Elysium [What we can Imagine –> We can Build]

This is part 3 of 4 of for the Big Summertime Storytelling I do this summer with Man of Steel, Wolverine, Pacific Rim and Elysium.

Also check out my Storytelling post on Cloud Atlas, Iron Man 3, Oblivion and Princess of Mars.

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The Elysium Future [What we can Imagine –> We can Build]

We must use Storytelling and Science Fiction to envision a new Future. And to raise important question for an ongoing dialog about the future and where we are going. We should draw parallels to our past and present to give us better picture of who we are and how we build our society. Why do we go forward?

The Elysium Future

So it was time for my 4th movie trip of the summer. Previous trips that I have discussed are Man of Steel, Pacific Rim and The Wolverine. Now it was time for the one story that would savior them all. Elysium was going to be epic judging from the imagery and visions I’ve seen. Maybe a next Matrix? Nah.

It’s a basic action story with to many logic loopholes. It’s set in a dystopic future that tries to provoke with cheap points about hell on Earth and heaven in space for the rich and powerful. On earth we have high-tech robot making facility made with human workforce in the worst Tayloristic way. Where threats of sacking is used to motivate people to do their best quality job. Not riming well with Johan Lange’s LUCKc-conept and Daniel Pink’s findings what motivates people. Elysium is also defended by a one man crazy mercenary back on Earth? Not Plausible.

Social Media is always missing from today’s Sci-Fi movies [Why is that?]

And where is the Internet and Social Media? By now everyone should have Google Lenses built into their eyes at birth with access to everyone of earth. Or at least the old and the powerful that had their inserted before the catastrophes.

“Many believe the brain separates fiction from reality. In “reality” the brains stores everything as stories. Humans are creatures of Neverland. We live in Neverland because we can’t not live in Neverland.” — Jonathan Gotschall

Yet again a disappointment. Now I am mad. A book writer would never get away with it. As I’ve said before in my post on Pacific Rim. It’s now time to use the power of Storytelling for what it is. “Profound lessons that you should internalize“. The brains already scans the story for what message to learn. If there is none or a bad one the brain still learns it. It’s time to step up that game if we are to move into the future with a Vision Worthy of the Human Race. Movie makers should listen to what Seth Godin and Neil Gaiman says. Make Good Art. When your art fails. Make Better Art. Don’t just copy old formulas. Or try to make lesser art by picking parts from other movies. Take the best parts and make something new and better. Be Bold. Make Better Art. 

Elysium should be about a dystopian future. But one where the Mega corporations and the Banks have taken control of Earth. They are run by some rich power-hungry Families that has taken over all power on earth, including the Military. In order for that to work they must have taken total control over the internet and Social Media. A complete Surveillance Society where you can get to anyone that as much as lifts a finger against the authority. Rebels can only make a resistance in rogue secret networks using the network against itself with supreme hacker skills. On Earth we have a complete chaos on an environmental disastrous planet where focus for the masses consists in finding clean water and food for the day. The Powerful remains in power with the help of the Robot Armies of the Mega Corporations with drones everywhere as human soldiers couldn’t be trusted. — Now that is better plot in the right direction. Maybe I should help Hollywood out?

Neil Gaiman – Make Better Art!

We have a responsibility to tell better stories! Business as usual won’t cut it on Earth anymore. When making this huge Sci-Fi Storytelling Projects we have a responsibility to put together a large team of Futurist that can try to imagine and show us what one or another future might look like depending on what path we trod down. Make Better Art! Make Better Stories!

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Stories I love [Continuum, Dollhouse and Hemlock Grove]

“I can’t change the past but I’m here hoping to change the future” — Jim Martin, Continuum

Well the summer wasn’t a complete dry on good Storytelling. I got to see 3 great TV-Series. First was the second season of Continuum. It really makes me think about what future we want to create and that Mankind can do it together. The season finale is just Epic for a true mind.

“Change the Architecture of the Future Change the Architect of the Future” — Jason, Continuum

Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse also really grew on me as I was watching season 1 on Netflix. The final episode “Epitaph” was also Epic Storytelling.

Why what’s your fantasy? Oh. I’m okay right here in the real world, thanks. No, no, you have a fantasy, okay? We all do. We need it to survive. — Doll House

Both are just the way a “Real” Sci-Fi show should be. Just on the border of being to complex. It should have you sitting on the edge of the sofa or even standing up, mind racing and heart beating faster. Challenging us to keep up all the time 🙂 And finally we have Hemlock Grove also on Netflix. A very nice story about Werewolfs and other magic set in a small town in Pennsylvania in the spirit of Twin Peaks and Vampire Diaries. With a huge secret plot that is revealed a little piece at the time.

Ouroboros & Yin Yang

In both Hemlock Grove and Continuum is also the mention of Ouroboros. I saw the episodes on the same night and it freaked me out 🙂

Why is Storytelling Important?
What we can Imagine –> We can Build
— Lord Sillion

@LordSillion [Michael Sillion]
Holistic Thinking Ninja

Check out Jason Silva below on why Cinema is so fantastic 🙂