Perfection is an illusion, which is why there's no limit to its price. And also why movies like WHIPLASH and BLACK SWAN can delve into the psychosis of what it needs to reach 'perfection' despite their lack thereof.
oh great observation! I think the way the mind can be consumed in an idea of something is so interesting! thank you so much for sharing your thoughts !
In The Prestige the two magicians are possessed by the beastly obsession and desire to outduel each other: they go to such extreme lenghts that they will eventually end up sacrificing everything. And they did this ultimately for the "look on their (the fooled audience) faces"
"The Prestige" Movie( dir. By Christopher Nolan ) is another movie which represents the obsession of perfection , as we see both main characters destroying each other through the whole movie and how they fight to achieve greatness and be better than each other Obsession with perfection has a bright side for me, as it makes you expect more things from yourself and prevents you from limiting your own talents and abilities On the other hand , one should know how to control it and when to stop because it can be a massive self-destruction. I love how you analyzed both movies and explained them by the way!
I think 'Birdman or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance)' is a pretty good film about obsession, the pursuit of perfection, the resulting isolation and complete delusion. However it's very tonally different to both Black Swan and Whiplash. It's actually quite funny for a film that covers a depressing subject.
I think… when it comes to perfection in art … the ultimate goal would be to make the audience moved. If you can move me through a song, a movie, paintings, etc … that is perfection to me. That doesn’t make the piece perfect. But it just feels like it, because it moved my heart and soul. And moving someone through art - is hard to to if the focus of the artist IS perfection. Because that would make it so risk free and calculated and boring. If the focus is perfection, it won’t move anyone. So in that sense. There is no such thing as perfection bc as soon as you try to make it so, the “perfection” disappears.
Wow what an interesting point you made! I agree perfection can mean so many different things to different people, a feeling tied to a particular thing can make that thing perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic I really appreciate it ☺️
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I think whiplash is an incredible film that tells so many lessons about obsession and passion Within it. Thank you again ☺️
I held off watching it forever. I thought the trailers were lame when it came out, but I was very wrong. It's legit very good, didn't even look at my phone once
Another movie that moves through these themes in both excellent and brutal ways is Satoshi Kon's ''Perfect Blue''. It's one of the best psychological thrillers out there and it even inspired ''Black Swan'' on a lot of levels. Good video by the way.
Been binging your channel since ive discovered it and love your work. This is a great video essay. I thought that its weird that it underperforms in comparison to your other videos, but that may just be the youtube algorithm shunning you for having the word "destruction" in the title. RUclips is weird like that. Anyways, keep up the great work!
Great job explaining both films and finding similarities , loved Whiplash more than Black Swan as I watched Black Swan first when I was younger and didn't understand it as much . Do you watch car chase movies , I'll recommend Ronin and Grand Prix both from the same director and almost 30 years apart and probably amongst the best car scenes ever made .
Definitely they are both so incredible films. Oh thank you for the suggestion I will definitely check them out! Thank you so much for your comment I really appreciate it ☺️
Isn’t it ironic that your video about fixating on perfection is the video you fixated on perfecting? 😂 Another great video, Abbie! You should be proud ❤😊
Love this channel. Your editing and narration flows so well. I have one suggestion - I'd be very interested to hear a controversial opinion of yours. Your videos are usually outlines of topics, and they're great. But it would draw me in so much more if you laid down a challenge to accepted thought - e.g. "Quentin Tarantino is overrated" or something like that. Either way though, I'll keep watching. Thanks for all the hard work :)
Humans are inherently imperfect but that drive to perfection is so addictive. We always keep telling ourselves that we can improve and keeping pushing forward with that mindset. Question is where is that breaking point for us? Are we ever truly satisfied? It's both fascinating and terrifying on how people radically change when they are consumed by that drive and passion to be perfect. The mental toll it must have on one's mind is truly horrific. A film I would recommend that also tackles similar themes is The Imitation Game. As always stellar video :)
Oh wow perfectly put! When your life becomes consumed with something that you put you’re all into, without seeing the toll it’s taking on yourself. Thank you so much for your comment I really appreciate it ☺️
Well, I need to add these films to my watch list. Also did see Deadpool in 3d, by accident, placed the order online and wasn't paying attention. Nice love letter to that bygone era of pre-MCU superhero films, but not a film I intend to revisit. I feel a bit in the minority in thinking its just okay, as everyone else I know loved it.
Oh interesting! I did think it was done well but like you said it’s a good lighthearted film but not one I would rewatch not saying it was bad but idk. Thank you for sharing your thoughts ☺️
Response to the end of the video: I randomly stumbled across this channel. I love film content but so much of it on youtube is either overally cynical for me or just lacking in personality. I really enjoy how chill you chat about the films you like. These two were a great comparison. And its a great video!
Wow thank you so much this truly means a lot! I try and be quite chill in my videos and not give my opinion too much to open the conversation to others ☺️ I really appreciate your comment!
I don’t think there is such a thing as “perfection” when it comes to performing art. As long as you’re not the original maker of the product you’re putting out, you will never succeed in absolute perfection. These two movies seem to represent the perfect examples for this ideology: Nina wanted to perform her act flawlessly, but that’s the main issue in my eyes. She wanted to impress Thomas, by performing Swan Lake without any flaws, but Thomas is not the ‘end all be all’ for Swan Lake. The composer would probably be the only one who can judge you when you’re really talking about perfecting true art, because it’s his art that you’re working on. Not that of Thomas. Art can be found in the person you are/where/desire to be. That’s what makes art special and gives it the potential to be “perfect”. Nina wants to make art by learning/copying/perfecting a dance that already exists. Her performance could’ve been bad, mediocre, good, amazing… It could even be called flawless in someone’s eyes, but her performance would never have been “absolute perfection”. The same goes for Andrew and Fletcher in Whiplash. You could perform Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now or Another One Bites The Dust with the best band/artists in the world, but you will never perform it more to perfection than Queen themselves, because that doesn’t exist in art. I loved this video! It showed that the end result that these characters where putting out wasn’t art, but an obsession (like you mentioned). What a wonderful insight and subject for discussion! Keep up the amazing work!! And I hope you have fun with Deadpool and Wolverine :) ❤💛
Wow put so excellently! Definitely agree striving for perfection can mean so many things to different people I guess for these two characters it’s the obsession that came with it! Thank you so much for your comment I’m glad you enjoyed ☺️
Idk, I think such movies are doing more damage than good. They poisons us with idea that suffering, humiliation etc. are necessary to achieve perfection, “true” art etc. Such ideas are making people vulnerable for an exploitation. In Poland we just (and ofc too late) started public discussion how generations of acting / musicians students have been broken, exploited (sometimes sexually as well), traumatized by boomers who named themselves “masters” and used it as excuse for their brutal acts (google Krystian Lupa canceled Avignon Festival). Of course it looks inspiring when protagonist suffers to achieve greatness. But it’s the same problem as with other toxic tropes. Of course “good guy” who stalked, peeped, groomed etc. a girl and “convinced” her to love him could be a real life true story with a happy end. But in thousands other real-life cases it’s just what it is: a story of violence. And simultaneously up to recently thousands texts of culture have been showing otherwise, strengthening the toxic stereotype. Same here: for every young artist enlightened by suffering there are thousands exploited or at least discouraged people who could have fulfilling careers otherwise.
you have a excellent way of analysing films this was a awesome watch nice t know there are deep thinkers out there, keep up the amazing work easily one of my favourite people to watch
Sick shirt! Awesome video as always, but I totally get not liking everything you make lol (even though this one is a banger). Ties back into the whole make and do what you love kinda thing, even if not everyone likes it. Never seen Black Swan but I loved Whiplash, so I'll have to check it out if they're similar! Have fun watching the new Deadpool! 🙌✨
Thank you so much this honesty means so much to me! This has made my day thank you ☺️ They are both incredible films! If you watch it let me know what you think
Perfection degrades creativity and innovation. These two characters worked on a measurable framework (following a song or a dance) determined by their mentors. This implies competition which is a dreadful experience for human beings. We're far more healthily geared towards creating things and pushing innovation boundaries as opposed to being good at someone else's work. I think it's far better to focus ones life on a level of high competency enough to be able to create your own original art and be free of these intense structures
I have trouble watching films about perfection like this because they make me so uncomfortable. Maybe that's the point. Please tell us what you thought about Deadpool.
Perfection is an illusion, which is why there's no limit to its price. And also why movies like WHIPLASH and BLACK SWAN can delve into the psychosis of what it needs to reach 'perfection' despite their lack thereof.
oh great observation! I think the way the mind can be consumed in an idea of something is so interesting! thank you so much for sharing your thoughts !
In The Prestige the two magicians are possessed by the beastly obsession and desire to outduel each other: they go to such extreme lenghts that they will eventually end up sacrificing everything. And they did this ultimately for the "look on their (the fooled audience) faces"
Definitely! A Great example of the obsessed artist! Thank you for sharing your thoughts I really appreciate it ☺️
"The Prestige" Movie( dir. By Christopher Nolan ) is another movie which represents the obsession of perfection , as we see both main characters destroying each other through the whole movie and how they fight to achieve greatness and be better than each other
Obsession with perfection has a bright side for me, as it makes you expect more things from yourself and prevents you from limiting your own talents and abilities
On the other hand , one should know how to control it and when to stop because it can be a massive self-destruction.
I love how you analyzed both movies and explained them by the way!
I think 'Birdman or (the unexpected virtue of ignorance)' is a pretty good film about obsession, the pursuit of perfection, the resulting isolation and complete delusion. However it's very tonally different to both Black Swan and Whiplash. It's actually quite funny for a film that covers a depressing subject.
Interesting thought! I haven’t actually seen that one yet but will definitely check it out! Thank you for your comment ☺️
BIRDMAN is an awesome film and very funny.
And yes there are parallels to the obsession with perfectionism to the point of delusion.
I think Cronenberg's 'The Fly' is a great example of the price of perfection as well. Good video as always!
oh will have to check that one out! thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed !
Absolutely love Whiplash, one of my favourite movies
Definitely! I love it !! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment
I think… when it comes to perfection in art … the ultimate goal would be to make the audience moved. If you can move me through a song, a movie, paintings, etc … that is perfection to me. That doesn’t make the piece perfect. But it just feels like it, because it moved my heart and soul. And moving someone through art - is hard to to if the focus of the artist IS perfection. Because that would make it so risk free and calculated and boring. If the focus is perfection, it won’t move anyone.
So in that sense. There is no such thing as perfection bc as soon as you try to make it so, the “perfection” disappears.
Wow what an interesting point you made! I agree perfection can mean so many different things to different people, a feeling tied to a particular thing can make that thing perfect.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic I really appreciate it ☺️
Fantastic video as always, I enjoy it. One of my biggest regrets is not watching Whiplash when it came out, so I'll watch it if I have the chance.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I think whiplash is an incredible film that tells so many lessons about obsession and passion Within it.
Thank you again ☺️
I held off watching it forever. I thought the trailers were lame when it came out, but I was very wrong. It's legit very good, didn't even look at my phone once
Another movie that moves through these themes in both excellent and brutal ways is Satoshi Kon's ''Perfect Blue''. It's one of the best psychological thrillers out there and it even inspired ''Black Swan'' on a lot of levels. Good video by the way.
Oh will have to check that one out! Thank you so much for your suggestion I really appreciate it ☺️
Been binging your channel since ive discovered it and love your work. This is a great video essay. I thought that its weird that it underperforms in comparison to your other videos, but that may just be the youtube algorithm shunning you for having the word "destruction" in the title. RUclips is weird like that. Anyways, keep up the great work!
Wow thank you so much for the support that truly means a lot to me ☺️!
Great video, I haven’t seen black swan but whiplash is great
Thank you so much! They are both excellent movies I do agree whiplash is great! Thank you for sharing your thoughts ☺️
Great job explaining both films and finding similarities , loved Whiplash more than Black Swan as I watched Black Swan first when I was younger and didn't understand it as much . Do you watch car chase movies , I'll recommend Ronin and Grand Prix both from the same director and almost 30 years apart and probably amongst the best car scenes ever made .
Definitely they are both so incredible films. Oh thank you for the suggestion I will definitely check them out! Thank you so much for your comment I really appreciate it ☺️
Black Swan love it!!!! And I believe this is actually a really interesting topic, you can lose yourself if u seek perfection sometimes!
Thank you!! Yes definitely ☺️
Excellent video. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed ☺️🫶
Isn’t it ironic that your video about fixating on perfection is the video you fixated on perfecting? 😂
Another great video, Abbie! You should be proud ❤😊
I know 😭 thank you so much ! That really means a lot !
Love this channel. Your editing and narration flows so well. I have one suggestion - I'd be very interested to hear a controversial opinion of yours.
Your videos are usually outlines of topics, and they're great. But it would draw me in so much more if you laid down a challenge to accepted thought - e.g. "Quentin Tarantino is overrated" or something like that.
Either way though, I'll keep watching. Thanks for all the hard work :)
Thank you so much! Great suggestion I will definitely keep that in mind going forward ☺️ I really appreciate your comment!
Humans are inherently imperfect but that drive to perfection is so addictive. We always keep telling ourselves that we can improve and keeping pushing forward with that mindset. Question is where is that breaking point for us? Are we ever truly satisfied? It's both fascinating and terrifying on how people radically change when they are consumed by that drive and passion to be perfect. The mental toll it must have on one's mind is truly horrific. A film I would recommend that also tackles similar themes is The Imitation Game. As always stellar video :)
Oh wow perfectly put! When your life becomes consumed with something that you put you’re all into, without seeing the toll it’s taking on yourself. Thank you so much for your comment I really appreciate it ☺️
The T-Shirt switches are "Absolute Cinema" 😉
Thank you 😆 !
Well, I need to add these films to my watch list. Also did see Deadpool in 3d, by accident, placed the order online and wasn't paying attention. Nice love letter to that bygone era of pre-MCU superhero films, but not a film I intend to revisit. I feel a bit in the minority in thinking its just okay, as everyone else I know loved it.
Oh interesting! I did think it was done well but like you said it’s a good lighthearted film but not one I would rewatch not saying it was bad but idk. Thank you for sharing your thoughts ☺️
This was a great video! I enjoyed it quite a bit
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed ☺️
Response to the end of the video: I randomly stumbled across this channel. I love film content but so much of it on youtube is either overally cynical for me or just lacking in personality. I really enjoy how chill you chat about the films you like. These two were a great comparison. And its a great video!
Wow thank you so much this truly means a lot! I try and be quite chill in my videos and not give my opinion too much to open the conversation to others ☺️ I really appreciate your comment!
I don’t think there is such a thing as “perfection” when it comes to performing art. As long as you’re not the original maker of the product you’re putting out, you will never succeed in absolute perfection.
These two movies seem to represent the perfect examples for this ideology:
Nina wanted to perform her act flawlessly, but that’s the main issue in my eyes. She wanted to impress Thomas, by performing Swan Lake without any flaws, but Thomas is not the ‘end all be all’ for Swan Lake. The composer would probably be the only one who can judge you when you’re really talking about perfecting true art, because it’s his art that you’re working on. Not that of Thomas.
Art can be found in the person you are/where/desire to be. That’s what makes art special and gives it the potential to be “perfect”.
Nina wants to make art by learning/copying/perfecting a dance that already exists. Her performance could’ve been bad, mediocre, good, amazing… It could even be called flawless in someone’s eyes, but her performance would never have been “absolute perfection”.
The same goes for Andrew and Fletcher in Whiplash. You could perform Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now or Another One Bites The Dust with the best band/artists in the world, but you will never perform it more to perfection than Queen themselves, because that doesn’t exist in art.
I loved this video! It showed that the end result that these characters where putting out wasn’t art, but an obsession (like you mentioned). What a wonderful insight and subject for discussion! Keep up the amazing work!!
And I hope you have fun with Deadpool and Wolverine :) ❤💛
Wow put so excellently! Definitely agree striving for perfection can mean so many things to different people I guess for these two characters it’s the obsession that came with it!
Thank you so much for your comment I’m glad you enjoyed ☺️
Idk, I think such movies are doing more damage than good. They poisons us with idea that suffering, humiliation etc. are necessary to achieve perfection, “true” art etc. Such ideas are making people vulnerable for an exploitation. In Poland we just (and ofc too late) started public discussion how generations of acting / musicians students have been broken, exploited (sometimes sexually as well), traumatized by boomers who named themselves “masters” and used it as excuse for their brutal acts (google Krystian Lupa canceled Avignon Festival).
Of course it looks inspiring when protagonist suffers to achieve greatness. But it’s the same problem as with other toxic tropes. Of course “good guy” who stalked, peeped, groomed etc. a girl and “convinced” her to love him could be a real life true story with a happy end. But in thousands other real-life cases it’s just what it is: a story of violence. And simultaneously up to recently thousands texts of culture have been showing otherwise, strengthening the toxic stereotype. Same here: for every young artist enlightened by suffering there are thousands exploited or at least discouraged people who could have fulfilling careers otherwise.
Just a comment to help engagement because I enjoy your videos
Wow thank you so much! That means a lot!
you have a excellent way of analysing films this was a awesome watch nice t know there are deep thinkers out there, keep up the amazing work easily one of my favourite people to watch
Wow thank you that truly means so much! I really appreciate you! ☺️
@@AbbieRee appreciate you too broski you is a legend
Sick shirt! Awesome video as always, but I totally get not liking everything you make lol (even though this one is a banger). Ties back into the whole make and do what you love kinda thing, even if not everyone likes it.
Never seen Black Swan but I loved Whiplash, so I'll have to check it out if they're similar! Have fun watching the new Deadpool!
🙌✨
Thank you so much this honesty means so much to me! This has made my day thank you ☺️
They are both incredible films! If you watch it let me know what you think
@@AbbieRee omg, yeah ofc! When I watch it I’ll definitely let you know! 😊
Perfection degrades creativity and innovation. These two characters worked on a measurable framework (following a song or a dance) determined by their mentors. This implies competition which is a dreadful experience for human beings. We're far more healthily geared towards creating things and pushing innovation boundaries as opposed to being good at someone else's work.
I think it's far better to focus ones life on a level of high competency enough to be able to create your own original art and be free of these intense structures
Oh definitely! Great point, I think true perfection comes from within! Thank you for sharing your thoughts I really appreciate it ☺️
I’m jus gon come out and say it, “Abbie” is fuckin gorgeous. With great eyes. Glazing over👍🏾
Ahh 👀
Great video 😊 keep it up
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed ☺️
Love the video, all the way from Australia 🇦🇺
Thank you so much!! Oh wow that’s so cool ☺️
You did really well in this video, ironically you were being hard on yourself in the end about it - could it be a side effect? 😉
I thought they had stopped doing 3d movies tbh. Been ages since my local cinema has had any 3d films.
I know same ?!
Hello Abbie, are you on Letterboxd?
great stuff as always!
Yes I am thank you so much!!
I have trouble watching films about perfection like this because they make me so uncomfortable. Maybe that's the point.
Please tell us what you thought about Deadpool.
oh great point! I think they can be quite intense! oh maybe!
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts I really appreciate it
Where did you get the whiplash shirt from?
I found it on Vinted!
Nice video, althought you spoiled Whiplash a little for me. ^^
Thank you so much! Ah Sorry I did put a warning at the start but I appreciate your comment ☺️