The Paradox Of Video

A deep dive into how cinema making is the badass art in the world. But also how when you consume it, it becomes your worst enemy. Only because it’s on your phone and you have internet for the whole day.

Movie As An Art

Being an artist is a privilege. You need to sort out all your needs and obligations and then find time for your art. And some people live with the notion that art is not their thing.

My take is simple. As humans who have evolved, we should be able to have machines, AI take care of doing chores for all of us, get us the food and then humans do only art.

That is the ultimate goal. Now there are many arts like writing, singing, dancing etc. But when you see movie, it is a combination of many different arts. All mixed together and with all the challenges, somehow a movie is made. It’s a miracle in itself.

Watching Movies

When you watch a movie, it can have many different meanings, move you in different ways. But a good movie need to have a hook to keep you engaged and entertained for the entirety.

It means if done right, you will watch a movie till the end. Usually when you in a cinema hall, the movie ends, you get around and talk. There is inputs from your end. You discuss, get inspired and sprinkle it in your journey.

But when you watch movies on your phone, it’s a whole game altogether. With YouTube, Instagram and Netflix, you are glued.

The Number, Mindless Watching

Now cinema is being made on many platforms, the length might different. It can be countless reels of 1 minute each, 10 minute YouTube videos or 3 hour movies.

And now all of them are on your phone. You pick one movie and as soon as it ends, there is a next recommendation and then again and again.

And now because of smartphones, you are watching 6 plus hours of video on your phone. The sad part is there is no reflection. You are simply consuming and moving again. Your neurons are firing, you are not growing.

Less Is More

The solution is limit your consumption as a first step. Instead of watching 10 movies in a week, watch 2 movies and then discuss with friends and family about them.

Learn from them and apply to your art. The key here is to adopt a principle to create plus consume. If you consume 10 movies, then create at least one of your art.

And then you are not watching videos like a zombie. Sit, relax and be okay with no noise around you. Start with feelings okay with silence and then the sound will heard clearly.

Now go create your art. And share it further.