I'm an older lady and a Lovecraft fan. I'm also a quilter. I was on a quilting web site and saw some fabric with flowers that were dark and distorted and thought, "There is the fabric for my HP Lovecraft quilt!" Can't help myself; I love Lovecraft's stories.
Wow that is an absoulutely wonderfull idea :) I love how great fiction can bring people together. Good luck with your work and greetings from a young man in Germany :)
Great analysis. I particularly like your thoughts on the effects on a person's mind. Hollywood likes to portray the psychological effects in Lovecraft's stories as some sort of mind altering magic or brain melting results, when in reality it's more akin to PTSD or extreme anxiety, which we can see the effects of in real life and are quite terrifying. The red pill comparison is brilliant.
Thank you for your kind comment. I am quite satisfied with my analysis and if I dare brag I think I got it right. Absolutely the effects of the horrors are not the trippy effects Hollywood enjoys. It is much more ordinary and every day. There is a line that HPL regularly used in his stories where he basically said, "oh the horror was not this amazing thing, it was simply X" and X ended up having hideous implications. The horror talked of by all the great weird fiction writers, I believe, comes from their everyday, ordinary interactions. That is where the horror lies.
"Hollywood likes to portray the psychological effects in Lovecraft's stories as some sort of mind altering magic or brain melting results," Lovecraft Video games have the same exact problem. They always end with the protagonist going mentally insane & you'll over hear them killing or cannibalizing people. In HP's own stories, it's a confoundedness of being unable to process the reality in front of them, because it makes no logical sense to our human minds.
I think the most important characteristics of something being Lovecraftian, which you touched on, are A. That ultimate victory is impossible and B. That the considerations of humanity are insignificant to the cosmos.
I always felt like the twist at the end was what made Lovecraft. Usually he'd build a story up for a good while and then throw a curve ball in right at the end. I guess that's what stands out to me about Lovecraft. The short one or two sentences at the end that would totally shift the perspective.
Great! In fact HPL was a philosopher who constructed his own philosophy - not religion! as some fan think - and proposed it in an thrillingly entertaining way. He showed the place of man in the Universe, as he saw that. Not a pessimist, but a real realist. His message "Don't be too arrogant, There are things we just cannot understand". Similar to Hamlet's "There are things in the world, friend Horacio, that ours wise men has never dreamed about".
Absolutely agree. It's also important to note that precise control over tone and mood in a manuscript can mean the difference between that WTF and unraveling moment landing for the reader with a bang rather than with a whimper. As writers, sometimes we're too close to our manuscripts to know if the tension and terror in a given piece is working as well as we'd originally envisioned it. This goes for any genre, not just cosmic horror.
As a fan of Lovecraft and wanting to write Lovecraftian Horror, I just want to say how much I enjoy your videos, it’s great seeing other people views on Lovecraft. Can I ask you a question. Do you think themes of people desperate for meaning can be tied into Lovecraftian monster and themes? Some of the character/cult of a story I’m working on want meaning so badly that it become a obsession to them. It’s the reasons they look to the outer gods for that and they are willing to do horrible things to themselves and other if they think it have meaning to it. Ultimately they bring on their and many other suffering because they believe that the outer gods can give them that meaning that they want.
I'd argue that it's very Lovecraftian since the genre itself deals with themes like existentialism and existential horror (which itself is a philosophical school of thought that was all about man existing in the world and finding meaning in that existence)
Piri Rin thank you, I had a feeling it was but I wanted to be certain you know. I think one of the things that drawn me to Lovecraftian horror is the philosophical aspect of it
A couple of details about tentacles that I think are important is the fact that at the time, very little was known about octopuses and squids, compared to now. So not only were tentacles these weird slimy appendages, but the entirety of the animal was some unknown creature that acted nothing similar like what they knew about, so it might as well have been an alien. The second one is the folklore surrounding the Kraken, which was commonly depicted as a giant octopus prowling the ocean. Cthulhu shares the underlining theme of impotence against an unknown force with the Kraken. The same way the Kraken is the ultimate horror for a fisherman, a beast that not only catches you in its domain but which ships have no way to fight against, Cthulhu is a creature that doesn't share the same physical rules as us, to which even the most destructive human weapons (at the time being the massive steam ships) can do nothing against. This latter bit is also a lot of people misunderstand. The idea isn't that a ship is good enough to get Cthulhu back to sleep, but that whatever mankind can create can't stand against Cthulhu. If Lovecraft had written it post WWII, then instead of a boat it would have been a nuke, during the Cold War it would have been the Tsar Bomba, etc... Whatever you throw at Cthulhu won't be enough, because it doesn't exist within the same concepts as we do. This is the reason for the visual similarities between it and the Kraken. While the Kraken is the ultimate horror for a fisherman, Cthulhu is the ultimate horror for a human. Lovecraft wasn't particularly shy about showing off his influences.
Well said. The Kraken was a beast that instilled great fear. Like any good Lovecraftian entity there was no solution to it (like garlic was for vampires). You encounter it in the ocean, game over. I like the comment you made about WW2. It's true, a nuke was not fathomed by HPL but surely his reaction would be that it wouldn't matter. Maybe Cthulhu would take a few moments longer to reform but that still doesn't save us. Because Cthulhu is an idea and ideas are bullet proof. Or nuke proof in this case.
Awesome video, thanks. I started reading Lovecraft back in September last year, and the very best stories I've read so far are Dreams in the Witch House and From Beyond. I also liked Call of Chuthulu and The Outsider. I found Lovecraft really tough to understand at first, but after reading 1 or 2 stories to the end, I think I got a good grip on how to read him. Bloodborne is my favourite game of all time, and reading From Beyond and then immediately playing Bloodborne afterwards greatly enhanced my experience. I could empathize with the characters in Bloodborne's world much more closely after that. And that's all thanks to how when I was reading From Beyond, it made me feel like I was IN the story, as if I experienced it first-hand. I think that's what well written fiction does. It puts you in to that story mentally, and you live it. It's magic! Thanks to this experience, I'm hooked on Lovecraft now :) I love your channel. Thank you.
This is a true success story of a new convert to the cult of Lovecraft haha. I'm glad you're enjoying his literature. There are many, many stories still to come, plus many other writers (Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, William Hodgeson) to enjoy. And rereading HPL becomes much easier after some time.
In stories with Vampires or Zombies or even Demons, scary as they may be, the characters know they behave by laws and rules that they can understand; Lovecraftian horrors are so often made and behave from matter and rules outside our 3 dimensions that it leaves the characters stumped as to "How do you fight something of which you have ZERO understanding of." Even when they successfully defeat the threat like in The Dunwich Horror; the terrifying truth of it is not just the creature itself, it's how easy mankind was nearly wiped out by a couple of individuals in a backwater village, and how it can easily happen again.
I think it's somewhat interesting, that despite how overwhelming the forces are, the world at large never changes and other people never realize just how close to extinction they came. That's why the professors in the Dunwich horror were able to fight back. Because HPL needed some way to keep the world the same. Also, have you ever read 'John dies at the end'? It's a seriously hilarious series that has some aspects of competent cosmicism
Have you seen the first season of True Detective? Cole feels like a Lovecraft character but he exists in a world stripped of the supernatural elements and the horror comes from the evil humans do to each other. In Cole's world view the universe cares as little for humanity as in a Lovecraftian story and Cole often quotes Ligotti's Conspiracy Against the Human Race. Cole is as destroyed by his view into the dark nature of humanity as any of the characters from Lovectaft's stories. I am trying to be vague to not spoil the series. Do you think the supernatural is necessary for something to fall under "Lovecraftian"?
Hi there, yes I saw the first season. That guy needs to calm the fuck down. Brilliant acting though. I heard he (and the writers) read through Ligotti's literature to prepare for the role. As for your 2nd question... I cannot think of any Lovecraftian story that is without something supernatural in it. I think it is possible to make a story without supernatural but... I think the message and the point of cosmicism (the philosophy of Lovecraftian horror) is much easily highlighted using the weird and impossible.
@@ArkhamReporter Although I haven't seen it, I have heard that the first season references The King in Yellow. I don't know how it fits into the story, though.
Regarding the rewrites and revisions at you mentioned at the end.....I feel that, with my books. More than I can describe, that exhausting and painstaking attention to detail is what hampers my writing process so much. But it makes the end result that much more a treat to behold. Your hard work isn't unnoticed or unappreciated, good sir.
This was meant for before January ended. Eh, 3 days late, my bad. This video was a real pain to make, a LOT of rewriting over and over, researching, reading people's opinions. What do YOU think makes something Lovecraftian? Anyway, next video... hmmm, I will make something simpler. Start another let's play or an old fashioned book review maybe. A quick look at a vital mythos author. Or roast some cultural marxists in an article discussion. We will see. Hope everyone is doing well and having a good weekend!!! - Damien.
Arkham Reporter Hey man, since you seem to be an expert of Lovecraftian horror is it okay if I ask you to tell me how well I write some Lovecraftian elements in some roleplay for Conquering History Games. Can you give me some feedback. The series in question is his Pelley campaign
I beleive that the "Tentacles" in Lovecraft's work are to represent "Connection" between the Cosmic Horror and humanity. One Tentacle for every evil person in humanity, attached to the Cosmic Horror that IS. If we could see our evil selves, a tentacle would be extending away from us, finding its attachment upon the body of the Cosmic Horror, for they are one in the same.
It is a deep hinderance to truth that many truths are things which we sense (I don't use the word feel which implies more emotion). They are not always easy to articulate, especially in casual or heated conversation. Thanks for your kind comment!
Red pill/ Lovecraftian. Wasn't it 'The Horror in the Museum' where the main character needed to work with a nerve specialist for a few weeks after the event? That is what I have always respected in Lovecraft work. Screening blindly into the night is what will most likely happen. With no heroism to speak of. Probably had more to do with the times. Nice work.🤘
I've only just found your channel and watched two videos but, so far, your channel is proving to be everything I need to really kick my own Lovecraftian writings into gear and shape.
I think one realization that adds to Lovecraftian horror is the idea that there's nothing humanity can do if Cthulhu and his kind decide to clear off the Earth. Humanity likes to think we can handle what nature throws at us, but we fail constantly and deny this failure. I think it's humanity's arrogance that makes cultists think that Cthulhu, Yog-Sogoth, Dagon and others need their help to come forth. The "messages" heard in dreams are likely not meant for humanity. Cultists have their dreams and misinterpret the alien thoughts they are hearing.
Excellent content as always. Both informative and entertaining. My birthday is coming up in a few days, and I already know I will be getting the 928-page long "The New Annotated Lovecraft" :D I'm looking forward to getting the book and your next video! Cheers
Have you mentioned in one of your videos about Lovecraft’s relationship with drugs? I am curious to know as whether some inspiration for his stories came from psychedelic trips or if purely from his imagination. Thanks!
I love all your videos man keep up the good work. But I've always been confused by one thing. If the "monsters" don't hate humanity then why do they still come searching for us?
They don't (usually). Let's look at some examples: -Cthulhu: the sailors were on its doorstep -Yog Sothoth: In The Dunwich Horror humans contacted it using the Necronomicon -Deep Ones: In Shadow Over Innsmouth the humans made contact with the deep ones. Later its the protagonist who goes to Innsmouth and sticks his nose into their affairs. Note: arguably Deep Ones are more of a different race than on the level of Cthulhu, Azathoth, etc. -Elder Things: In At The Mountains Of Madness the humans discovered the frozen Elder Things and started dissecting them, one woke up. Wouldn't you be violent, angry if you woke up to find some weird hairless ape dissecting your bros? -Migo: In Whisperer In Darkness, Akeley took an object from the Migo which pissed them off and made them pursue him. -Colour Out Of Space: the family dies/goes insane by coming into contact with the colour. It wasn't doing anything. It's only its mere presence on their farm that does it. And it came from space and just happened to crash land in a meteorite on the farm. So in most cases I can think of right now humans gets BTFO because they are somehow coming into contact with the monsters, or actively seek them out or interfere with them. Also if you see an ant or little bug crawling on the kitchen table you squash the bastard right? Do you hate ants? I mean, you actively hate them, you think about them like "oh I fucking hate those guys can't wait to kill more". No, you squash it because it came to your dominion and interferes.
I congratulate you Arkham Reporter on your tenure at Miskatonic University! This was made with maximum respect and reverence to its subject. The only problem is I think smoking is banned from the teachers lounge! : )
Well any and all horror I feel by Lovecrafts stories is offset by the fact Conan exists in the same Universe. So I can't help but imagine Conan getting into a barfight with Nyarlethotep. ;) Though the Scarlet Citadel gets very HP at some points.....
I have a question: Do you think Men in Black series or concept be adapted or reworked into a Lovecraftian Horror genre. In the original comic books by Malibu Comics, The MIB agents not only dealt with extraterrestrials, they also dealt with demons, werewolves and zombies etc. Where as in the films had a lighthearted heroic aproach, the agents of the comic had a sinister agenda. Reshape the world the way see fit. Also they more often than not they would silence a witness (either killing them or placing them an asylum) A combination of both in a a lovecraftian world could be interesting. Not just because of the unknowable entities in the, but also because of the various cults that worship and serve said entities. In the film Agent K said it himself "A person is smart, people are dumb panicking animals and you know it....There is always a alein battle cruiser, a death row or an intergactic plague with intent to destroy all life on this puny planet. The only these people get on with their happy little lives is that THEY. DO. NOT. KNOW. ABOUT IT.) (paraphrasing the quotes) Take all that you spoke of, add the an agency that deals with all that, trying to do their damned best to prevent a cosmic horror apocalypse and the best they can do is delay it...but for how long. And on top of that, the more they deal with it the bigger the toll is taken on their minds, as sanity is already slippery. (hence the need for new members constantly) and in truth they are forever fighting a losing war, each victory means more battles to be fought, knowing that if they lose, its over (sounds depressing dont it) Thoughts?
On size as a means of inducing terror... try reading Burke's "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful", one of the keystones of the entire Gothic genre of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with its emphasis on "the sublime", which itself often hinges on the "expansive" aspects of terror (as opposed to the "contracting" aspects of horror). I am not certain HPL read this, but given his interest in the 18th century, and his familiarity with Burke, it is quite likely; and in his researches for "Supernatural Horror in Literature", he would almost certainly have come across Ann Radcliffe's own version of it, as well as the essay accompanying "Sir Bertrand: A Fragment", which he viewed so highly; each of these were often making some of the same arguments as Burke. An awareness of the various implications of the use of such size (and HPL's use also of such terms as "Cyclopean" to evoke those combined with resonances of Polyphemus and the Odyssey's various terrific visions) may add even more to one's enjoyment of Lovecraft's tales....
Many people refer to octopus limbs as tentacles, but technically, octopuses don't have any tentacles at all! Instead, they have arms. Squid and cuttlefish have eight arms plus a pair of feeding tentacles.
Yet another great video, mate. I'd say this list is pretty much objective for what makes a story 'Lovecraftian Horror' I'd say what's more subjective is how many of these used makes it 'Lovecraftian' One? Two? How many do you think? I'd say it depends, one thing Lovecraft does so very well is a powerful, almost palpable sense of atmosphere in his stories. When I listen or read The Shadow Over Innsmouth I do feel like I'm there, even though 90% of the architectural references go over my head lol
Hi there Ben. I always think of mixing things along the lines of cocktails. Do the ingredients blend? You got your rum, your pineapple juice (let's say these are two of the things I listed in the video). Now you add... beef jerky. Ew. Beef jerky is nice on other things but in a cocktail? It will taste off. And of course the skill of the barman (writer/director) helps make it nice. I hope this alcoholic metaphor works.
@@ArkhamReporter Makes sense. Lol The ding for the notification for this gave me a hell of a fright as I'm just in the midst of playing Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem.
@@ArkhamReporter Indeed, mate! You should Let's Play it sometime. I enjoyed your LP of The Call of Cthulhu even if the game was a bit of a disappointment.
@@Ralndrath There is another game I am looking at. Kind of new. Chronicle Of Innsmouth. It is done in the style of The Curse Of Monkey Island. But seems true to the mythos.
Can we acknowledge the flaw in red pill philosophy being applied to real life? Like its incredibly clear to me that red pill philosophy works extraordinarily well in fiction for a reason while it falls short when attempting to use it in real life situations.
I know one thing about the body morphing you find to be horrifying i guess im the weird guy who sees the "degredation" as a evolution of sorts. Especially in lovecraft because yes most of the servants througout the stories were undead or slowly turning to ash. Dispite the fact they often tend to exist even after there bodies have died. So more of the lines like the red pill aspect is there transformation and the story could be the protagonist being forced to come to terms and acknowledge that they are no longer human and will have to watch and wait for others to ascend also.
*Arkham Reporter,* it's not simply the fact that vampires are known at least in folk lore. You forgot to mention, it's a matter of scale and how we can handle the situation. You included how vampires have weaknesses, can be fought and are comprehensible from a human perspective. But in lovecraftian horror, you don't just find out something unsettling about the world or your personal place in it. You find out that the universe itself or the way reality works isn't what you thought it and there is nothing humans can do about it. It's not that God doesn't exist, it's that God exists and he/she/it couldn't care less about us.
I don't see why Alien is credited as Lovecraftian. Sure the xenomorph is awesome and terrifying, but it just seems like an an animal from another, although far more hostile planet. The movie does have elements present in Lovecraft, but so do a lot of sci-fi and horror. It's like some people automatically (and understandably) equate cosmic with space. The sequels are definitely not.
Eh, I secretly agree. Alien is barebones, has hints of Lovecraftian elements. However I know numerous sources list is as being Lovecraftian and I know people will appreciate the Alien series. At least until Aliens, not further. A good point. I think in retrospect I would have excluded mention of it.
I always call tentacles: tendrils because tentacles sound weird like in those...you know.... Overall, great summary about the elements of Cosmic horror. I super enjoyed the video.
I know most wouldn’t think it but I’d say the ending to Infinity War incapsulates Lovecraftian Horror almost perfectly, I won’t spoil anything for the people who haven’t seen it yet (for some reason) but the ending to that movie left me with a dread that only HP Lovecraft’s stories have left me with.
@@ArkhamReporter it's set on the train Christopher Lee is an Explorer who finds an ancient creature frozen in the snow then transported by train when it wakes up and then nobody knows who's who the film is in the public domain and it's on RUclips
Hi Arkham Reporter your break down has been tremendously helpful. Iv been putting together a civilization scale and imagining higher dimensional being as citizen of more advance civilization. I have been playing around with the notion of existentialism of type 1 2 even 3 scale citizen. as h p Lovecraft narrations focuse on the smallness of humanity. no matter the scale Smallness is what a thing is when its contrast against true infinity. No entity that as a sense of self can ever by anything but small. I wont go into an existential tangent but know that you have help me Make the GODs them selves like ants in the face of their cosmic horrors. anything which can experience fear can be face with existential dreaded
The fear is greater because once you're been red pilled, there is no going back. You can declare that there was a break and things are all right now, but the protagonist (and the reader?) knows he's lying to himself. Things are NOT all right. It's all very fragile; like being protected by paper walls. You can see light on the other side, can hear the sounds, you know it's easy to poke a hole through a paper wall. That's no real protection, it's just pretending that the world is ok. There is no way to explain it away and no solution a mere human can come up with.
Hey man, awesome video. I've watch many of your stuff but I'm surprised that there is one thing that I haven't seen you cover yet (unless I'm blind and you actually did). What are your thoughts on the 2015 video game, Bloodborne?
I don't own a PS4. For whatever reason they only released the game on the PS4 meaning I cannot play it unless I get that console to play one game. I've watched a few hours of gameplay on youtube. It is a game I would very much enjoy. The atmosphere especially appeals to me. It feels like a living dream. It's amazing. I'm pretty sure one day they will release it to PC and I will play it. That or finally an emulator will be made.
Sadly I have never really watched the X-Files very much. A few episodes only. My impression is that it is more solidly categorized into science fiction or alien fiction. Alien (the film) is arguably also that but it is distinct because of the things I listed in this video. I have been meaning to watch the X-Files but time is limited.
Great video, really comprehensive and i appreciate the direction you went with it, but i feel that you're omitting some critical aspects of Lovecraft stories that should also be discussed. Namely, his affinity for architecture and describing ancient civilizations and cultures of the past. Also, the way that Lovecraft was able to establish mood and atmosphere, building a sense of dread, etc (just think of The Haunter in the Dark or The Shunned House). The complex detail in the ancient ruins and pictographs that are described in At the Mountains of Madness, etc. He was obsessed with atmosphere and creating mood and inner and outer environments, by describing buildings and structures and architecture, and anthropomorphizing literally EVERYTHING about Nature (as every good poet should). Anyway, I've never seen this accurately portrayed in any film adaptations of his short stories and i think it's a real shame.
You've accurately stated some fears I have with my older videos. As I age I've learned a lot more now than I knew then regarding the Mythos and such. What you've listed is not inaccurate and I should have pointed it out. Eventually I can see myself having to make a redux series with upgraded points.
I don't have the graphic novel but I rated the film 8/10. One of nicer portrayals of vampires in recent time. As for a review... hmmm, well what do you think is Lovecraftian about the story?
Good video. I see a similiar issue with the terms of "pulp" and "pulp fiction" (NO! Not the movie). Btw, ALL of Lovecraft's fiction is pulp fiction. Pulp/pulp fiction refers to the popular fiction that appeared in the american pulp magazines from ~1900 to 1950s, as the environment of the pulp magazines had a demand for quickly written, plot driven fiction that was NOT true for the "slick" magazines, books, or the later digest magazines, men's adventure magazines, or paperback books. Thus pulp/pulp fiction really only existed in those pulp magazines. While many people today write fiction in the general style of the pulps, or inspired by the pulps, this is really not "pulp" but pulp-like, pulp style, New Pulp, etc. Yet you have people who want to demand that these ARE pulp, or that comics are pulp (?!?), or the sleaze paperbacks from the 70s are pulp (even claiming they were printed in pulp paper. what?!?). So get what you must deal with people slapping the term "lovecraftian" on stuff that may not be.
Did you use any sources creating this video? I really want to read some articles about degradation of mankind, fear of the unknown, gigantism, esotericism in Lovecraftian literature, or probably other topics often featured there.
Frankly, no. The only sources I have are Lovecraft. I do not wish to create for myself a big head but everything else comes from my observations, contemplations, and life experiences. Almost every video is done this way. I do not feel that this is a wrong approach to the creation of my videos (due to the extremely positive reception and resonation with my audience). In short, I simply get Lovecraft, I understand him fully.
It’d be cool to see vid on Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), since I’m pretty sure Lovecraft has heavily influenced his work. Plus, the Hellboy Universe is super intriguing.
What was the name of the movie where a man was drawing spirals in a dark room and the other was holding book? Schism? I could not hear it properly but wanted to know as it looks great.
As much as I like Lovecraft, I always find his use of the term "non-Euclidean" grating. Non-Euclidean geometry is just geometry on a curved surface, like an egg. It does NOT drive people crazy.
Describe the difference between Body Horror and Lovecraftians Degredation of the human form? I am not sure what the exact differences are, For me it is kinda a "You know it when you see it", Dead Space seems slightly Lovecraftian due to its completly unknown elements, Halos Flood feels more body horror due to it not being Unknown, Maybe it is just a veil of mystery
Yes, it is a very relevant concept in the mythos, no doubt. However I felt not as many people would be familiar with it as would be with the analogies I used instead. I aimed to make this video accessible for the new readers too.
Hi there, someone beat you to it. I got a recommendation a while ago. I got the book and the film. It's a decent story and has some elements of cosmic horror but if one goes into it expecting... something on par with The Thing they will be disappointed.
I don't just think it's how tentacles (and let's just say Octopuses) are inhuman, it's how they're so seemingly alien to earth itself haha. There's few animals that are so complex and intelligent and so alien looking
They are alien. Have you ever looked into their eyes? Firstly their eye shape is weird. The pupil is all misshapen and its not cool looking like a cat or a lizard. Secondly, octopi are known to be intelligent. So when it looks at you, you know it is thinking. Messed up animals.
Don't forget those things can stay out of the water for some time also. It's inevitable that their descendants will start to become fully amphibious someday.
this was absolutely fantastic explanation on what make a story Lovecraftian awesome job boss.
Cheers!
I'm an older lady and a Lovecraft fan. I'm also a quilter. I was on a quilting web site and saw some fabric with flowers that were dark and distorted and thought, "There is the fabric for my HP Lovecraft quilt!" Can't help myself; I love Lovecraft's stories.
Wow that is an absoulutely wonderfull idea :) I love how great fiction can bring people together. Good luck with your work and greetings from a young man in Germany :)
Pics, please!
i'd love to see those
can you send us a link to the picture
It's been 5 years and no pics 😢
If Lovecraft had thought humanity had degrated itself back then , wait until they invented Tiktok.
Great analysis. I particularly like your thoughts on the effects on a person's mind. Hollywood likes to portray the psychological effects in Lovecraft's stories as some sort of mind altering magic or brain melting results, when in reality it's more akin to PTSD or extreme anxiety, which we can see the effects of in real life and are quite terrifying. The red pill comparison is brilliant.
Thank you for your kind comment. I am quite satisfied with my analysis and if I dare brag I think I got it right.
Absolutely the effects of the horrors are not the trippy effects Hollywood enjoys. It is much more ordinary and every day. There is a line that HPL regularly used in his stories where he basically said, "oh the horror was not this amazing thing, it was simply X" and X ended up having hideous implications. The horror talked of by all the great weird fiction writers, I believe, comes from their everyday, ordinary interactions. That is where the horror lies.
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"Hollywood likes to portray the psychological effects in Lovecraft's stories as some sort of mind altering magic or brain melting results," Lovecraft Video games have the same exact problem. They always end with the protagonist going mentally insane & you'll over hear them killing or cannibalizing people. In HP's own stories, it's a confoundedness of being unable to process the reality in front of them, because it makes no logical sense to our human minds.
I think the most important characteristics of something being Lovecraftian, which you touched on, are A. That ultimate victory is impossible and B. That the considerations of humanity are insignificant to the cosmos.
"a man without hope might as well be dead, it's like being in a cold windowless room with no exits"
*is in a cold windowless room with a door*
I always felt like the twist at the end was what made Lovecraft. Usually he'd build a story up for a good while and then throw a curve ball in right at the end. I guess that's what stands out to me about Lovecraft. The short one or two sentences at the end that would totally shift the perspective.
Yes, he was excellent at that. Always liked that skill of his.
Love that one of the very early (teenage) stories ends with block letters and three exclamation marks, LOL.
Great! In fact HPL was a philosopher who constructed his own philosophy - not religion! as some fan think - and proposed it in an thrillingly entertaining way. He showed the place of man in the Universe, as he saw that. Not a pessimist, but a real realist. His message "Don't be too arrogant, There are things we just cannot understand". Similar to Hamlet's "There are things in the world, friend Horacio, that ours wise men has never dreamed about".
Absolutely agree. It's also important to note that precise control over tone and mood in a manuscript can mean the difference between that WTF and unraveling moment landing for the reader with a bang rather than with a whimper. As writers, sometimes we're too close to our manuscripts to know if the tension and terror in a given piece is working as well as we'd originally envisioned it. This goes for any genre, not just cosmic horror.
As a fan of Lovecraft and wanting to write Lovecraftian Horror, I just want to say how much I enjoy your videos, it’s great seeing other people views on Lovecraft. Can I ask you a question.
Do you think themes of people desperate for meaning can be tied into Lovecraftian monster and themes? Some of the character/cult of a story I’m working on want meaning so badly that it become a obsession to them. It’s the reasons they look to the outer gods for that and they are willing to do horrible things to themselves and other if they think it have meaning to it. Ultimately they bring on their and many other suffering because they believe that the outer gods can give them that meaning that they want.
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I'd argue that it's very Lovecraftian since the genre itself deals with themes like existentialism and existential horror (which itself is a philosophical school of thought that was all about man existing in the world and finding meaning in that existence)
Piri Rin thank you, I had a feeling it was but I wanted to be certain you know. I think one of the things that drawn me to Lovecraftian horror is the philosophical aspect of it
A couple of details about tentacles that I think are important is the fact that at the time, very little was known about octopuses and squids, compared to now. So not only were tentacles these weird slimy appendages, but the entirety of the animal was some unknown creature that acted nothing similar like what they knew about, so it might as well have been an alien. The second one is the folklore surrounding the Kraken, which was commonly depicted as a giant octopus prowling the ocean. Cthulhu shares the underlining theme of impotence against an unknown force with the Kraken. The same way the Kraken is the ultimate horror for a fisherman, a beast that not only catches you in its domain but which ships have no way to fight against, Cthulhu is a creature that doesn't share the same physical rules as us, to which even the most destructive human weapons (at the time being the massive steam ships) can do nothing against.
This latter bit is also a lot of people misunderstand. The idea isn't that a ship is good enough to get Cthulhu back to sleep, but that whatever mankind can create can't stand against Cthulhu. If Lovecraft had written it post WWII, then instead of a boat it would have been a nuke, during the Cold War it would have been the Tsar Bomba, etc... Whatever you throw at Cthulhu won't be enough, because it doesn't exist within the same concepts as we do. This is the reason for the visual similarities between it and the Kraken. While the Kraken is the ultimate horror for a fisherman, Cthulhu is the ultimate horror for a human. Lovecraft wasn't particularly shy about showing off his influences.
Well said. The Kraken was a beast that instilled great fear. Like any good Lovecraftian entity there was no solution to it (like garlic was for vampires). You encounter it in the ocean, game over.
I like the comment you made about WW2. It's true, a nuke was not fathomed by HPL but surely his reaction would be that it wouldn't matter. Maybe Cthulhu would take a few moments longer to reform but that still doesn't save us. Because Cthulhu is an idea and ideas are bullet proof. Or nuke proof in this case.
Humanity & fishermanity R not mutually exclusive
Awesome video, thanks. I started reading Lovecraft back in September last year, and the very best stories I've read so far are Dreams in the Witch House and From Beyond. I also liked Call of Chuthulu and The Outsider. I found Lovecraft really tough to understand at first, but after reading 1 or 2 stories to the end, I think I got a good grip on how to read him.
Bloodborne is my favourite game of all time, and reading From Beyond and then immediately playing Bloodborne afterwards greatly enhanced my experience. I could empathize with the characters in Bloodborne's world much more closely after that. And that's all thanks to how when I was reading From Beyond, it made me feel like I was IN the story, as if I experienced it first-hand. I think that's what well written fiction does. It puts you in to that story mentally, and you live it. It's magic! Thanks to this experience, I'm hooked on Lovecraft now :)
I love your channel. Thank you.
This is a true success story of a new convert to the cult of Lovecraft haha. I'm glad you're enjoying his literature. There are many, many stories still to come, plus many other writers (Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, William Hodgeson) to enjoy. And rereading HPL becomes much easier after some time.
In stories with Vampires or Zombies or even Demons, scary as they may be, the characters know they behave by laws and rules that they can understand; Lovecraftian horrors are so often made and behave from matter and rules outside our 3 dimensions that it leaves the characters stumped as to "How do you fight something of which you have ZERO understanding of."
Even when they successfully defeat the threat like in The Dunwich Horror; the terrifying truth of it is not just the creature itself, it's how easy mankind was nearly wiped out by a couple of individuals in a backwater village, and how it can easily happen again.
I think it's somewhat interesting, that despite how overwhelming the forces are, the world at large never changes and other people never realize just how close to extinction they came. That's why the professors in the Dunwich horror were able to fight back. Because HPL needed some way to keep the world the same.
Also, have you ever read 'John dies at the end'? It's a seriously hilarious series that has some aspects of competent cosmicism
just started playing Blood. God bless you for using it in a bit.
Have fun! Blood is an epic, epic game. After you finish and you want more there is an excellent mod called Deathwish. Highly recommended.
Have you seen the first season of True Detective? Cole feels like a Lovecraft character but he exists in a world stripped of the supernatural elements and the horror comes from the evil humans do to each other. In Cole's world view the universe cares as little for humanity as in a Lovecraftian story and Cole often quotes Ligotti's Conspiracy Against the Human Race. Cole is as destroyed by his view into the dark nature of humanity as any of the characters from Lovectaft's stories. I am trying to be vague to not spoil the series.
Do you think the supernatural is necessary for something to fall under "Lovecraftian"?
Hi there, yes I saw the first season. That guy needs to calm the fuck down. Brilliant acting though. I heard he (and the writers) read through Ligotti's literature to prepare for the role. As for your 2nd question... I cannot think of any Lovecraftian story that is without something supernatural in it. I think it is possible to make a story without supernatural but... I think the message and the point of cosmicism (the philosophy of Lovecraftian horror) is much easily highlighted using the weird and impossible.
@@ArkhamReporter Although I haven't seen it, I have heard that the first season references The King in Yellow. I don't know how it fits into the story, though.
@@williamerickson520 The show has a cult that worships it. But much of it is left to the imagination. Thank God.
@@ArkhamReporter how about twin peaks or neon genesis evangelion
@@princesouthee6679 Never saw either.
Regarding the rewrites and revisions at you mentioned at the end.....I feel that, with my books. More than I can describe, that exhausting and painstaking attention to detail is what hampers my writing process so much. But it makes the end result that much more a treat to behold. Your hard work isn't unnoticed or unappreciated, good sir.
This was meant for before January ended. Eh, 3 days late, my bad. This video was a real pain to make, a LOT of rewriting over and over, researching, reading people's opinions. What do YOU think makes something Lovecraftian? Anyway, next video... hmmm, I will make something simpler. Start another let's play or an old fashioned book review maybe. A quick look at a vital mythos author. Or roast some cultural marxists in an article discussion. We will see. Hope everyone is doing well and having a good weekend!!! - Damien.
Thank you
dude what's the movie with that ice thing scaring the black guy? i wanna see that
This video is a perfect break down of the Mythos.
@@sayasakisaka7609 The Thing (2011)
Arkham Reporter Hey man, since you seem to be an expert of Lovecraftian horror is it okay if I ask you to tell me how well I write some Lovecraftian elements in some roleplay for Conquering History Games. Can you give me some feedback. The series in question is his Pelley campaign
I beleive that the "Tentacles" in Lovecraft's work are to represent "Connection" between the Cosmic Horror and humanity. One Tentacle for every evil person in humanity, attached to the Cosmic Horror that IS. If we could see our evil selves, a tentacle would be extending away from us, finding its attachment upon the body of the Cosmic Horror, for they are one in the same.
I’ve always been able to recognize it when I see it, but didn’t know how to explain it to someone else! This was top tier work!
It is a deep hinderance to truth that many truths are things which we sense (I don't use the word feel which implies more emotion). They are not always easy to articulate, especially in casual or heated conversation. Thanks for your kind comment!
Enjoyed this one a lot. Great work.
Red pill/ Lovecraftian. Wasn't it 'The Horror in the Museum' where the main character needed to work with a nerve specialist for a few weeks after the event? That is what I have always respected in Lovecraft work. Screening blindly into the night is what will most likely happen. With no heroism to speak of. Probably had more to do with the times. Nice work.🤘
Ov oll dhe sedativez on offer from muh precious Hollyшood I personalli fajnd dhe red kapsulez from “THX 1138” (1971) dhe mowst reшarding
You’ve seen The Mouth of Madness by John Carpenter? It has a kind of homage to Lovecraftian horror imo.
I watched that movie as a kid and to this day, it freaks me out. Watching it probably wouldn't be scary now, but damn, it messed me up as a kid
I agree with this and I think that was Carpenter's intent. One of, if not my favorite film of his.
this just makes me appreciate Bloodborne even more. such great themes and elements used in it
Because of this video, I've got the idea of how I can write a Lovecraft story.
Thanks for the lecture
I've only just found your channel and watched two videos but, so far, your channel is proving to be everything I need to really kick my own Lovecraftian writings into gear and shape.
I think one realization that adds to Lovecraftian horror is the idea that there's nothing humanity can do if Cthulhu and his kind decide to clear off the Earth. Humanity likes to think we can handle what nature throws at us, but we fail constantly and deny this failure. I think it's humanity's arrogance that makes cultists think that Cthulhu, Yog-Sogoth, Dagon and others need their help to come forth. The "messages" heard in dreams are likely not meant for humanity. Cultists have their dreams and misinterpret the alien thoughts they are hearing.
I love how informative. the video is. I am writing Lovekraftian Stories and your video has been very helpful. Thank You.
I'm very glad I could help.
Excellent content as always. Both informative and entertaining. My birthday is coming up in a few days, and I already know I will be getting the 928-page long "The New Annotated Lovecraft" :D I'm looking forward to getting the book and your next video! Cheers
Cheers for that and happy eventual birthday.
Have you mentioned in one of your videos about Lovecraft’s relationship with drugs? I am curious to know as whether some inspiration for his stories came from psychedelic trips or if purely from his imagination. Thanks!
I love all your videos man keep up the good work. But I've always been confused by one thing. If the "monsters" don't hate humanity then why do they still come searching for us?
They don't (usually). Let's look at some examples:
-Cthulhu: the sailors were on its doorstep
-Yog Sothoth: In The Dunwich Horror humans contacted it using the Necronomicon
-Deep Ones: In Shadow Over Innsmouth the humans made contact with the deep ones. Later its the protagonist who goes to Innsmouth and sticks his nose into their affairs. Note: arguably Deep Ones are more of a different race than on the level of Cthulhu, Azathoth, etc.
-Elder Things: In At The Mountains Of Madness the humans discovered the frozen Elder Things and started dissecting them, one woke up. Wouldn't you be violent, angry if you woke up to find some weird hairless ape dissecting your bros?
-Migo: In Whisperer In Darkness, Akeley took an object from the Migo which pissed them off and made them pursue him.
-Colour Out Of Space: the family dies/goes insane by coming into contact with the colour. It wasn't doing anything. It's only its mere presence on their farm that does it. And it came from space and just happened to crash land in a meteorite on the farm.
So in most cases I can think of right now humans gets BTFO because they are somehow coming into contact with the monsters, or actively seek them out or interfere with them. Also if you see an ant or little bug crawling on the kitchen table you squash the bastard right? Do you hate ants? I mean, you actively hate them, you think about them like "oh I fucking hate those guys can't wait to kill more". No, you squash it because it came to your dominion and interferes.
@@ArkhamReporter Thank you so much for clearing that up for me
@@rifflibrary8681 No problem, that's what this channel is about. Have a cool day!
@@ArkhamReporter You too! Keep up with the amazing videos
I congratulate you Arkham Reporter on your tenure at Miskatonic University! This was made with maximum respect and reverence to its subject. The only problem is I think smoking is banned from the teachers lounge! : )
Kurt Eichenwald shows his wife and kids Lovecraftian stuff all the time I hear.
@@ArkhamReporter Hey if he admits to it on twitter than I don't think he sees it as a bad thing.
My nephew LOVES Lovecraft. I got him a Cthulhu plushie and a HP Lovecraft collection for his birthday.
@@ericmalikyte885 Great Uncle!!!
@@ArkhamReporter Lol He thinks so at least.
I’m sure tentacle porn is actually lovecraftian to a child
-tentacles
-overwhelming and degrading humans
-feeling small
-wtf
all tentacle hentai is lovecraftian
The Lovecraftian material of choice for me.
Well any and all horror I feel by Lovecrafts stories is offset by the fact Conan exists in the same Universe. So I can't help but imagine Conan getting into a barfight with Nyarlethotep. ;)
Though the Scarlet Citadel gets very HP at some points.....
Ah, HPL was just being nice to his buddy Robert by allowing him to share the universe. But if Arnold is playing Conan... sorry Old Ones, Arnold wins.
@@ArkhamReporter cthulhu shouting at the other old ones after gazing at conan : get to da choppa
I have a question: Do you think Men in Black series or concept be adapted or reworked into a Lovecraftian Horror genre.
In the original comic books by Malibu Comics, The MIB agents not only dealt with extraterrestrials, they also dealt with demons, werewolves and zombies etc. Where as in the films had a lighthearted heroic aproach, the agents of the comic had a sinister agenda. Reshape the world the way see fit. Also they more often than not they would silence a witness (either killing them or placing them an asylum)
A combination of both in a a lovecraftian world could be interesting. Not just because of the unknowable entities in the, but also because of the various cults that worship and serve said entities.
In the film Agent K said it himself "A person is smart, people are dumb panicking animals and you know it....There is always a alein battle cruiser, a death row or an intergactic plague with intent to destroy all life on this puny planet. The only these people get on with their happy little lives is that THEY. DO. NOT. KNOW. ABOUT IT.)
(paraphrasing the quotes)
Take all that you spoke of, add the an agency that deals with all that, trying to do their damned best to prevent a cosmic horror apocalypse and the best they can do is delay it...but for how long. And on top of that, the more they deal with it the bigger the toll is taken on their minds, as sanity is already slippery. (hence the need for new members constantly) and in truth they are forever fighting a losing war, each victory means more battles to be fought, knowing that if they lose, its over (sounds depressing dont it)
Thoughts?
Y so xenomorphobic??
On size as a means of inducing terror... try reading Burke's "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful", one of the keystones of the entire
Gothic genre of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with its emphasis on "the sublime", which itself often hinges on the "expansive" aspects of terror (as opposed to the "contracting" aspects of horror). I am not certain HPL read this, but given his interest in the 18th century, and his familiarity with Burke, it is quite likely; and in his researches for "Supernatural Horror in Literature", he would almost certainly have come across Ann Radcliffe's own version of it, as well as the essay accompanying "Sir Bertrand: A Fragment", which he viewed so highly; each of these were often making some of the same arguments as Burke. An awareness of the various implications of the use of such size (and HPL's use also of such terms as "Cyclopean" to evoke those combined with resonances of Polyphemus and the Odyssey's various terrific visions) may add even more to one's enjoyment of Lovecraft's tales....
Many people refer to octopus limbs as tentacles, but technically, octopuses don't have any tentacles at all! Instead, they have arms. Squid and cuttlefish have eight arms plus a pair of feeding tentacles.
That's true. Those 2 longer ones that drag behind the animal as it swims. Nonetheless the common understanding made me use the word I did.
Cheers for using clips from Rammstein's Stripped :D And as always, good, informative video!
Rammstein is a great band.
@@ArkhamReporter you're damn right!
Mæd prαps 4 all dhose fašhist śiksaz whō sťripped doШn 2 dhe бone 4 Uzбeкi liбerator-studz
Yet another great video, mate. I'd say this list is pretty much objective for what makes a story 'Lovecraftian Horror' I'd say what's more subjective is how many of these used makes it 'Lovecraftian' One? Two? How many do you think? I'd say it depends, one thing Lovecraft does so very well is a powerful, almost palpable sense of atmosphere in his stories. When I listen or read The Shadow Over Innsmouth I do feel like I'm there, even though 90% of the architectural references go over my head lol
Hi there Ben. I always think of mixing things along the lines of cocktails. Do the ingredients blend? You got your rum, your pineapple juice (let's say these are two of the things I listed in the video). Now you add... beef jerky. Ew. Beef jerky is nice on other things but in a cocktail? It will taste off. And of course the skill of the barman (writer/director) helps make it nice. I hope this alcoholic metaphor works.
@@ArkhamReporter Makes sense. Lol The ding for the notification for this gave me a hell of a fright as I'm just in the midst of playing Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem.
@@Ralndrath Very classy choice of game.
@@ArkhamReporter Indeed, mate! You should Let's Play it sometime. I enjoyed your LP of The Call of Cthulhu even if the game was a bit of a disappointment.
@@Ralndrath There is another game I am looking at. Kind of new. Chronicle Of Innsmouth. It is done in the style of The Curse Of Monkey Island. But seems true to the mythos.
Truly exceptional
Thanks!
Can we acknowledge the flaw in red pill philosophy being applied to real life? Like its incredibly clear to me that red pill philosophy works extraordinarily well in fiction for a reason while it falls short when attempting to use it in real life situations.
Really interesting. It's certainly given me something to think about. Thank you very much.
I know one thing about the body morphing you find to be horrifying i guess im the weird guy who sees the "degredation" as a evolution of sorts. Especially in lovecraft because yes most of the servants througout the stories were undead or slowly turning to ash. Dispite the fact they often tend to exist even after there bodies have died.
So more of the lines like the red pill aspect is there transformation and the story could be the protagonist being forced to come to terms and acknowledge that they are no longer human and will have to watch and wait for others to ascend also.
Dhys iz Zajαn & шi R nαt øfrâjd∴
I love lovecraft
You are in the right part of youtube, my man.
Hoшy stowle #Fire frʌm heaбen & gaбe it 2 dhe kōōlest mõnkej in dhe djũngle sαn #Woke
Really interesting. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great analysis! Enjoyed much! (Got read Junji Ito's 渦巻！)
11:56 BLOOD music
My favourite old school shooter.
*Arkham Reporter,* it's not simply the fact that vampires are known at least in folk lore. You forgot to mention, it's a matter of scale and how we can handle the situation. You included how vampires have weaknesses, can be fought and are comprehensible from a human perspective. But in lovecraftian horror, you don't just find out something unsettling about the world or your personal place in it. You find out that the universe itself or the way reality works isn't what you thought it and there is nothing humans can do about it. It's not that God doesn't exist, it's that God exists and he/she/it couldn't care less about us.
What a great and unique perspective.
Hounds of Tindalos was written by Frank Belknap Long, not Lovecraft. But no doubt with plenty of influence from HPL.
I don't see why Alien is credited as Lovecraftian. Sure the xenomorph is awesome and terrifying, but it just seems like an an animal from another, although far more hostile planet. The movie does have elements present in Lovecraft, but so do a lot of sci-fi and horror. It's like some people automatically (and understandably) equate cosmic with space. The sequels are definitely not.
Eh, I secretly agree. Alien is barebones, has hints of Lovecraftian elements. However I know numerous sources list is as being Lovecraftian and I know people will appreciate the Alien series. At least until Aliens, not further. A good point. I think in retrospect I would have excluded mention of it.
I always call tentacles: tendrils because tentacles sound weird like in those...you know....
Overall, great summary about the elements of Cosmic horror. I super enjoyed the video.
Nicholas cage makes something lovecraftian, especially when he is in his cat form
MarvelБoi ejn/t don bãnged hiz hεad agâînst dhe kage dhis hαrd sinse 3Pac rekorded dhat hōōt-relīēf ťrack шidh UNESQUICK 4 dhe бenefit've Tazmanian pygmiez sαn /watch?v=ATmBOnMJJkE
I know most wouldn’t think it but I’d say the ending to Infinity War incapsulates Lovecraftian Horror almost perfectly, I won’t spoil anything for the people who haven’t seen it yet (for some reason) but the ending to that movie left me with a dread that only HP Lovecraft’s stories have left me with.
Comic Book Movies are Not! Lovecraftian
@@dewevil9941 duh, but it has ASPECTS of lovecraftian horror.
@@cro-magnum7642 No it doesn't
Nicely done. Cheers!
You forgot about the third thing film Horror Express starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing
Hey there. I didn't know about that film. It sounds very cool. Thanks for the recommendation.
@@ArkhamReporter it's set on the train Christopher Lee is an Explorer who finds an ancient creature frozen in the snow then transported by train when it wakes up and then nobody knows who's who the film is in the public domain and it's on RUclips
@@bernardmcgroary3372 That's exactly my type of thing. I will check it out. The Thing is my favourite horror film so this sounds like it could be 2nd.
I heard that RE2 Laboratory music in the background!😅
the SCP foundations end of death cannon really is Lovecraftian it even starts with a quote from Lovecraft himself in strange eons even death will die
Intro is classic
Hope this year turns out to be fruitful for you.
I think it will. Got some big plans. And to you to!
I like Lovecraft stuff because people driving old cars etc seems nice.
Great explain and examples!
Hi Arkham Reporter your break down has been tremendously helpful. Iv been putting together a civilization scale and imagining higher dimensional being as citizen of more advance civilization. I have been playing around with the notion of existentialism of type 1 2 even 3 scale citizen. as h p Lovecraft narrations focuse on the smallness of humanity.
no matter the scale Smallness is what a thing is when its contrast against true infinity. No entity that as a sense of self can ever by anything but small.
I wont go into an existential tangent but know that you have help me Make the GODs them selves like ants in the face of their cosmic horrors. anything which can experience fear can be face with existential dreaded
The fear is greater because once you're been red pilled, there is no going back. You can declare that there was a break and things are all right now, but the protagonist (and the reader?) knows he's lying to himself. Things are NOT all right. It's all very fragile; like being protected by paper walls. You can see light on the other side, can hear the sounds, you know it's easy to poke a hole through a paper wall. That's no real protection, it's just pretending that the world is ok. There is no way to explain it away and no solution a mere human can come up with.
- Eldricht horror
- Forbidden manuscripts
- Massachusetts
- Cycoplean mansonry
- No sex
- Mild racism
-cats (sometimes idk , extra lovecraft points if has a really funny name)
I like you bro you a Lovecraft expert I want to expand the Lovecraft mythos
Finally, a Bloodborne Lore Video 🤩
Hey man, awesome video. I've watch many of your stuff but I'm surprised that there is one thing that I haven't seen you cover yet (unless I'm blind and you actually did).
What are your thoughts on the 2015 video game, Bloodborne?
I don't own a PS4. For whatever reason they only released the game on the PS4 meaning I cannot play it unless I get that console to play one game. I've watched a few hours of gameplay on youtube. It is a game I would very much enjoy. The atmosphere especially appeals to me. It feels like a living dream. It's amazing. I'm pretty sure one day they will release it to PC and I will play it. That or finally an emulator will be made.
Thanks for another great video! Would you consider "The X FIles" to be in some way Lovefraftian?
Sadly I have never really watched the X-Files very much. A few episodes only. My impression is that it is more solidly categorized into science fiction or alien fiction. Alien (the film) is arguably also that but it is distinct because of the things I listed in this video. I have been meaning to watch the X-Files but time is limited.
Don/t кeep all yo X in 1 БOX
Great video, really comprehensive and i appreciate the direction you went with it, but i feel that you're omitting some critical aspects of Lovecraft stories that should also be discussed.
Namely, his affinity for architecture and describing ancient civilizations and cultures of the past. Also, the way that Lovecraft was able to establish mood and atmosphere, building a sense of dread, etc (just think of The Haunter in the Dark or The Shunned House).
The complex detail in the ancient ruins and pictographs that are described in At the Mountains of Madness, etc. He was obsessed with atmosphere and creating mood and inner and outer environments, by describing buildings and structures and architecture, and anthropomorphizing literally EVERYTHING about Nature (as every good poet should).
Anyway, I've never seen this accurately portrayed in any film adaptations of his short stories and i think it's a real shame.
You've accurately stated some fears I have with my older videos. As I age I've learned a lot more now than I knew then regarding the Mythos and such. What you've listed is not inaccurate and I should have pointed it out.
Eventually I can see myself having to make a redux series with upgraded points.
Pls do a review of 30 days of night graphic novel or 30 days of night the movie 2007. In my opinion, this is something lovecraftian.
I don't have the graphic novel but I rated the film 8/10. One of nicer portrayals of vampires in recent time. As for a review... hmmm, well what do you think is Lovecraftian about the story?
Pleaze du æ revieш've “Metropol” & “Blood: A Tale” frʌm Epic (Marvel) Comics
i just love video essays. i found this just in search of one.
Good video.
I see a similiar issue with the terms of "pulp" and "pulp fiction" (NO! Not the movie). Btw, ALL of Lovecraft's fiction is pulp fiction.
Pulp/pulp fiction refers to the popular fiction that appeared in the american pulp magazines from ~1900 to 1950s, as the environment of the pulp magazines had a demand for quickly written, plot driven fiction that was NOT true for the "slick" magazines, books, or the later digest magazines, men's adventure magazines, or paperback books.
Thus pulp/pulp fiction really only existed in those pulp magazines.
While many people today write fiction in the general style of the pulps, or inspired by the pulps, this is really not "pulp" but pulp-like, pulp style, New Pulp, etc. Yet you have people who want to demand that these ARE pulp, or that comics are pulp (?!?), or the sleaze paperbacks from the 70s are pulp (even claiming they were printed in pulp paper. what?!?).
So get what you must deal with people slapping the term "lovecraftian" on stuff that may not be.
cthulhu did have feelers, not tentacles, if i remember correctly
Love the use of Junji Ito.
Did you use any sources creating this video? I really want to read some articles about degradation of mankind, fear of the unknown, gigantism, esotericism in Lovecraftian literature, or probably other topics often featured there.
Frankly, no. The only sources I have are Lovecraft. I do not wish to create for myself a big head but everything else comes from my observations, contemplations, and life experiences. Almost every video is done this way. I do not feel that this is a wrong approach to the creation of my videos (due to the extremely positive reception and resonation with my audience). In short, I simply get Lovecraft, I understand him fully.
excellent as usual
First! keep up the awesome vids my brotha, they make my day 🙌🏼
I will try to upload more regularly. Any video you'd especially like to see more of?
It’d be cool to see vid on Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), since I’m pretty sure Lovecraft has heavily influenced his work. Plus, the Hellboy Universe is super intriguing.
What was the name of the movie where a man was drawing spirals in a dark room and the other was holding book? Schism? I could not hear it properly but wanted to know as it looks great.
Sorry for my accent. It's called Dark City.
Dαrk Sity
Hαtter dhan æ set've tшin бaбies
/watch?v=3chQDDji674
Unfortunately, Lovecraftian also means a fondness for vague telling, rather than showing.
That never really irked me. It's true of him though.
As much as I like Lovecraft, I always find his use of the term "non-Euclidean" grating. Non-Euclidean geometry is just geometry on a curved surface, like an egg. It does NOT drive people crazy.
Gary Rives well this was a man who was afraid of air conditioner (not even a joke)
Uh... no.
Tell that to Flat Earthers
Most take it to mean something rather more Escher-esque, I think
ruclips.net/video/zz4uELp-BiE/видео.html
WTF? Curved surface my behind. Non-euclidean geometry = geometry only possible with more than 3 dimensions.
Can somebody tell me where the first clips came from? The ones of that black and white movie, it looked great
amazing video man and a great explanation
Thanks a lot!
Perfect.
Describe the difference between Body Horror and Lovecraftians Degredation of the human form?
I am not sure what the exact differences are, For me it is kinda a "You know it when you see it", Dead Space seems slightly Lovecraftian due to its completly unknown elements, Halos Flood feels more body horror due to it not being Unknown, Maybe it is just a veil of mystery
In a lot of ways your describing Plato's cave.
Yes, it is a very relevant concept in the mythos, no doubt. However I felt not as many people would be familiar with it as would be with the analogies I used instead. I aimed to make this video accessible for the new readers too.
that voice WAYNE JUNE where have i... Looks at darkest dungeon... OH SHIT ITS HIM!!!
Oh yes!
thanks a lot for this dood great summary
Referencing Lovecraft? Solved it! video over.
Bloodborne got me into this genre
Hiya. Found you another thing to check out. Cold Skin. Novel and movie about fighting hordes of deep ones looking beings.
Hi there, someone beat you to it. I got a recommendation a while ago. I got the book and the film. It's a decent story and has some elements of cosmic horror but if one goes into it expecting... something on par with The Thing they will be disappointed.
If you see something, say nothing and drink to forget...
... and write to remember.
I don't just think it's how tentacles (and let's just say Octopuses) are inhuman, it's how they're so seemingly alien to earth itself haha. There's few animals that are so complex and intelligent and so alien looking
They are alien. Have you ever looked into their eyes? Firstly their eye shape is weird. The pupil is all misshapen and its not cool looking like a cat or a lizard. Secondly, octopi are known to be intelligent. So when it looks at you, you know it is thinking. Messed up animals.
Don't forget those things can stay out of the water for some time also. It's inevitable that their descendants will start to become fully amphibious someday.
yo, have you seen the film theory that the bird box monster(s) are/is Cthulhu?
It's hard to lovecraftian stories in a modern age
Anyone know the name of the song at the beginning of this vid ? Plz
The red pill being applied to lovecraft....really??
Yes, really. Check out my other video on it if you don't believe it.
2 good 2 B choo-choo
you get a like just for that music
Cheers for that!
What was the movie before the tentacles??