Thursday, October 16, 2014

Noam Chomsky, Dreaming, Comedy (movies)

Amber Larson, Seth Auberon, Wisdom Quarterly; Prof. Noam Chomsky, Michel Gondry (DN!)
(IFC Films VOD) Michel Gondry, the innovative director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "The Science of Sleep," brings us a unique animated doc on the life of the controversial anti-war activist, linguist, MIT professor, philosopher, and political firebrand Noam Chomsky. Complex, lively conversations come alive with brilliant illustrations by Gondry as the film reveals the life and work of the father of modern linguistics while also exploring his theories on human language. The result is not only a dazzling, vital portrait of one of the foremost thinkers of modern times, but also a beautifully animated work of art.

"Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?"


Watch the trailer and full film via YouTube
Amy Goodman and Nermeen Shaikh interview French filmmaker Michel Gondry, the director of the film, "Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?"

The film is an animated representation of Gondry's conversations with the legendary Noam Chomsky -- a political dissident, linguist, author, and MIT professor. The innovative documentary introduces viewers to Chomsky's theories and ideas through a series of conversations brought to life by Gondry's vibrant hand-drawn animations.

Nim Chimpsky: I have language, too, Noam!
As Chomsky speaks, Gondry's rapidly moving pencil illustrates his words. The two discuss everything from Chomsky's pioneering work in human language acquisition in childhood to his views on education, religion, and astrology.

Gondry's past films include the Academy Award-winning "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (featuring superstar Buddhist comedian Jim Carrey and glorious Kate Winslet), the musical documentary "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," and "The Science of Sleep." He has also directed dozens of music videos by artists including Björk, Kanye West, Paul McCartney, and The Rolling Stones.

Dave Chappelle's "Block Party"!
(Goofy Nation TV) Dave Chappelle's Block Party (full)

"The Science of Sleep" (trailer)
(WarnerVOD) "The Science of Sleep" is a playful romantic fantasy set inside the topsy-turvy brain of Stephane Miroux (Gael Garcia Bernal), an eccentric young man whose dreams constantly invade his WAKING LIFE and the intriguing, creative artist Stephanie he meets.

Lucid dreaming: "Waking Life" (film)

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