Arts & Ideas Escapism
Jun 28, 2024
Noreen Masud, a lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature, and Kirsty Sinclair Dootson, a film and media lecturer, dive deep into the concept of escapism. They discuss how travel, cinema, and literature serve as both a refuge and distraction in our lives. The conversation touches on how identity influences our need for escape and the socio-political implications of cinematic art, especially during tough times. They also explore the philosophical significance of dreams and the complexity of opinions in a fast-paced world.
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Jules Evans' Escape to Costa Rica
- Jules Evans escaped from the UK during pandemic lockdown and moved to Costa Rica initially for a month.
- He ended up staying long-term, engaged, and is building a life and house there.
Escape vs. Escapism in Literature
- Escapist literature often features predictable characters and risk-free plots, offering safety.
- True escape involves tackling real problems, unlike escapism which is avoidance without solutions.
The Wizard of Oz and Technicolor Escapism
- Dorothy’s Technicolor journey in The Wizard of Oz symbolizes escapism yet she ultimately returns to reality.
- The vibrant Technicolor paradoxically derives from materials linked to wartime death, adding uncanny meaning.