My Thanks To...

Oedipus Rex and The Leavers for showing me that the most interesting characters are those who are deeply flawed, and that the future is often molded by the past. Oedipus’s origins are responsible for his downfall and Deming’s motivations are almost entirely rooted in the events of his childhood.

 

 

The Trial and Dune for teaching me that the most compelling settings are often intentionally vague and underdeveloped. The surreal nature of the Court in Kafka’s work and the mysterious power and motivations of the various factions in Herbert’s come to mind.

 

The Road for showing that the most compelling interpersonal relationships are made up of opposing characteristics. The man believes his duty is to do whatever he can to protect his own – no matter the cost – whereas the boy thinks that a strong moral compass they must abide by is all that separates them from the barbaric looters they’re surrounded by.

 

Into The Spider Verse and Siddhartha for showing that everyone has to find their own way to become the greatest versions of themselves. Siddhartha had to forge his own path, independent to – yet composed of – what the Samanas, Gotama, Kamala, and the ferryman all had to offer.

500 Days of Summer for showing that most people rarely learn their lesson the first time. Tom has to go through over a year of repeated internal and external conflict revolving around his unrealistic perceptions of love and the world around him until he finally catches on.

Recitatif for proving that we are often blind to the faults that most cloud our perspectives. The audience never realizes that their understanding of the story is heavily affected by how they assume the race of each character.

 

The Alchemist for teaching that a wise person never forgets their roots. Santiago’s great treasure is all the way back at the beginning of his path to self-realization, and he would never have reached it without his understanding of the importance of every step in his journey.