The Rest Is Entertainment Adam Curtis on AI, the BBC and Bucks Fizz
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Jun 18, 2025 
Adam Curtis, a groundbreaking British documentary filmmaker, shares his views on the shortcomings of modern television and his innovative use of archival material. He discusses how smartphone culture has reshaped authenticity in media, leading to performative behaviors. The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as Curtis explores the complex relationship between generative AI and human emotions. He emphasizes the need for a new cultural understanding in an increasingly technologically driven world, reflecting on nostalgia's role in today's political landscape.
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Intersex Dog Symbolizes Change
- Adam Curtis describes a 1970s BBC interview featuring a dog changing its gender, symbolizing societal change. - The dog's unaware owner represents those trying to control the uncontrollable shifts in culture.
Liberals' Political Disillusionment
- Curtis argues liberals feel betrayed by working-class voting shifts, retreating from politics. - He warns, "never trust a liberal" because they often disown inconvenient truths.
1848 Revolutions Parallel Today
- The 1848 revolutions parallel today’s feelings of unmooring and lack of language to describe societal anxieties. - Curtis highlights history’s cyclical nature and the importance of narratives to shape the future.
