Actor and comedian Matt Johnson joins Pete Holmes to discuss topics such as their favorite TV shows, tapping into their inner child, the art of lying and storytelling, not settling for mediocrity, studying Christianity as a way to lose well, the influence of cold weather on mentality and comedy, the differences between the entertainment industries in Canada and the United States, the downsides of living in Los Angeles, fostering childhood creativity and wonder, the challenge of reaching the highest level in video games, the importance of audiences and leaving room for growth in pitching, personal experiences and skepticism towards UFOs, and a funny incident involving their friend Ben Taylor.
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Quick takeaways
The movie 'Blackberry' explores the theme of failure and revival, drawing inspiration from ancient myths.
Movies like 'Blackberry' tap into ancient myths without explicitly stating it, connecting the myths of the past with the present.
Canada's risk-averse culture and fear of failure can hinder the desire for greatness, highlighting the need to challenge oneself and pursue greatness.
The movie 'Blackberry' reflects on the role of comedy in challenging ego and societal norms.
Understanding storytelling structure allows for the development of engaging and surprising stories.
Deep dives
The Power of Failure and Revival
The movie 'Blackberry' explores the theme of failure and revival, drawing inspiration from ancient myths. It tells the story of a corporate empire that starts small, achieves great success, and then falls into personal failure. The main character, Jim, tries to do whatever it takes to stay on top and avoid failure, but ultimately finds himself betrayed. The movie delves into the cost of success and the wisdom that can be found in failure.
The Mythic Nature of Corporate Stories
Movies like 'Blackberry' tap into ancient myths without explicitly stating it. These stories of corporations and their rise and fall mirror ancient hero journeys, where characters face trials and seek immortality or success, only to experience personal failure and loss. These stories connect the myths of the past with the present, reminding us of universal human experiences and the lessons they hold.
The Desire for Greatness and Fear of Loss
Canada's risk-averse culture and fear of failure can hinder the desire for greatness. The movie 'Blackberry' showcases the desperation to succeed for success's sake and the fear of losing what has been achieved. This fear can lead to compromise and settling for mediocrity. It highlights the need to challenge oneself, take risks, and pursue greatness in order to truly create impactful and meaningful work.
Humiliation and the Power of Comedy
The movie 'Blackberry' reflects on the role of comedy in challenging ego and success. It emphasizes the power of comedy to confront social hierarchies, mock the gods of status and importance, and disrupt societal norms. Through the characters' experiences of humiliation, the movie examines the nature of comedy as a tool to shake up convention and bring about introspection and growth.
The Power of Structure and Storytelling
Structure and storytelling are vital components of creating a compelling narrative. Understanding and embracing storytelling structure allows for the development of engaging and surprising stories. The mythic elements found in ancient tales and dreams can serve as inspiration for modern storytelling. Ultimately, surprising yet inevitable storylines capture the audience's attention and create a powerful viewing experience.
Embracing Disruption and Overcoming Challenges
Disruption and challenges can be transformative and lead to personal growth and creative breakthroughs. Personal experiences such as death, breakups, and illness can sometimes propel individuals towards pursuing their true passions and dreams. Embracing discomfort and pushing through pain can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes, encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones and experience profound personal and artistic growth.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Inspiration can be found in unlikely places, such as movies, dreams, and conversations. Ideas can manifest through spontaneous discussions and interactions, resulting in the birth of creative concepts. The process of pitching ideas and engaging in conversations can often lead to the discovery of new storylines, allowing room for imagination and collaboration. Remaining open to unexpected sources of inspiration can result in fresh and innovative creative endeavors.
The Power of Storytelling and the Influence of Original Stories
The speaker reflects on the power of storytelling and how it is deeply ingrained in our DNA. They suggest that the stories we tell and believe shape our identity and the way we make sense of the world. These stories have a profound impact on our lives, connecting us to the past and influencing our actions in the present. Whether they are religious, mythical, or cultural in nature, these stories provide a framework for understanding and finding meaning in our existence.
The Role of AI, Cyborgs, and the Uncanny Valley
The speaker expresses skepticism towards the idea of AI and cyborgs, suggesting that they will never truly replicate the human experience. They believe that humans possess a unique ability to spot other humans, and that attempting to create perfect replicas through technologies like AI will always fall short and be perceived as off or uncanny. The speaker also highlights the importance of preserving the human qualities of exploration, curiosity, and the joy of discovering new frontiers, rather than relying solely on technological advancements.
