@@memento81 fair point. a common theme in media that portrays the pursuit of ones goals/ambition as corrupting and harmful, tend to feature characters who engage in that pursuit due to external factors, whether that be validation from others, fame, fortune etc. but never out of some intrinsic desire to do what they love, because they love it.
I'd love to see a film akin to perfect days, but centered on a character similar to Chef Terry, from The Bear, who to me, represents an extremely healthy version of someone who did chase those dreams without destroying the ties that make us human.
Nah, though it may seem that way to someone who lacks volition. In reality, it's simply the most natural drive; to do more, have more, be more. The spoils of victory are the highest of luxuries, but the thrill of triumph is enough in itself.
Did you know that predators such as lions, leopards etc. have been documented to kill other animals & take territory for no practical/nutritional purpose? Surplus killing is a behavior which has long stumped scientists. In reality, the behavior is quite easily explained. They do so because they can; because it gratifies their nature to dominate.
Even if you're some no-life, you probably play games with objectives that you instinctively desire to achieve. It's the primordial motivation.
Today I drove nine hours from Paris to Amsterdam. I had three hitchhikers (via an app). A Syrian refugee, a French animator who is also a 40 year long Buddhist and a young woman from the Netherlands living on an ecological farm. For nine hours, I had discussions with three completely different people. All the themes that you touch in this videos we touched today in my car to great length through different cultures. And after the ride this was the first video that was suggested to me on my timeline. A very beautiful coincidence.
I love your work on RUclips, keep up the good work. I think that anyone interested in film should be interested in life, just as you are.
Very cool that you were able to have those moments
I love those little moments that seem to carry such momentous weight despite how small they'd appear to be from the outside or hindsight. those brief flashes of connection on otherwise long and winding journeys that inspire a deep insight into what makes being alive worthwhile. it's not the grand achievements or the awards or the lofty goals realized; in those little vignettes of life it would seem that the deepest and most gratifying thing you can achieve is a sincere connection with another human being, no matter how brief. it reminds you how special and varied life really is.
anyway, sorry for the weird little stream of consciousness. glad you had that experience and genuinely hope you have many more to come!
@@jays2551 Absolutely agree and thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a beautiful day. I don't know if you're returning home to Amsterdam, or visiting but enjoy your time either way. Truly a beautiful city.
This sounds like a great movie lol
The problem also comes down to what you learn in storytelling 101: you’re taught that your character must want something, and that a character who isn’t chasing some want can’t be interesting or worth following.
in a way, hirayama does want something
to appreciate each moment in life no matter what
But in storytelling 202 you learn about wants vs needs. They might not get what they wanted, but they got what they really needed.
This is a gem 💎 comment section 😭
That advice is absolutely correct. People with no ambitions are boring both in real life and in stories.
@@slynt_ but still the question is why I am so influenced to find a kick as ambition in this chaotic capitalistic inhuman society
The 2016 film Paterson is about a bus driver and poet named Paterson who lives in Paterson, New Jersey. The movie was written and directed by Jim Jarmusch and stars Adam Driver as Paterson and Golshifteh Farahani as his wife, Laura. The film explores the triumphs and defeats of daily life, and the poetry that can be found in the smallest details.
Paterson's daily routine is simple: he drives his bus route, writes poetry in a notebook, stops at a bar for one beer, and then goes home to Laura. Laura's world is constantly changing, with new dreams that come to her almost every day. The film also explores the energy that keeps a city's lifeblood going, the closeness and loneliness of couplehood, and how spare time activities can define who we are.
Came here to recommend this!
I think the 'American Dream' myth is falling apart, as it both has the broken dreams, the lies and the successful scammers. The fear of socialism all makes all this, you have to make it all yourself, and if you fail it's on you only. And we learn no, society and luck have a huge impact on your chances. Yet, the almost enforced ambition myth and the myth of getting there, enforce a false narrative that is only half of reality. The other half is friends, family, life, beauty, health, etc. The film Paterson showed an alternative or way out if you will.
Freakin' love Paterson.
I was just thinking about Paterson as another example of a film that has a similar energy to Perfect Days! The slice of life genre also seems to have this energy in general. Ava DuVernay’s debut film I Will Follow also follows that vibe.
The Man-kind Human, The World -God, Nothing beside Eye (me) in the ain't
This reminds me of something my violin teacher told me years ago, when I was describing feeling pressured to go back to college by my employer, who wanted me to eventually be a CPA. I was feeling ashamed for not wanting to go because I really didn’t care about going further and becoming a CPA. She made the point that our society has become too obsessed with being outstanding and “what’s wrong with wanting a simple, small life?” It really changed how I felt and realized there’s nothing wrong with me and I don’t have to want to be the next best thing. This video is the perfect exploration of that. Thank you, Thomas. It made me tear up.
Sounds like a great violin teacher :) Society's demands can feel big but sometimes we just need someone to let us know it's okay to take our own path.
There is NOTHING wrong with wanting a simple, small life. Ambition and “success” isn’t all its cracked up to be. However: it does make for good drama.
It is impossible for everybody to be outstanding. If we all are then nobody is. My mom gave me a similar lesson as a child, comparing people to birds saying that most people are little brown birds. They build their nests, raise their chicks, and go about their lives without much notice. Lots of people want to be a beautiful parrot or a peacock but not everybody can be. Most people are average and have simple lives and that's okay.
The way I see it, the cogs of society requires that most people be average. I don't know what this burning desire is to be the top of the pile, it seems not only futile for most people but also a recipe for frustration and dissatisfaction.
@@jessicadominguez4244 it's not futile. Ambition is a strong reason behind self improvement, which in turn can benefit the individual and society. That's why it's valued.
Watching from Kenya,
Sometimes, ambition is just a means to survive for others, a path to escape the horrors some of us are born into. A way to hope and dream, working hard, hoping you will make it out of the tunnel in one piece.
Yeah, that what I get when I watch my (mexican) sister grind every day. She is my Lady Bird. And I'm the brother of Lady Bird. 🤧
Yeah, Moss I definitely get what you mean, it's sometimes we just want to be that one person we would have wanted to have in our lives at some point. And I feel like what Tom is saying we often get too sucked up or sort of attached to what we could be or what we are trying to be, so much that we then lose our current selves, emotions, our purpose fades right in front of us and we seldom notice it and are sucked into this spiraling cycle that we forget what to enjoy and really live the way we wanted into the first place
Pia wewe ni Mkenya, ruto must go. I totally agree one is less likely to realise the now when you need to survive. The best part of my day is when I walk home from the stage after work and the street basically put the sunset right infront of me with its pink and orange hues.
The problem is, the stigma of not having top notch ambition in society
Ruto must gooo
This is something my brother and I spoke about multiple times specifically when we went to Japan 🇯🇵 last year. He suddenly passed away last May and his words “I’m proud of you, for who you are” made me realize the importance of being true to yourself, not defining your worth by what society believes is successful and how being present is more important than always running for the next step.
Those who lack ambition are weak and boring
@yeetboi268 why?
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing well. ❤
@@D.KRyley-mq1do Because it's uninteresting to watch someone do nothing. How is that a question?
@@aolson1111 who said you had to watch? Lmao
The core message of the Pixar movie Soul is that appreciation & ambition can and must coexist if we are to live a good life. There is a way to use gratitude for the life you currently live to build your ideal life. In the same way that you don't have to berate your past self for living in a certain way, you can appreciate and also acknowledge that there is room to grow. A life of peace & prosperity is indeed noble; A life where you shouldered the burden you were capable of holding is equally noble
balance
Well yeah, they can coexist, this conflict between drive and satisfaction is made up by this pseudointellectual vomit of a video for an ad.
I saw the core message as being about mindfulness, walking around with mindfulness and being in the present moment instead of focusing on the past or the future
@@demilung Jesus, who hurt you?
Didn't expect to have an existential crisis from watching this.
Same, im at lunch break rn trying not to cry from an existential crisis
Part of this life
Just watch Perfect Days to heal from this 😉
Oh my god. Me too. What the hell. incredible video. First youtube video where i'm going to rewatch with a notepad.
Wow lol if y'all are getting existential crises from this it's proof you're on the wrong path. Good news is it's never too late to make a change
As a 20 year old, who’s finding himself more lost in the world of monetary gain every day, I can’t express to you how much I needed this video. Thank you.
When I started being responsible monetarily for my own meals, and trying to make sure I get all the right nutrients.
I found I started enjoying food less, it's become something to keep me going, and I want to get back to that primal enjoyment and joy food can bring.
@@CrocyStart cheffing up the kitchen bro 😂
@@obarich Bro
@@Crocyyou don’t have to eat boring to eat healthy brotha
I really felt this too. I'm glad others feel the same.
I have my ambitions in life of course, but I also understand that real life is happening all the time. Sure, I'm working hard towards my goals and creating the life I want to live, but not at the expense of enjoying my day to day life. This is where gratitude and being present really comes into play. In our modern society, so many of us are so stressed, worried, and trying to rush through life. It only makes time go faster. We need to SLOW DOWN. Take time to just sit outside, put your back up against a tree, take deep breaths, and simply enjoy the magic of existence. Notice all the beautiful details that surround you, from the feeling of wind on your face, the sound of birds singing, and the cold wet grass between your fingers. For me that's what life is really all about. It's being connected to everything. Realizing that this life is so short and so fleeting. Don't forget that and rush through life. Chase your dreams, yes, but enjoy the journey. ❤️
Ever decreasing metrics want you to operate like machinery. If you slow down you get replaced.
@@nak3dxsnakeUnfortunately too many people see themselves as machinery and as something that CAN be replaced, but even that idea is made up and forced down our throats.
She's right. Don't let the machine swallow you
Beautifully said.
i hope my comment gets likes so i can come back to this comment, eventually, i'm kinding, i'm thanking a screenshot, thank you tho
It’s no surprise filmmakers mostly make movies about chasing your dreams in the face of relentless doubt ending in success. It’s because that’s the life of a successful filmmaker. It’s the only thing they know.
But also a biased one at that. And mind you I love a lot of those movies.
filmmaking in it of itself is a job only a few get to live off from, it's costly in everyway and extremely demanding, even more so outside the developed world.
Capitalist art reflects life under capitalism, where you have to work hard and be ambitious just to survive.
Mahalo Nui Loa Thomas Flight. Yours is an erudite & moving & inspirational gem. Perfect Days is antidote to our capitalist, consuming, transactional world. Solace & peace comes from nature. Fragile.
@@GhostSamaritannot just to survive but to thrive. It’s art that rejects the notion of comfortable mediocrity to be something more.
literally watching this in my lunch break after a mental breakdown because i am trying to finish college and also having a job and can’t handle it anymore
i feel you, i've been sad ever since graduating high school because i'm studying whereas i dont like what im learning anymore, and all i do is think about others and what they have achieved and feeling worse, or thinking about the time passing and feeling late.... and i'm thinking that i will regret this if i dont go on? its so hard to be a social person without any real friends
I've been there and I hope you can remember that at the very least, it will pass. College ends, you can totally do this
I've been there as well, hope you can find some space to catch your breath soon. 🤎
I don´t know if that helps but (being in my late 30s) and a very forward next goal driven person I can tell you: whenever I look back at what worried me or gave me anxiety in the past I think "What was the big fuss about? I would have been fine either way" (and ofc then I think "NOW I have the real issues" which I assume in a few years I will roll my eyes at 😛).
And College/Uni was one of those. All my life I was surrounded by academically brilliant ´Best grades all the time´ with no apparent effort people and it always made me feel insufficient grades wise, worried that I would prove not smart/competent/charming enough for the future world. And today i look back at how little these grades actually impacted my life. How the friends I met at uni or the things I learned in ungraded classes where I for once stopped freaking out and allowed myself to just actually care about what was taught/learning changed my life 10x more than my A in one class or my C- in another.
No idea if that helps but wanted to share. Good luck and you´ll be fine even if you can´t see it yet ☺
This thread has made me feel a little better, I am currently on the edge of going back to university to study my masters degree and I am completely conflicted, I feel I would be happy either going or staying but choosing is agony!
Fun fact: ambition comes from latin "ambitio", term which in Ancient Rome described the practice of candidates for high offices to go around and around the streets of the city in search of trust and support from voters. In essence, ambition is nothing but begging around and around asking for society to approve your ideal status. In German the word that translates ambition is Ehrgeiz, which is a compound word combining "honor" and "greed", so basically for German speakers ambition is the "greed of honors" and greed is the curse of eating while never feeling satiated, to get more and more without knowing when to stop. Ancient Greeks use instead the term "philotimia", which translates roughly to "the love for honor".
My therapist asked me what I wanted out of life. It took me a while to realize what I wanted. What I want is to drift upon the surface of the gentle brook of existence, face up. I want to be taken by it's current, surrender myself to it's meandering path and listen to the wind in the trees. I don't desire succes nor achievement. I just want to feel the world around me.
you put into words something i've been feeling for a while
to be happy with the world
@@MegamanStarforce2010 i mean i get it dont get me wrong, but i feel like we only want a break, or a more balanced life, because life without goals or direction can become kind of dull
@@TchudakPOV Absolutely. My biggest "ambition" in life for decades was to be free of responsibilities, on a permanent vacation. It wasn't that long ago that I realized how absolutely unfulfilling that is. It's the reason why so many people die as soon as they retire. Grim but true. We need stimulation, variation, socialization, reasons for being. Even highly trained, meditative monks, most of them have the community and structure of the ashram, etc.
@@jada90 but at the same time I've been making myself forcing myself to study after high-school and I've clearly been unhappy, unsocial ever since. But I can't find the courage to stop, because of my ambition but i feel like my ambition is rooted like he said in the video in the wrong reasons. To compare myself to others not to be truly happy. And off course I'm scared ill regret one day if I stop. I think I just need more time to realise and to accept and strongly believe in myself that I'm wishing doing the right things for me ... i don't know
I absolutely loved "Perfect Day." You could tell how much his character took pride in doing his job well, even if many would find it demeaning or unappealing work. His presence, joy in little moments, and satisfaction in where he is in life was refreshing to see. Wonderful video essay!
"If we let our media define our sense of value we can end up feeling like our day to day life is insignificant"
Fantastic, and thoughtful video. Gonna go and look at some cool shadows now.
My friends and I have a movie night every Tuesday. We rotate who picks. A few months ago someone selected Perfect Days. Just the act of watching it created the sense of calm and appreciation that the film is about. We would usually watch films with more thrill or intrigue, like Blue Velvet or Fury Road. So the sudden slowing of pace and excitement was in itself forcing us to slow down and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of not just the film but of having a community that gathers weekly to enjoy cinema and each other's company. Great video, Thomas, and a wonderful refreshing film.
It's so bizarre that I was having a similar debate in my own head about this all week after recently watching Perfect Days. It's easily one of my favorites films in years because it feels like a break from the constant and unrelenting goal-achieving motif that so many movies and popular TV shows focus on. It's one of those movies that I feel touching my soul because for years I have tried to focus on the present instead of comparing myself to others. Appreciating the little moments in daily life brings me more joy than focusing on big life goals or aspirations because they're not tangible in that moment.
Your channel is easily my favorite on RUclips. Each video is a work of art, so please keep up it up Thomas. Now is now.
I appreciate the kind words. I'm glad the video resonated. I really fell in love with Perfect Days as well and I remember feeling this way about Paterson back when that came out. I remember at the time I watched it and though (I should try to watch this every year to remind myself) but that plan went out the window. Present Days distills many of the same themes into a much bigger punch I felt (although I still love Paterson as well and recommend it if you haven't seen it.).
@@ThomasFlight I haven’t but I guess I’ll have to now. Also, I watched Sound of Metal recently and see what you meant in your subtle performance video a while back. Riz Ahmed and Paul Raci are heartbreaking in that.
"All the dude ever wanted was his rug back"-Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski
The ultimate ode to the nobility of the unambitious
yesss also the first film that came to my mind
@@variousartists7470 Same.
Yeah…well…that’s just like…your opinion, man.
Right, thx for the reminder!
The Dude did get a replacement rug, but then that was taken away from him.
His quest to regain it circuititously leads to the death of his friend Donny. And he ends the film still rugless.
So, The Dude is punished for his ambition, even though it only seems a small ambition.
He was way too attached to that rug, seems to be the message. Or something. Whatever.
"Nothing is changing at all? That's just nonsense."
His routine is the same every day, and when it changes it leads to unexpected things, some good some bad. Initially it always feels like an annoyance, sometimes it's a massive inconvenience, but also sometimes leads to beautiful moments, like spending time with his niece, or playing shadow tag with a dying man, or playing tic-tac-toe with a stranger. He isn't happiest when he's alone, or working or doing his daily routine. The moments when he's truly happy are the ones where he's connecting with others.
I definitely found valuing human connections the more prevalent theme than valuing the moments themselves. The moments where he's alone are the sadest moments, in my opinion. The final shot is reminiscent of Oldboy; a tortured, indeterminable mix of emotions, as Hirayama's life goes on in the same routine. Nothing has changed at all.
This is reflected in his co-worker's decision to quit his job and chase a connection with his love interest. In the end, I wondered what happened to him.
@@ChancellorMarko and the kid who enjoyed playing with his co-worker (maybe the most redeeming part of that character) is disappointed when he's gone!
He is definitely happy alone: When he is caring for his plants, eating out, listening to music in his car, enjoying the light falling through the leaves...
I am not saying that he is not happy with the people he meets. But he is definitely also fine when he is alone, maybe even more often than not I would say.
Hollywood is obsessed by ambition because it’s full of ambitious people. It’s not easy to get a film made. There’s a lot of plays about putting on a play, books about writers, and films about making films. People write what they know
Man... every time the Bear comes up I think about how it *really* is not a comedy.
I don't think I'd be much interested in watching "The Bear" but it might be illustrative in what not to do if I ever run my own restaurant. Food service can be brutal enough just making it through a busy or hectic service, but it doesn't have to be miserable as long as your head or exec chef isn't a self obsessed a-hole.
I hadn't heard of the show, but being a professional in food service myself and just watching some of these clips from it. How is that in any way a comedy? I try not to let work follow me home, but inevitably it does lol.
Does anyone think it’s a comedy? And if so, what’s wrong with them lol
I know, right? There are definitely many funny moments, but the show is so drama-focus and stressful that'd never consider it a comedy.
@Bee_ahlem award shows consistently put it in the Comedy category
The only characters that really have any humor in the show are Richie and the Fak brothers, but Carmy is literally one of the most humorless characters I have ever seen on TV. Like Julian in "The Menu," there is no joy to what he does, only obsession. It's probably why I'm struggling with watching Season 3 right now. Although Carmy's struggle to create a restaurant is interesting, it's not from a place of real passion. That's why Richie's big episode in Season 2 was such a welcome surprise. Richie not only regained his dignity, but he found joy in his work and gained a healthy ambition. Carmy's pleasureless lifestyle really isn't doing it for me right now. Hell, even Walter White enjoyed cooking meth and Saul enjoyed pulling cons.
I’m an old wise man so just hear me out. The difference between ambition and greed is so razor thin that it is impossible to distinguish the difference when you see it. These characters that Hollywood continues to feed us as ambition is just really greed we’re watching. It’s so disgusting to watch. They want more fame, they want more recognition, they want more money, they want more awards and it just doesn’t stop. They set such high living standards based on a human construct. If you notice the common denominator with these characters is, at the cost of happiness, a never ending pursuit to have MORE of “whatever” than the other guy or gal. The Hollywood viewer walks away feeling like their life is a failure for not being ambitious enough. Greed is disgusting. So sad. Life is not a competition. Let’s start a happiness revolution!
Honestly, I never considered that greed could be applied to something that wasn't money or something very similar like resources or stocks.
I agree mostly but I would say that a lot of those Hollywood movies (the good ones at least) actually try to warn us about that greed and how it just leaves you empty in the end.
I think you've noticed the 'American Dream' myth is falling apart, as it both has the broken dreams, the lies and the successful scammers. The fear of socialism all makes all this drive: you have to make it all yourself, and if you fail it's on you only. That's a lie. In reality we learn no, your status in society and luck have a huge impact on your chances. The almost enforced ambition myth and the myth of getting there, enforce a false narrative that is only half of reality. The other half is friends, family, life, beauty, health, etc.
@@AManWhoWasntThere I totally agree with you. There’s great life lessons in our movies and I would hope audiences walk away enlightened. I’m mostly concerned for the younger generation. In the past and currently, I’ve mentored young adults in the business and financial world. I see so much unhappiness. They’re all so starving for more and simultaneously feeling unfulfilled in their careers and love life. The problem is this youthful population see a show like Bear as inspiration for their personal roadmap and it’s taking them straight to unhappiness. As filmmakers and cinematographers we’re not at fault. Sometimes a good healthy discussion about this subject is not a bad thing. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
I'd be interested to hear if you have the same take after watching the documentary Jodorowskis Dune (if you haven't already seen it). I think his idea of ambition is quite healthy in that there is the ambition to do something however at the same time a total acceptance if it doesn't work out. There is a beauty in pursuing something greater than oneself without the ego. Hard to do for most but I think it exists in a select few.
I think Episode 6 absolutely solidifies this question. Tina’s story colliding with Michael Carmy’s brother is just an amazing moment of Michael realizing the beauty in a simple care of our family. He speaks about a building filled with people following dreams. He said it was depressing and that moment is so palpable. It hit me as truly a beautiful message
The animated movie Soul explores this territory well.
"What now?"
"We do it again tomorrow."
When your dream becomes your work you either need a new dream or to accept the fact that maybe you've been using a far off goal to escape the here and now.
This is top tier Thomas Flight. Timely and most needed at this juncture in the film & television industry and in our personal lives as the two strive together for ambitious meaning. An example of a movie that provided this perspective for me during the 2020 Pandemic was Jim Jarmusch's Stranger Than Paradise. A slow-paced and deliberately mundane film that follows a trio venturing out of the city in an effort to cure boredom brought on by their less-than-ambitious lives. In this essay, I feel the same sense of relief that a film like Perfect Days provides, even when most of our own days reflect the chaotic nature of The Bear. Thank you, Chef, for providing twenty minutes to reflect the here and now and remember that next time is next time.
"Blessed are they whose journals are boring to read." --- "Perfect Days" sounds similar to Jim Jarmusch's "Paterson" with Adam Driver, where he plays a city bus driver and amateur poet living in a small house in New Jersey with his girlfriend and her dog. It is sublime in its rejection of ambition and its embracing of a quiet life.
A great video essay with some insightful observations, but this is not the only way to look at Perfect Days. I felt it was a far darker film than a lot of people give it credit for. There are definitely some dark and painful events in Hirayama's past that are hinted at throughout. He leads an incredibly lonely existence, estranged from his family and seemingly friendless. The life he has chosen to live is one of peaceful serenity as a survival mechanism, a self prescribed therapeutic lifestyle to get him through each day. However when anything disrupts his highly structured routine, he struggles to cope under the stress. Those final moments of the film are truly heartbreaking as he smiles through the tears, a man doing his best in the face of whatever adversity befell him.
My favorite moments and episodes from The Bear were some slow moments. Marcus in Copenhagen kneading bread, with Luca, Tina’s episode, or Sydney going out to different restaurants to try out their food. It may be that those stood out in contrast of the ambitious and stressful nature of the rest of the series, but just having slow moments included really made me appreciate how practicing a craft takes time and some mindfulness.
This topic is so poignant for me at this point in my life. My wife and I have been having this conversation a lot lately. "what are the basic necessities we need to be happy", we're finding that every year we have this convo, the list gets smaller and smaller.
my biggest goal in life is to be known as a safe place to be. that you could always come to my home unannounced and ill be there with a treat and a warm hug. it feels hard to want a life like that in the world we live
Who is "you" ?
This is something I think about a lot, and is why I work as a videographer for small companies and universities instead of trying to "make it" in the film industry. I'm just not cut out for it, and thats okay. I'm happy to work at a lower level if it means I have a lot of time to myself to pursue the things that are meaningful to me.
I live in the biggest city in Brazil. We work a lot and spend a lot of time getting to work as well. When I get home I only have time to do the basic stuff before going to sleep. I am actively trying to be present in times I would usually go on tiktok or twitter to pass the time so I don't lose my mind. Great video.
As soon as you said "the story of a life not defined by the relentless pursuit of ambition" I immediately thought of Perfect Days. And I haven't even seen it yet.
Seen it last week. It's good.
Thank you for highlighting the "river/ocean" scene from *Perfect Days*. When I first watched this great movie, I hadn’t realized the significance of that scene until now. Your insight has made the movie even better for me-truly appreciate it!
I think the most influential (notorious?) non-ambitious film character of my generation is 'the Dude'. That probably says something. The Dude abides.
Well, that's like your opinion man
I think that line by Sam Elliott at the end "It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners" really ties in with this. In a world of ambitious people, there's something comforting about people who can truly be content with the little they have, instead of adding to the mess in the pursuit of more like the rest of us.
Or to put it another way, there's George Carlin: "I think motivation is overrated. You show me some lazy prick who's lying around all day watching game shows and stroking his penis, and I'll show you someone who's not causing any fucking trouble, okay?"
Yeah, kind of silly he didn't mention that there's an ENTIRE GENRE of this kind of media - the slacker film. Of which, The Dude is somewhat at the top of the mountain. But I guess he just wanted to focus on Perfect Days real bad
Slacker films are almost always driven by ambition though. What makes them slacker films is that the ambitions are small.
@@jada90i don't think the big lebowski wouldn't be as fitting to illustrate his point. i can't imagine clips from it playing well in this video either
That’s a very timely video; thank you, Thomas. The other week, I accepted that my business had failed, and I need to make a new plan for this next period of my life. I just so happened to watch Perfect Days not too long ago in the theater, along with all three seasons of The Bear this month. The lessons from these works helped me appreciate the struggles and learnings I experienced with my failed endeavor, and now I look forward to new ones.
I’m truly happy to have stumbled across these pieces of art at this very moment. Thank you for putting a spotlight on them.
Well said. One of my favorite films. I've long been unable to understand why anyone would ever want to be famous....it really seems like hell sprinkled with incessant praise. Anonymity is peaceful. I think neoliberalism has been very bad for our culture and we're at the point where folks even talk about "branding themselves". Everything is for sale, even community 🥺😭
Not all personality/ego-types struggle with this, but this personality type is massively boosted, celebrated, and over-represented in US culture.
Some of us don't struggle with ambition in a toxic way, or even lack ambition almost entirely.
This is in my heart and soul. You brought me to tears. I'm so grateful to be an artist with an artist's heart. I get to observe and be in those quiet, infinite places.
Perfect Days is my current all-time favorite film for so many of the reasons you counted out - and for the reason of it bringing a lot of peace into my life. I’ve lived for some time with severe anxiety disorders that withheld me from living. Like ambition, anxiety drives you to seek the future, and solve everything for it, or in it, and I lived to dream of feeling any sort of semblance of peace from it all.
Once I watched Perfect Days though, things kinda clicked. The mental process of aggressively achieving ambition, and the mental process of anxiety both seek to solve problems to make a better future, but like you noted, Perfect Days sets the understanding that for us to truly achieve that better future, one must make a better now. And not through working harder, but through finding the beauty of the process. Fantastic video!
this is great. People have always thought i was strange because i was not very ambitious, It's not that i didn't want to do anything, or that im lost some how, it's just not what makes me happy in the long run. Great video.
I have recently been watching The Bear with my mum and I wasn't expecting to learn so much from it. Carmy is one of the best at what he does, yet he has taught me the most about what not to do in order to be happy. My favourite episodes are the ones where a character learns something that changes their way of doing things, and makes them better at what they do, such as Marcus going to Copenhagen, Richie working at a better restaurant and Tina going to culinary school. Even small changes such as Sydney walking around town, exploring new foods to cleanse her messed up palate from all the experimenting. These moments/episodes are what made me continue watching the bear and made me realise that we are not watching a main character's struggles. We are watching a community of people's struggles and how some of these normal people manage to overcome these struggles in different situations. The best way for them to do that is through change of scenery pr routine. As the chef from copenhagen says to Marcus, you get better by being out there sometimes, not by always being stuck doing the same thing and obsessing over it.
I never write comments, but your video made me think about how much I have learnt from this show and how much it changed me and I wanted to share that. I will watch Perfect days, as it seems my cup of tea. Thank you for the recommendation, have a lovely day :)
I finally watched Perfect Days last month and I wasn't prepared for how much it would make me cry, especially as somebody living a mundane, unhappy life because nothing is working out for me. It struck a deep nerve.
For mindfullness, I always thing of the Ferris Bueller quote, "Life moves pretty fast, if you dont stop and take a look around every once and a while, you just might miss it."
The seduction of ambition has been an issue for me my entire life, and stories - often movies - with this same narrative kept coming back to me whether I was aware of it or not. These stories could depict all the pain, loss, and failure involved with striving as they wanted, but within the context of our society and my own personal insecurity, they did nothing but centre the protagonists as virtuous, commendable, or enviable for their sacrifice, hard work, and focus. It's been desperately important to me to decouple this character model from my sense of worth, and reduce my ambitions to close to nothing so that I can slowly build up a life that's balanced and built for me.
I'm definitely going to check out Perfect Days - I haven't seen a Wenders film since Wings of Desire. Thank you for covering this issue!
Being present is hard, because 'it doesn't magically make us feel better'. Wow! This video articulated so many things I've thought about so much before, but had trouble explaining. How we pursue the things we do because we think it will rid us of suffering, but really, suffering is just part of it. This was wonderful. I hope as many people as possible find this video
In my experience, when I reach a goal, I feel satisfied for a couple of hours, maybe days. But then I feel empty again. I have new goals, hence, new stressors, as I think of all the obstacles I have to navigate, and not knowing if or when I will get there. Next thing I know, I am middle aged, and trapped in the same cycle, over and over. Eventually I will die, and never truly enjoyed the journey. The Tale of Sisyphus. That’s me.
What have been your goals, and why did you want to pursue them? I find myself much more confident in myself and my abilities than I was 5 years ago, and part of that is I've built a list of accomplishments for myself that mattered to me. Perhaps you've been pursuing other people's goals for you and not your own
I have been thinking about this video since yesterday. I played it in the background while I was working. I have been overworking to prove something for my existence for nearly 7 years.
After watching this I had my lunch and slept peacefully. Then I woke up and worked for 2-3 hours, closed my laptop and called it a day.
Thank you.
The Bear and Perfect Days are two of my favorite things to be released in recent memory. How excellent they both are while existing on opposite sides of the emotional spectrum is perfectly compared and contrasted in this video. I appreciate your continued push to help viewers take their thinking on great film/tv further. Cheers!
Really great video Thomas. I'm a fairly ambitious person and initially looked down on "perfect day" and almost feared that type of mindset. This showed me that being more present while being ambitious will just make life more enjoyable. I've been feeling very burned out lately, this helps. Thank you.
Really *really* enjoyed this, especially as someone who's had "potential" and "ambition" held over his head for most of life. Thank you so much for making this.
It’s still cope but it’s ok
I needed this gentle reminder since everything currently is so fast paced. Appreciate this video and movie comparison. 🙏
I really appreciate your commitment, filming this from your hospital bed.
Genuinely has me reframing my own ambitions and work.
And to add insult to injury PRAY for the MONEY women have to put into this argument for the TRUE god HATERS to be exposed xx
Yo! Loved the video. I think it's important to mention that not everyone can live like Hirayama because it is not easy to work in a minimum wage job and then to pay your rent, to have hobbies in most of the countries in the world. Hirayama is in a sense living a privileged life and because that he has the time and money to do these things.
What a beautiful essay - I think it's incredibly insightful about the lofty goals and ambitions of this generation nowadays.
I really felt the impact of the differences between Perfect Days and The Bear.
The minute I left the cinema I searched for "Thomas Flight Perfect Days" to see if you've made anything about it yet. I had the great pleasure of watching this movie in a local artsy cinema with an appreciative audience, which made the experience so much better. My date for the film was precisely the ambitious (and, frankly, a bit unfeeling) kind of guy. We spent the afternoon discussing whether or not the protagonist was truly happy, whether or not the movie was actually "going somewhere". It strucks me as a bit of sad that perhaps the people who may need the lesson of Perfect Days the most will either skip it or not understand it, see it as a "boring movie" which it certaintly is not.
Thank you for this wonderful analysis. I also want to say you're one of my favourite creators and certainly the most comforting one. The calmness of your materials stands out in the world of shorts, noise and cheap gratification. I end up learning more about the cinema (which I love), listening to a knowledgable person and calming my soul just a bit. Thank you for all your hard work.
Its an interesting trend i've seen in the channels i've subbed to. many, like you, are posting very introspective videos. I've enjoyed the thoughtfulness you put into this. Acceptance of self leads to the most progression of self.
touching on the message not being one endorsing passive resignation nor dismissing those who pursue the next thing under this system of exploitation, (we're all just trying to get by); rather embracing presence, long term contentment and value independent of the financial system that prioritizes perpetual growth. not the first time I've left one of your essays with newfound knowledge that will inform me for the rest of my life. never gets old
The US has always celebrated the individual more than most nations. Its a remnant of American exceptionalism. And watching someone struggle to meet that ideal is entertaining. Hard to say whether or not it glorifies it is a cautionary tale but I think it's at the root of why we are fascinated by it.
Do you know anything about without the US? In big Asian countries like China, India, and South Korea, people have the desire and determination to achieve something. There is an insatiable desire to prove oneself in front of others. And exactly the type of movies you have criticized are mostly made in my country; people love it, And I think there is no problem with that. A country whose people have no ambition can never prosper.
💯 the art reflects its culture. Obviously this is a huge generalization, but a lot of Japanese films reflect the combination of nature and philosophy, a lot of French films reflect the combination of love and philosophy, and a lot of American films reflect the combination of money and philosophy, ie ambition. The influence of American culture in foreign films is usually symbolized by its products or corporate culture, eg the tension between one's duty to profits and one's duty to family and values.
Oh please, you don't know enough about all the world's cultures to make the claim that Americans are exceptionally individualistic and most other cultures aren't. In fact, in many ways it's quite the opposite.
@@Gliese380to be fair they only said "... celebrated the individual more than most countries". Didn't say "and most other cultures are not (individualistic)".
They might have said "in my understanding" or whatever to make it less of a hard assertion. I don't think they're entirely wrong by any means. There's probably all kinds of caveats and distinctions to make.
@@jtzoltan @Gliese380 is using a straw man and not explaining their position.
Brilliant video. The older I get, the more I want to relax. The grind of the 9-6 really makes me unhappy. Slowing down is beautiful
I just noticed that lovely painting "boy with apple" in your home
I walked into this essay it would be a simple media critique, but this was a very important message I needed to hear, especially in this moment of my life. Thanks!
When I was walking around Chicago this year. I would take pictures of random things that I found pretty like a rusted 2000s crown Vic or random stickers on light poles. I’m 26 and have been suffering from depression since I was a child, it has really taken a whole of my life for the past 3 years, and to tell you the truth I feel so behind people my age. I wasn’t raised by my parents, I got most of my life lessons from my grandparents and The Beatles. I work a retail job while my twin brother goes to laws school and is succeeding at that. It’s hard not to be jealous of him. I find life exhausting and rough, I just want to be happy making art and taking pictures of random things but that doesn’t make any money. I am at the crossroads of doing something for the rest of my life where I find no joy or make no money doing what makes me happy. I am not happy unless I am doing something creative and I don’t know if I’ll ever find my “potential”.
Paterson & perfect days have had a profound impact on me
I watched Perfect Days in January and felt in love with it immediately. I've been a great lover of stoicism for a few years now, so it was a great way to incapsulate some of those ideas in images and characters.
Since then I lost some of my focus in the small things in life, in boredom and meditation, reading and being present.
So this video, recommended randomly, was such a gift to start coming back to that peace I was loosing. Thank you so much ❤
Perfect Days felt like a film just for me. Everything wonderful is hidden in things you already know.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller
I’m unsure how the algorithm bring me here but I’m grateful it did. I needed this. Thank you
Paterson is a good example of a movie that doesn't obsess about ambition and is happy just being content. Adam Driver plays a bus driver and a poet.
I would love to see you making a feature one day because you are so talented in narration without being bored and it’s something rare to see
This analysis really resonates with me moving into my final year of college, and realizing that for 4 years I've essentially sacrificed a great deal of my social potential for achieving good grades. Covid set the standard of introverted isolation, and even after restrictions eased, it's residue lingered in person years after. I finally realize that though ambition is productive/necessary/critical etc, you can't just bank on that as your only source of fuel - it'll make your life dull and burnt, obscuring the full picture. It's time to enjoy your surroundings and embrace other people in the process of striving. Not to say that's an easy feat, but clarity from videos like this leave an optimistic mark.
You sound insufferable dear god did you miss out on social development
i’ve had to come to terms with the price of ambition very young as the goals i’ve been pushed to accomplish are breaking my body down. this video spoke to me because perfect days is really my ideal life. quiet, peaceful and content. not constantly fighting, just a calm routine with time for what i love
i’m going to watch this movie now, thank you for shining a light on it
*this topic is something I struggle with on a daily basis, I always live in the future. I always plan my next movie watch, my next design, my next video and so on. I find it so difficult to live in the moment that I forget to live in the moment. When I try it I always think that I could've been more productive instead of just enjoying my time.
I literally paused this video to grab my notebook because you shared so many tidbits and insights that really got to me, and I want to remember them. I definitely value ambition and I have a lot of goals that I plan on pursuing, but this is a really solid and important reminder to not let beautiful hypotheticals keep me from appreciating the beautiful "right now." Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and perspective on this, truly!
If I made movies I would be comforted to know you’re out here making sense of them
these essays have always been top tier but this one feels a notch above all the others, it's different. I love when you delve into deep psychological themes, no one else does it as well as you on this platform
Another good non-ambitious character is Marge Gunderson from "Fargo." Yes, her character is a police chief focusing on solving a series of murders, but she isn't ambitious, and her character doesn't really change throughout the film. She enjoys her job, lives a good life with her husband, and is awaiting the birth of their baby. After arresting Gaear, she chastises him for letting his greed get in the way from appreciating the world around him. Even at the end of the film, Marge encourages her husband Norm to celebrate his achievement with his art being put on a stamp instead of comparing himself to the competition. For that reason, Marge, in a way, reminds me of Hirayama from "Perfect Days." Both live their lives mindfully and find moments of joy in the seemingly smaller things.
Amazing comparation . Nice
@@Adrianherrera001 Thanks!
I stumbled upon this video randomly and really enjoyed the insights. I absolutely love how film and tv can teach us things about real life and your analysis deeply resonated with me. You've earned my like and sub!
never been so early to a Flight in my life
Never been so early to board the train in my life. Thomas the train.
Hurry up we boarding
HAh
Nice
I once wrote this poem which is imo quite fitting.
Sometimes, just sometimes,
but still every now and then,
I leave the track halfway through.
Get off at an empty station.
Fully aware that I'll be cold,
standing alone on the platform.
In the midst of a night that roars for excess.
And I stand there. And wait.
For nothing.
Just because I can.
Because a feeling whispers inside me,
that in the silence
and the solitude
something waits for me.
A revelation,
a freedom,
a promise of divinity.
And I close my eyes,
push away the cold
and the thoughts
and open myself.
And sometimes, just sometimes
but still every now and then,
the stars
and the heavens
seize my heart.
And when I get it back,
it is more than before.
And I board again
and move on.
Just like that.
Because I can.
Gratitude is the ability to let go.
The stars have always known that.
D.W. Griffith (not a perfect person, admittedly) once asked about modern films, said we had lost "the beauty of the moving wind in the trees, the little movement in a beautiful blowing on the blossoms in the trees. That they have forgotten entirely. . . We have lost beauty."
to be fair that was 100 years ago cinema has changed a lot
@@prestonrussell1913 It seems that D.W.Griffith saw it then...
I've always loved spending the long summer holidays in Norway walking around my town and local forest, looking at small details in the landscape. For some reason I've always felt that spending time this way needs to justified when I'm talking to others, and I've been a bit embarresed that this is how I like spending my time. Reflecting on your video I realize that what I'm doing is living a contented life, like the toilet cleaner of Perfect Days, in a society where this form of contentedness is just a little bit taboo.
One thing people don't talk much is that is easier to be happy in a place like Tokyo, than some big dirty city in some 3rd world country. The experiences of some cities are just brutal and enjoying simplicity would mean trying to enjoy sheer depressive chaos. Americans and Europeans have it too easy
I'm an aspiring youtube chef and filmmaker so I can relate strongly to Carmy's pursuit of ever-greater perfection that ultimately feels hollow and meaningless. I tend to suffer a lot from Creative Drop, it's hard to let myself feel accomplished or satisfied with my work even when I know it's better than my last, which is really all someone can ever ask of themselves
An ADHD tangent: If they had made a live action Cowboy Bebop in the 1980s, I think Koji Yakusho (actor from Perfect Days) would have been a pretty awesome Spike Spiegel.
Takeshi Kaneshiro would be a great Spike in the 90s and 00s
Spike was modeled after Yusaku Matsuda who was still alive most in the 80s so I'd say he would've been the top choice.
@@JAYCEEDOUBLE I know but he wasn't mentioned in this video. :P
For me personally, this might be the best youtube ive watched in a long long time. What a refreshing point and topic.
This is why Slingblade is a great movie. You're seeing the world through the eyes of a simple minded, unambitious, quiet person. There is no race towards a goal . There is only quiet contemplation and doing one's best in one's circumstances.
Great video. I think that as artists (or any hobby that requires intrinsic motivation) we tend to feel justified in pressuring ourselves. This video serves as a good reminder to take things slowly and the value of it.
When I saw the first shot of you out of the corner of my eye, I legit thought you were wearing a hospital gown 😂
He couldn't wait. Had to make it then and there
So glad I wasn't the only one.
Also thought that
me too
At some point of the video I think I legitimately cried. It's just so hard to let go sometimes, stop the mind from rushing. I needed something like this at this point in my life, so I thank you very much for this experience
babe wake up new flight video dropped🗣🗣🗣🗣
i just told my husband "it's time to board"
This was beautiful. Both the message you gave as well as the films featured in the video.
Paterson is a similar film where the protagonist is clearly a gifted writer but he finds peace and happiness in everyday life, instead of the pursuit of success.
This was very comforting, thank you Thomas!
Didn't Hirayama have a "successful" and "ambitious" past though? I believe he previously ran his father's company? So I find his new found sense of satisfaction is backed up by a wealthy and ambitious past, so he could probably afford to live that simple life now, plus Japan's economy can allow this type of lifestyle too.
Maybe that's just my cynical take from it though. Like I can't seem to escape the pressures of needing to be "successful" and "ambitious", due to my environment and upbringing. Essentially boiling everything down to needing money to live. The balance between ambition and satisfaction can feel like being torn in different directions.
Great video essay though.
Thank you for this Thomas. I feel like many people - myself included - needed this.