'Originality' vs 'Authenticity'

3 posts / 0 new

Sat, 2024-09-07 13:19

The film-maker Jim Jarmusch sums it up for me:

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to."

Wise words, folks!

Sat, 2024-09-14 11:55

Tom Brown

So so true, even most of Shakespear's plays were based on much earlier stories, he was not completely original. It.was more the language and his insight of human nature.

I'm glad you brought this up,

Sat, 2024-09-14 12:52

(Reply to #2) #3

HarryC

I agree, Tom. His language and insight. I like to think it's what we go to literature for. To learn about ourselves through reading about the lives of others.