Friday, November 2, 2007

some thoughts...




"The Man Makes the Hammer then the Hammer Makes the Man"

The quotation « The man makes the hammer and then the hammer makes the man » is a saying laden with truth about humanity and is an ageless quote for contemporary as well as past eras. The “hammer” in this






high angle shot -similar to the one I will use from the tree ->




quote can be a metaphor for the tools that humans have invented. These tools now define, influence and let mankind achieve their greatest potential.

As humans we are continually trying to make our lives easier. We invent new tools which soon become a necessity to our daily lives. In return it is these very tools that define our culture and the people who shape it. Countless “tools” have been created such as the video camera, and in return this has given an outlet for creative and informative expression. It is the very utensils that we have created that we use in our daily lives and is what advances and motivates a change in all world civilizations. Inventions such as the computer have inevitably altered the English language, the way we communicate, spend our time and the way in which we approach and tackle work. As the evolution of technology continues so does the ways we go about our lives and alters the course of humanity. The human production of “tools” available to society is what makes us open to limitless possibilities. “Man” can achieve his greatest potential when using something else that was also made by man. The tools we create are what have molded the progress of human kind.

They have been the building blocks of human communication, interaction and excellence. “Tools”, that were once crude and rudimentary continue to increase in sophistication. It is what we make, how we speak and what we do that lets us use more improved beneficial materials for life- a continuous cycle that changes the direction of human kind and sculpts who we are.

McLuhan, McLuhan, McLuhan

Since disovering some of the works of Marsall Mcluhan a couple years ago, I've been greatly intrigued by this philosopher and academic. I've decided to base my film around the following principle:

Humans are extensions of themselves in the technology and objects they use. We are not confined to being present in our physical bodies but also exist in the tools which we use.

Examples/ my ideas on this issue which I will use in the film:

-a bike as an extension of our legs and mobility
-headphones as an extension of our ears
-a paintbrush as an extension of our hands and imagination
-a camera as an extension of our eyes and memory