Totally agree! That's the difference between a movie that's 9/10 and one that's 10/10 for me. A 9/10 is pretty much a perfect movie and has everything you'd ever want in a movie, but lacks that special, personal quality. 10/10 movies are the same as 9/10, except they hit you on a personal level, you relate to them. Even if they're not perfect, they are special to you and you watched them at the perfect moment in your life. If that makes any sense at all lol
Jesus man. Haven't related to a video as much as this one in a very long time. Just finished my last year of film school - now in the same clueless void that i'm sure everyone visits. This is why i love film though, fresh perspectives that can touch and shape you. I can only hope the industry evolves in a way that maintains stories with such power and not just the pre-sold franchise sequels. Thanks Karsten, Jack
@@SkinsFirstGeneration I did and I was absolutely baffled by how much I enjoyed it. I've seen it twice now, and plan to watch it a 3rd time soon. Such a great film.
Part of why I always have a hard time watching videos about “Synecdoche” is the music. Jon Brion. Ugh. This score TEARS me apart inside. It’s so rich and beautiful and haunting and depressing. And I even feel that way about the music independent of the film. It’s one of the most effective scores I’ve ever heard in my life. And it’s hard to listen to.
Same thing here . As soon as it starts in anyone’s video I’m instantly filled with the dread , depression and anxiety it filled me with . Perfection from Jon .
After watching Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and that being my favorite film I'm gonna have to wait a second before it gets dethroned because the way you described this film, it's gonna get dethroned
MapleMilk I personally still like eternal sunshine of the Spotless Mind better than synecdoche New York, but synecdoche New York is definitely more ambitious, deep, and impactful (in a jarring way). I think eternal sunshine has more heart and I might like it better because it feels a little more personal in a less larger than life way, I guess synecdoche New York intimidates me a bit haha. Either way, there’s no denying Charlie Kaufman is a genius
Maybe it's me, but instead of making me depressed, Synecdoche makes me realize how important life and the people around you are. Perhaps by introducing us to a protagonist who is not exactly a good person who makes mistakes that harm him, it makes me think (I do not intend to end up like him)
Yea so I think that this might be the hug I was needing. I struggle with ocd and anxiety on a quickly becoming crippling manor. But I say hey ohwell it’s me, this is who I am and it’s ok, but then I think we’ll maybe I should get some help, but that’s hard when you have no friends, like true friends, I am friendly with people although I believe that that makes loneliness worse than if I were literally alone, as those people remind you how close you could be to having someone, anyone, just a friend, yet the anxiety half’s me from reaching out. I don’t know what I started this comment thinking I was going to right, but oh well. I guess I found it profoundly comforting, for someone who I admire so much, like truly admire, to talk about anxiety and loneliness and the effects of being kinda alone. Thank you Karsten for being so honest with not only yourself but with all of us.
This is not the video we were expecting, but the one we need it. Movies reminds us that we are humans, that we feel, fear, love and die. Thats why they it us so hard after we see one with soul, and Synecdoche, New York is just one of those. Just like Synecdoche, New York, this video is covered with your soul Karsten, so personal, so beautiful. Thanks one again for the video and have fun at tiff.
Fantastic video man, you nailed exactly what this film is all about without even analyzing a frame of it. This movie is, in my opinion, the greatest film ever made and the fact that it's slowly gaining notoriety, and that I'll probably live to see it become a classic makes me very happy tbh.
As you suggested, Caden wants to find meaning, to make sense of it all but in trying to do that, he missed out on Life itself. He hurt people (knowingly or unknowingly) and the play to explore the meaning of life falls in to obscurity, when he finally figures it all out, he is already an old man and dies. There is no greater meaning to life, the meaning of life is to simply be...be in the moment. If you are hungry, eat. If you are tired, sleep. Do something nice for people around, expect nothing in return. Try to do something good for future generation by means of poetry, art, music, literature, science, etc so that the future may benefit from it whatever shape the future takes. By doing so, living life without any meaning, you will have become the Absurd Hero as Camus puts it, one who does not need meaning or purpose but simply exist in content. "Pass through this little stretch of space/time conformably to nature and end your journey in content. The same way an olive falls off a branch when it is ripe, blessing nature who produced it and thanking the tree on which it grew." - The Meditations
To follow up on your comment on him finally figuring it out: He said this at least twice before already in the film, so this could be seen as him still not understanding the meaning of life, even at death.
How I relate to this film personally right now: Lately I’ve been going through all the theology of Christianity trying to discover the real gospel, real salvation, real righteousness to get it right 100%. I was missing the point. God gave us salvation freely, saved us by grace, imputed His righteousness to us as a gift in order that we could be free & live without spending our whole life trying to save ourselves, justify ourselves, & earn His love. That is why it is the gospel of peace that gives us rest so we can live free from fear of death & condemnation. This teaches us how to love others unconditionally & give them that same peace by requiring nothing of them. I would not have discovered this without trying to find the truth, but the truth was that I had nothing to fear to begin with. What I thought the film was trying to say: This man lived his life afraid of dying, was always sick & yet he outlived everyone who seemed healthier & happier than he was. I think the point is that a short life well lived is better than a longer life dragged out in misery. After all, life is still short even if you make it to 100. Fear may help you live longer but is that a life worth living longer for?
I don’t really understand why but this video was like a hug, it hit me hard. Karsten, you’re big, man and you do make a difference and an impact, a good one.
True. Dude was like 50 when he wrote Synechdoche New York, and he's thoughts and life perception is those of a 70 year old man. Charlie Kaufman is a genius
This is the most honest and revelatory video I've ever watched from you and I am HERE FOR IT. I remember being a little kid (8ish) and being obsessed with death. My parents wouldn't let me watch the news and I would lie in bed and become frozen with fear for hours in the dark about the finality of death and what it would be like to just no longer exist...plus coming from a christian background I was like "oh fuck what about hell...". It was horrible and I still have to push the dark thoughts out of my brain late at night or I won't be able to sleep. As for the legacy bit, I have become really interested in my own genealogy lately. I feel a sense of camaraderie with all these people who lived and died and were forgotten. I think of them as they were in life... as daughters, fathers, friends, etc and hate the thought that all they are is forgotten now. I've never watched Synecdoche, New York but I'm inspired to now. It seems like the type of film that will hit everyone in their own respective existential feelers. Thanks for adding a movie to my "You're quarantined and have no excuse" watch list.
I wouldn't call myself a MASSIVE fan of yours, but that pan to your Goblin shirt immediately before your mentioning of angstily discovering Odd Future was sublime filmmaking.
When you say you want to move people, I think about how your channel helped me to become more passionate about movies. it all started with the movie La La land and fom there I found your channel, it was like I was scraping the surface of an industry I really actually enjoyed, and thinking about getting into. thank you for making me discover the power of movies.
My 13 year old brother died in a car accident two years ago and things like that really change your perspective of life. Life and death are opposites of each other, they're part of each other.
He built up an inner world to block out all the pain, cope, and chase meaning. However when this whole world was destroyed, he went to the center of it all to find the only thing that survived and I guess the only thing he ever really wanted which was genuine human connection/affection. I just watched this and your video. The more I think about both the more I connect with it in ways that I hadn’t even thought about before. Thanks.
Wow that made me bawl harder than the actual movie did. If it means anything what so ever your channel and podcast are the reasons I fell in love with film. So excited for what the future holds for you man.
This is the first video of yours i'm watching and I am deeply impressed at your honesty about yourself, your sense of self and the effect it might have had on you and the people around you. everything you said hit home extremely hard, as someone struggling with the same issues, you actually made me shed a tear. Thank you for this video.
The best thing about Kauffman's writing besides his insights into the thoughts and minds of humans is his honesty. He gives you the complete raw and unfiltered take of what he thinks through his work and I love it. And of course, his work is very unique as well.
This video is special. It's personal and I love someone talking about something that means so much to them. Thank you for making this, it explains the love for films perfectly.
You know it feels good knowing there is someone who suffers with health related anxiety, but also that they immerse themselves in the art of film which can help with that burdening thought process. After being a fan for quite some time now, this is far and away my favourite of your videos Karsten. Thank you x
the beauty of film is how it can move you to the point where you think it's magical. Sometimes a film can reach you at an emotional level that you think wasn't even possible. For Karsten this film is Synecdoche, New York. Thank you for this video.
I don’t know exactly what it was about this video but it finally got me to commit to subscribing. I’ve been watching your videos consistently for months yet I never subscribed until this video and something about it genuinely connecting with me. Thank you, Karsten.
@@meeszanten1720 do you have letterboxd? If you do, (it's an app/website) log in and follow Karsten. It will say FAVOURITES: and four movies will be at the bottom
His New Ones Are: It's Such a Beautiful Day Fantastic Mr. Fox Synecdoche, New York La Haine Spot 4 has been frequently changing around from First Reformed, Crumb and Blue Velvet
I know this videos from a few years ago so you probably won’t see this, but you already have had a positive effect on people! Your channel is a big part of why I and I’m sure a lot of your subscribers started watching and appreciating film to the extent that I do now
Honestly the way you made this video with how personal you got with it is something I truly appreciate that a person can do. Not even as a UA-camr but just as a person. Even though Fantastic Mr. Fox is still my favorite movie I still think this whole video is amazing in its own right.
Synecdoche, New York is my favorite film, and pretty much for all the reasons you've mentioned. Watching this video feels like someone who knows me better than I thought talking about me.
This is one of my favourite movies of all time, but, I actually think it is the GREATEST film of all time. It encapsulates life, death and everything in between through the most honest, real and raw artform: theater. Although this film exists in a hyper realistic situation, it is the most real and personable film I've ever watched. There isn't a frame that goes by that can't be analyzed; it's deep and thought provoking and Philip Seymour Hoffman gives his best on screen performance ever
So i just finished watching it, and I’d like your input on this. The first 3/4th of the movie is fantastic, but the last quarter drags on too long don’t you think? I felt like I’d seen a three hour movie instead of two. I respect your opinion, but I’d like you to explain your take on the ending. Maybe it’ll be better on the second watch.I still like it tho. Cheers
@@aryavirsangwan6837 Yes, watch it again - the ending has the most chilling resolution. Maybe it's true that the end is a bit slow or "stalled" - possibly a metaphor for the end life. Here is the final monologue: What was once before you an exciting and mysterious future is now behind you, lived, understood, disappointing. You realize you are not special. You have struggled into existence and are now slipping silently out of it. This is everyone's experience. Every single one. The specifics hardly matter. Everyone is everyone. So you are Adele, Hazel, Claire, Olive. You are Ellen. All her meager sadnesses are yours. All her loneliness. The gray, straw-like hair. Her red, raw hands. It's yours. It is time for you to understand this. Walk. As the people who adore you stop adoring you, as they die, as they move on, as you shed them, as you shed your beauty, your youth, as the world forgets you, as you recognize your transience, as you begin to lose your characteristics one by one as you learn there is no one watching you and there never was, you think only about driving. Not coming from anyplace, not arriving anyplace, just driving, counting off time. Now, you are here. It's 7:43. Now, you are here. It's 7:44. Now, you are...gone.
*You're already changing the world and making a difference in our lives, we love you more than you can understand... Thank you to your work. You're worth the world 💕💕💕*
Caden is so focused on creating something that leaves a legacy behind and touches people's hearts that he forgets there are people around him. In the pursuit of perfection he ignores the people that love him, and because of that, is unable to create something beautiful.
This might be one of the best video essays I have ever watched and that might be for the exact same reason that I like Kaufman’s films: your honesty and sincerity radiates from the screen with every passing second. Most video essayists only talk about form and structure and idea but none ever relate a piece of art to their personal life, at least not to the degree you’ve done here. I have watched every analysis video on Synecdoche I could find and must say you have found the perfect way to approach this movie and illustrate its meaning. My respect.
Hey! Came across your video after stumbling onto Synecdoche. Im still numb as wow, I found that movie a lot to digest. - the character, the music, the self absorption, and the futility of trying to control it all. And I spose the 'familiarity'. 'Everyone is a lead in their own movie' is a concept that was cool and haunting to watch. And thank you for your honest video of how the film fits in with your life and how you find ways to get offline and be more human. These screens work against that A LOT. And I think build a lot of anxiety within us. Screens seem so irresistable, but often, give you nothing. Im so glad you went to Paris. so many stay in their home towns. travel is a wonderful way to get some new perspective into your life. of being presesnt. and being of service to others. And do me a favor.. remind me of that sometime, ok? I get stuck in my head too.
That feeling you described coming home from studying abroad and wanting things to be fixed really resonated with me. I haven't been able to put a meaning behind it but you hit the nail on the head. This video means a lot, thanks for being so honest.
Something about Charlie Kaufman writing is that it never makes sense when u first see his work but something always clicks, you understand the message or what it's trying to say on a base level and it invites you to rewatch and understand it even further I watched this film when I was 16 (mainly cos of this video), it didn't make any sense but It made me ball my eyes out crying by the end I recently rewatched this film at almost 19 years old it starts to make more sense and hit even harder Charlie said this is a film you watch again and again and again it's one that resonates and sticks with you when you get older the film becomes a lot clearer as you start to relate to Caden, it's haunting and scary but this film is a way to comfort you and let you know it's ok because we all experience it, we are all human and it's ok to be scared of what's to come
This video feels so personal yet there's so many ways to relate to it. it's incredible how film can make you see so many aspects of your own life. As this video gets out I'm going into my junior year of high school and dealing with decisions that will permanently affect my future, and I find that one of the only things that make sense in my life right now is film. I don't know why this video hit so close home if I haven't even watched this film and I can't pretend to find myself in the same situation as you, but hearing people so personlly about how film affected their life is something that I will always find enthralling. I loved this video and I assure you it hit many people as hard as it hit me.
I really liked this video, I watched Synecdoche a couple weeks ago and I was left with the feeling that I just couldn't get it at this point in my life, still in high school, but this video really helped me see it as more than just 'a movie people like for some reason that is impossible for me to understand'
I think I let the idea of death consume my life a lot & it just adds on to my anxiety. Thank you for talking about this, Karsten. I’ll definitely need to check this film out! I’ve been here since like 10k & seeing how your videos have improved is such a joy and has grown my love for film. This is your best video yet!
Your delivery of this dreadful, terrifying, yet relatable information, even though I've never seen the movie, nor do I know you, really hit me hard. You made a good video man.
karsten you probably dont care, but your videos inspire me in ways you dont even understand. you helped spark my immense passion for film. you introduced me to life-changing films. you changed the way i watch and perceive movies. your content has made a huge impact on my life, so in that way, your existence and your work is worthwhile. thank you.
You and I have had similar influences. Ameican beauty touch me very much in my youth but when I saw Synecdoche NY it changed my whole view on film but also my life. I know Who ever is touched by this film is a kindred spirit. It lets me know so much about a person without having a personal conversation with them. This film will always stay with me and even tho ive seen many reviews of it this one. The one youve created will always be one of my favorites. Thank you. From one little person to another.
This video has brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings in such a honest, realistic, and relatable way. This was a very cathartic video-one of your best. I’m very excited for the future of your content as you keep surprising me with how much better you keep on getting. This was a wonderful video, Karsten. Thank you.
I completely understand that fear of death. For me its the anxiety of not knowing what comes after all of this. It's scary because the more I think about it the more detached and indifferent I feel towards life itself. Similar to you, I've never been popular and I definitely went through an angsty phase, but I found a solace in the medium of film and tv. It helps me make sense of life and the emotions I'm feeling.
Let me share something that I think is lost by a lot of people. I’m not sure what your background is but I’ve been struggling with this fear too of the unknown, just a general anxiety & unrest wondering if what I heard my whole life about dying & going to heaven is actually true (since I grew up in church). So for the past 18 months I’ve been going through all the theologies of religion trying to discover the real truth, real salvation, real righteousness to get it right 100%. But (like the character in this film) by searching for all the things I must do to finally have this peace I was missing the point. God gave us salvation freely, saved us by grace, imputed His righteousness to us as a gift in order that we could be free & live without spending our whole life trying to save ourselves, justify ourselves, & earn His love. That is why it is the gospel of peace that gives us rest so we can live free from fear of death & judgment. This teaches us how to love others unconditionally & give them that same peace by requiring nothing of them. I would not have discovered this without trying to find the truth, but the truth was that I had nothing to fear to begin with. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love & a sound mind. Therefore we can always know that it is never God’s will for us to be afraid, but to always have peace. I hope this will give you comfort or perhaps encourage you to seek comfort & while seeking you’ll discover like I did that God’s entire plan was to give you comfort by giving you eternal life as a gift & loving you unconditionally, not counting any of your mistakes against you.
I wish this video reached me sooner, it’s one of my all time favorites right now. This video means so so much to me. Recently I’ve had crazy amounts of panic and anxiety over death, to the point where I will loose sleep as to not die in my sleep. I know it’s silly but the idea of just nothing forever is one of the worst things in the world to me. Often my friends who I communicate this to feel sad, but can’t really relate as they are more comfortable with the idea of death than I am. It’s means a lot to me seeing someone who helps me see I’m not alone. Thank you.
That’s because you were created for eternal life. No one was created to die except to die to the fear of death. “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
While watching this movie for the first time 2 years ago, I stopped halfway because I needed to go to the bathroom. I got up and I was very dizzy and disoriented because I was so absorbed in the movie's world. A movie had never made me feel like that. I didn't even realize that I was completely inside "New York". That's how good the script and the execution of it on screen is. It made me self reflect in a way no other form of media had ever done. It has a different effect on everyone, but for me, it hit me on a much deeper and more personal level and I will never forget how I felt after seeing it. I am forever grateful to Charlie and PSH for making it come to life. And now, thank you Karsten, now I know there is at least one more person that can talk about this movie forever.
This is one of the most powerful UA-cam videos I’ve ever seen. Synecdoche, New York is my favourite film of all time and it has changed my life just as much as it changed yours. I’m glad this video exists. It brought me down to earth, gave me a different prespective of the film and changed me as much as the film did
hey i loved this video a ton. i watched this movie about a year ago and i feel like the more i revisit it the more i learn from it. it wasn't until i actually learned the definition of the word 'synecdoche' that i felt as if i understood what i was needed to from the movie: that one person is representative of all people. or that, everyone is everyone. as someone who as watched your videos for years i really appreciated this and loved hearing your personal take on this movie. thank you.
this is a gorgeous video. the film itself is a testament to how difficult it is to communicate and deal with these existential thoughts and feelings, so your ability to eloquently express those sentiments in this video is amazing.
I clicked on this video then stopped right after you gave the basic synopsis so I could go watch the movie. I wouldn't have reached this film without you. Thank you!
I watched this video right after crying loudly while watching Synecdoche, New York, and this video gave me more perspective on the film. This film has changed my life, I can already feel it and yes it is pretentious but god this movie man, just god.
I found this dramatic film incredibly uplifting in the end. To think of how we are all experiencing this life in all of its complexities is overwhelming, tragic, and awe inspiring. It was a heavy film with existential & psychological threads all through it but when I finished watching it I felt more empathy for the world at large and how we are all having these experiences that are complex in details, thoughts, perspectives; even in the simplest of lives takes a lifetime to tell in its uncondensed form. We are all the lead actors in our own plays. You are a lead actor, the person reading this is a lead actor, I am a lead actor. The significance is finding love and working in a way to hopefully look back on a life of love and connection and not regret for not having tried your best and dedicated yourself to some ultimate purpose. This film was mind shattering to me at first and then I studied its use of colors early on from the reds to the greens & blues and how they all represented different themes. In the beginning green colors were sick and blue colors were also heavy and dealing with health. At the end of the film green is seen in some spots as new life like the picnic. I could write a whole essay on this films use of color. I think any film school teaching about colors would do well to use this as an example. The colors themselves help tell the story and they are masterfully woven together once the viewer establishes a general theme to each one so the lines are blurred. To me this film skipped over the 4th wall without breaking it. Finally watched it tonight and am reeling from the experience. This movie felt both incredibly complex in its arrangement and themes but at the same time very simple in its view of life and how we are all a part of something greater. Like the tiny paintings held so much story to them when seen up close and the replica city held so much story from a farther perspective and then through time as another perspective. It’s a question that makes me empathetic for the world and the human condition while making me want to live while I’m alive.
The woman who comforts Caden at the end of the film is an actress named Deirdre O'Connell -- and she's in a one-woman show called Dana H. at the Vineyard Theatre in New York. If you wanna see art about life and death...whew. Rewatch this movie and then go see that play.
Hey so I just got around to watching this video and this literally should be titled my love letter to film because yes this is/was your favorite movie and the reasons you give are extremely significant but what truly is described in this video is why films are so important in many peoples lives. This was awesome. Thank you.
Well said. This movie is in my Top 3 of all time and has been there for a while. In all of the movie's ambiguity, it somehow manages everything I feel about my thoughts on life and all _it's_ ambiguities better than anything I have ever seen on film. I absolutely love it. Thank you sir! And good luck in your final year of school:)
Honestly I wish more people would do essays like this. There’s such an objectivity to film now that, as someone who’s more dedicated to the emotions of film and the reactions they get out of people just hearing about a way a film touched somebody or brought on this strong emotion is amazing. Of course we need objective analysis but just as your art teacher puts a picture up on the projector and asks “what makes up this picture” they also ask “what does this picture make you feel.”
This film changed my life. thank you for giving it the praise it deserves. I do my best to introduce everyone I can to it. the sad part is it never gets any praise. it was for sure Hoffmans best role.
This just shows that favorite movies are not always the best movies, but the most relevant to your life.
Totally agree! That's the difference between a movie that's 9/10 and one that's 10/10 for me. A 9/10 is pretty much a perfect movie and has everything you'd ever want in a movie, but lacks that special, personal quality. 10/10 movies are the same as 9/10, except they hit you on a personal level, you relate to them. Even if they're not perfect, they are special to you and you watched them at the perfect moment in your life. If that makes any sense at all lol
I get that, that was baby driver for me
The point I use to justify the fact that I think 2001 is the best movie ever, but that Stand By Me is my personal favorite.
Synecdoche, New York is the best movie wtf...?
Exactly this.
her: whats your favourite movie?
karsten: so like my pet sheep ran away when i was a kid-
I don't get it
@@topnug7626 1:24
Karsten’s gay
😂
Her is a good movie too
Wow I can’t believe part 6 is finally out - great video Adam!
All jokes aside, this is a phenomenal video Karsten. Very personal, and very much appreciated. Thank you :)
YES LOL!!!
Haha yeah. We'll be dead before that series is finished
Lobotomy Jones you might say time is slipping through my fingers...
2 years latwr and im still fucking waiting cmon adum
This is now my favorite video of yours. Very personable and incredibly well thought out. Loved every second!
Cole Adams didn't expect to see you here
Gioco Giacobbe hey I love movies! Karsten is the best!
idk man that animated fur video will never be topped...
This is now my favorite comment of yours. Very personable and incredibly well thought out. Loved every word!
Jesus man.
Haven't related to a video as much as this one in a very long time. Just finished my last year of film school - now in the same clueless void that i'm sure everyone visits. This is why i love film though, fresh perspectives that can touch and shape you. I can only hope the industry evolves in a way that maintains stories with such power and not just the pre-sold franchise sequels.
Thanks Karsten,
Jack
Most underrated film score ever
***Best
Jon Brion and Jonny Greenwood are just elite
I've never even seen the movie your talking about and yet this still hit me so hard. What a wonderful video.
watch it dude
@@itsmethemusicman4704 cant wait to watch it!
@@fablejoey3666 so did you watch it?
@@SkinsFirstGeneration I did and I was absolutely baffled by how much I enjoyed it. I've seen it twice now, and plan to watch it a 3rd time soon. Such a great film.
“Maybe I’m not supposed to understand this film yet”
Part of why I always have a hard time watching videos about “Synecdoche” is the music. Jon Brion. Ugh. This score TEARS me apart inside. It’s so rich and beautiful and haunting and depressing. And I even feel that way about the music independent of the film. It’s one of the most effective scores I’ve ever heard in my life.
And it’s hard to listen to.
Same thing here . As soon as it starts in anyone’s video I’m instantly filled with the dread , depression and anxiety it filled me with . Perfection from Jon .
*Tacky Entrance Music ensues*
AGGHHH!
"OK" is the best example of theatrical orchestra music I have ever heard
karsten, u remind me of a frat boy who’s really passionate n nice to everyone
Ahw man, I’ve been there. Great video Karsten! And thanks for the shout-out ;)
Is this a cross-over episode?
Synecdoche, New York - My Favourite Movie - My Favourite Karsten Runquist Video
- my favorite comment
After watching Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind and that being my favorite film
I'm gonna have to wait a second before it gets dethroned because the way you described this film, it's gonna get dethroned
MapleMilk I personally still like eternal sunshine of the Spotless Mind better than synecdoche New York, but synecdoche New York is definitely more ambitious, deep, and impactful (in a jarring way). I think eternal sunshine has more heart and I might like it better because it feels a little more personal in a less larger than life way, I guess synecdoche New York intimidates me a bit haha. Either way, there’s no denying Charlie Kaufman is a genius
Anthony Rosenthal I like synecdoche New York, it’s still kinda pretentious. The whole Ellen thing towards the end was too meta for it’s own good
Anthony Rosenthal good to see another teen appreciating art films.
They have the same executive producer
@@aryavirsangwan6837 the ellen idea exists throughout the entire film,not just the end
No joke, I found this movie at a dollar store.
I just got so much nostalgia after seeing this comment I used to watch ur channel so much back in 2015-2016
I went to the dollar store again today and found Hobo With a Shotgun, but I already have it.
I’d buy that for a dollar
In fact, Synecdoche fits perfectly in the one-dollar-store-aesthetic
That is so sad
Maybe it's me, but instead of making me depressed, Synecdoche makes me realize how important life and the people around you are. Perhaps by introducing us to a protagonist who is not exactly a good person who makes mistakes that harm him, it makes me think (I do not intend to end up like him)
Bro had 1 person in his life die and he got lifelong anxiety lmaooo your Squid and the Whale review makes so much sense now
Yea so I think that this might be the hug I was needing. I struggle with ocd and anxiety on a quickly becoming crippling manor. But I say hey ohwell it’s me, this is who I am and it’s ok, but then I think we’ll maybe I should get some help, but that’s hard when you have no friends, like true friends, I am friendly with people although I believe that that makes loneliness worse than if I were literally alone, as those people remind you how close you could be to having someone, anyone, just a friend, yet the anxiety half’s me from reaching out. I don’t know what I started this comment thinking I was going to right, but oh well. I guess I found it profoundly comforting, for someone who I admire so much, like truly admire, to talk about anxiety and loneliness and the effects of being kinda alone. Thank you Karsten for being so honest with not only yourself but with all of us.
This is not the video we were expecting, but the one we need it.
Movies reminds us that we are humans, that we feel, fear, love and die.
Thats why they it us so hard after we see one with soul, and Synecdoche, New York is just one of those.
Just like Synecdoche, New York, this video is covered with your soul Karsten, so personal, so beautiful.
Thanks one again for the video and have fun at tiff.
Fantastic video man, you nailed exactly what this film is all about without even analyzing a frame of it. This movie is, in my opinion, the greatest film ever made and the fact that it's slowly gaining notoriety, and that I'll probably live to see it become a classic makes me very happy tbh.
As you suggested, Caden wants to find meaning, to make sense of it all but in trying to do that, he missed out on Life itself. He hurt people (knowingly or unknowingly) and the play to explore the meaning of life falls in to obscurity, when he finally figures it all out, he is already an old man and dies.
There is no greater meaning to life, the meaning of life is to simply be...be in the moment. If you are hungry, eat. If you are tired, sleep. Do something nice for people around, expect nothing in return. Try to do something good for future generation by means of poetry, art, music, literature, science, etc so that the future may benefit from it whatever shape the future takes. By doing so, living life without any meaning, you will have become the Absurd Hero as Camus puts it, one who does not need meaning or purpose but simply exist in content.
"Pass through this little stretch of space/time conformably to nature and end your journey in content. The same way an olive falls off a branch when it is ripe, blessing nature who produced it and thanking the tree on which it grew." - The Meditations
To follow up on your comment on him finally figuring it out: He said this at least twice before already in the film, so this could be seen as him still not understanding the meaning of life, even at death.
How I relate to this film personally right now: Lately I’ve been going through all the theology of Christianity trying to discover the real gospel, real salvation, real righteousness to get it right 100%. I was missing the point. God gave us salvation freely, saved us by grace, imputed His righteousness to us as a gift in order that we could be free & live without spending our whole life trying to save ourselves, justify ourselves, & earn His love. That is why it is the gospel of peace that gives us rest so we can live free from fear of death & condemnation. This teaches us how to love others unconditionally & give them that same peace by requiring nothing of them. I would not have discovered this without trying to find the truth, but the truth was that I had nothing to fear to begin with.
What I thought the film was trying to say: This man lived his life afraid of dying, was always sick & yet he outlived everyone who seemed healthier & happier than he was. I think the point is that a short life well lived is better than a longer life dragged out in misery. After all, life is still short even if you make it to 100. Fear may help you live longer but is that a life worth living longer for?
i just watched this for the first time almost a month ago,,, one of my favorites. i adore it
man this is like an epilogue to the movie
I don’t really understand why but this video was like a hug, it hit me hard.
Karsten, you’re big, man and you do make a difference and an impact, a good one.
Bro u just made me realize ima die. Lol.
You ok?
Before u did u were immortal. Fuck him bro no ur not.
You shouldn’t watch this movie then
Visit a cemetery every every day.
...you never realised??
bro i was having breakdowns about death at the age of 7
Charlie Kaufman may be the most insightful, mature and wise artist working today. In any medium.
True.
Dude was like 50 when he wrote Synechdoche New York, and he's thoughts and life perception is those of a 70 year old man.
Charlie Kaufman is a genius
Synecdoche, New York. One of my favourite movies and one of the finest of this century.
Beautiful video, Karsten. You should be really proud of it.
Everyone is everyone.
Martin Def Nah fr?
Holy _wow_
This video is incredible, 11/10
This is the most honest and revelatory video I've ever watched from you and I am HERE FOR IT. I remember being a little kid (8ish) and being obsessed with death. My parents wouldn't let me watch the news and I would lie in bed and become frozen with fear for hours in the dark about the finality of death and what it would be like to just no longer exist...plus coming from a christian background I was like "oh fuck what about hell...". It was horrible and I still have to push the dark thoughts out of my brain late at night or I won't be able to sleep. As for the legacy bit, I have become really interested in my own genealogy lately. I feel a sense of camaraderie with all these people who lived and died and were forgotten. I think of them as they were in life... as daughters, fathers, friends, etc and hate the thought that all they are is forgotten now. I've never watched Synecdoche, New York but I'm inspired to now. It seems like the type of film that will hit everyone in their own respective existential feelers. Thanks for adding a movie to my "You're quarantined and have no excuse" watch list.
I wouldn't call myself a MASSIVE fan of yours, but that pan to your Goblin shirt immediately before your mentioning of angstily discovering Odd Future was sublime filmmaking.
When you say you want to move people, I think about how your channel helped me to become more passionate about movies. it all started with the movie La La land and fom there I found your channel, it was like I was scraping the surface of an industry I really actually enjoyed, and thinking about getting into. thank you for making me discover the power of movies.
My 13 year old brother died in a car accident two years ago and things like that really change your perspective of life. Life and death are opposites of each other, they're part of each other.
Amazingly honest and thoughtful presentation of yourself and your love of this movie and how meaningful it is to you.
He built up an inner world to block out all the pain, cope, and chase meaning. However when this whole world was destroyed, he went to the center of it all to find the only thing that survived and I guess the only thing he ever really wanted which was genuine human connection/affection.
I just watched this and your video. The more I think about both the more I connect with it in ways that I hadn’t even thought about before. Thanks.
this is the most emotionally draining movie i've ever watched
Yes. I have never been able to describe how terrible it made me feel
I’ve been waiting for this forever YMS. Took you long enough.
Wow that made me bawl harder than the actual movie did. If it means anything what so ever your channel and podcast are the reasons I fell in love with film. So excited for what the future holds for you man.
This is the first video of yours i'm watching and I am deeply impressed at your honesty about yourself, your sense of self and the effect it might have had on you and the people around you. everything you said hit home extremely hard, as someone struggling with the same issues, you actually made me shed a tear. Thank you for this video.
The best thing about Kauffman's writing besides his insights into the thoughts and minds of humans is his honesty. He gives you the complete raw and unfiltered take of what he thinks through his work and I love it. And of course, his work is very unique as well.
This video is special.
It's personal and I love someone talking about something that means so much to them.
Thank you for making this,
it explains the love for films perfectly.
this video felt like a hug I didn't know I needed, thank you karsten
You know it feels good knowing there is someone who suffers with health related anxiety, but also that they immerse themselves in the art of film which can help with that burdening thought process. After being a fan for quite some time now, this is far and away my favourite of your videos Karsten. Thank you x
Being so honest with yourself: powerful.
Sharing that honesty with everyone else: beautiful.
ty, my dude
the beauty of film is how it can move you to the point where you think it's magical. Sometimes a film can reach you at an emotional level that you think wasn't even possible. For Karsten this film is Synecdoche, New York. Thank you for this video.
This is my favorite movie. I never show it to anyone. I don't do things like that to people.
I don’t know exactly what it was about this video but it finally got me to commit to subscribing. I’ve been watching your videos consistently for months yet I never subscribed until this video and something about it genuinely connecting with me. Thank you, Karsten.
5 months later, he puts Fantastic Mr Fox back in place for his favorite movie.
Yeah I follow his letterboxd and I just thought that was funny.
@@benson7498 where can we find the list?
@@meeszanten1720 do you have letterboxd?
If you do, (it's an app/website) log in and follow Karsten.
It will say
FAVOURITES:
and four movies will be at the bottom
His New Ones Are:
It's Such a Beautiful Day
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Synecdoche, New York
La Haine
Spot 4 has been frequently changing around from First Reformed, Crumb and Blue Velvet
New ones:
Where is the friends house?
Before Sunrise
Black Girl
Election
Karsten- huge respect- you've put yourself out there, and with an honesty that I am sure will help others.
This may be the most passionate and original analysis I've seen of Synecdoche, New York.
Terrific Karsten. Just terrific.
I know this videos from a few years ago so you probably won’t see this, but you already have had a positive effect on people!
Your channel is a big part of why I and I’m sure a lot of your subscribers started watching and appreciating film to the extent that I do now
I love the score of this movie. I really connected to the soundtrack's dark yet beautiful feeling.
I agree, existential horror at its finest. Also my favourite movie
Honestly the way you made this video with how personal you got with it is something I truly appreciate that a person can do. Not even as a UA-camr but just as a person. Even though Fantastic Mr. Fox is still my favorite movie I still think this whole video is amazing in its own right.
I haven’t watched this movie, but I started crying from this video and you talking about your fear of death and growing up alone.
Synecdoche, New York is my favorite film, and pretty much for all the reasons you've mentioned. Watching this video feels like someone who knows me better than I thought talking about me.
This is one of my favourite movies of all time, but, I actually think it is the GREATEST film of all time. It encapsulates life, death and everything in between through the most honest, real and raw artform: theater. Although this film exists in a hyper realistic situation, it is the most real and personable film I've ever watched. There isn't a frame that goes by that can't be analyzed; it's deep and thought provoking and Philip Seymour Hoffman gives his best on screen performance ever
So i just finished watching it, and I’d like your input on this. The first 3/4th of the movie is fantastic, but the last quarter drags on too long don’t you think? I felt like I’d seen a three hour movie instead of two. I respect your opinion, but I’d like you to explain your take on the ending. Maybe it’ll be better on the second watch.I still like it tho. Cheers
@@aryavirsangwan6837 the only reason I love this movie is cause how well it makes sence to me in the end
I completely agree with this assessment - well said.
@@aryavirsangwan6837 Yes, watch it again - the ending has the most chilling resolution. Maybe it's true that the end is a bit slow or "stalled" - possibly a metaphor for the end life. Here is the final monologue:
What was once before you an exciting and mysterious future
is now behind you, lived, understood, disappointing. You realize you are not special. You have struggled into existence
and are now slipping silently out of it.
This is everyone's experience. Every single one. The specifics hardly matter. Everyone is everyone. So you are Adele, Hazel, Claire, Olive. You are Ellen. All her meager sadnesses are yours. All her loneliness. The gray, straw-like hair. Her red, raw hands. It's yours. It is time for you to understand this. Walk.
As the people who adore you stop adoring you, as they die, as they move on, as you shed them, as you shed your beauty, your youth, as the world forgets you, as you recognize your transience, as you begin to lose your characteristics one by one
as you learn there is no one watching you and there never was,
you think only about driving. Not coming from anyplace, not arriving anyplace, just driving, counting off time. Now, you are here. It's 7:43. Now, you are here. It's 7:44.
Now, you are...gone.
*You're already changing the world and making a difference in our lives, we love you more than you can understand... Thank you to your work. You're worth the world 💕💕💕*
Caden is so focused on creating something that leaves a legacy behind and touches people's hearts that he forgets there are people around him. In the pursuit of perfection he ignores the people that love him, and because of that, is unable to create something beautiful.
This might be one of the best video essays I have ever watched and that might be for the exact same reason that I like Kaufman’s films: your honesty and sincerity radiates from the screen with every passing second. Most video essayists only talk about form and structure and idea but none ever relate a piece of art to their personal life, at least not to the degree you’ve done here. I have watched every analysis video on Synecdoche I could find and must say you have found the perfect way to approach this movie and illustrate its meaning. My respect.
this is my favourite video of yours, I keep on coming back to it. thank you
I think this might be my favourite youtube video ever?! Thank you so much.
Watched it twice in the theater, (once with friends, the second alone). Now watching tonight in the midst of the planetary quarantine.
Respectfully🇨🇦
Hey! Came across your video after stumbling onto Synecdoche. Im still numb as wow, I found that movie a lot to digest. - the character, the music, the self absorption, and the futility of trying to control it all. And I spose the 'familiarity'. 'Everyone is a lead in their own movie' is a concept that was cool and haunting to watch. And thank you for your honest video of how the film fits in with your life and how you find ways to get offline and be more human. These screens work against that A LOT. And I think build a lot of anxiety within us. Screens seem so irresistable, but often, give you nothing. Im so glad you went to Paris. so many stay in their home towns. travel is a wonderful way to get some new perspective into your life. of being presesnt. and being of service to others. And do me a favor.. remind me of that sometime, ok? I get stuck in my head too.
That feeling you described coming home from studying abroad and wanting things to be fixed really resonated with me. I haven't been able to put a meaning behind it but you hit the nail on the head. This video means a lot, thanks for being so honest.
Something about Charlie Kaufman writing is that it never makes sense when u first see his work but something always clicks, you understand the message or what it's trying to say on a base level and it invites you to rewatch and understand it even further
I watched this film when I was 16 (mainly cos of this video), it didn't make any sense but It made me ball my eyes out crying by the end
I recently rewatched this film at almost 19 years old it starts to make more sense and hit even harder
Charlie said this is a film you watch again and again and again it's one that resonates and sticks with you when you get older the film becomes a lot clearer as you start to relate to Caden, it's haunting and scary but this film is a way to comfort you and let you know it's ok because we all experience it, we are all human and it's ok to be scared of what's to come
This video feels so personal yet there's so many ways to relate to it. it's incredible how film can make you see so many aspects of your own life. As this video gets out I'm going into my junior year of high school and dealing with decisions that will permanently affect my future, and I find that one of the only things that make sense in my life right now is film. I don't know why this video hit so close home if I haven't even watched this film and I can't pretend to find myself in the same situation as you, but hearing people so personlly about how film affected their life is something that I will always find enthralling. I loved this video and I assure you it hit many people as hard as it hit me.
I really liked this video, I watched Synecdoche a couple weeks ago and I was left with the feeling that I just couldn't get it at this point in my life, still in high school, but this video really helped me see it as more than just 'a movie people like for some reason that is impossible for me to understand'
I think I let the idea of death consume my life a lot & it just adds on to my anxiety. Thank you for talking about this, Karsten. I’ll definitely need to check this film out! I’ve been here since like 10k & seeing how your videos have improved is such a joy and has grown my love for film. This is your best video yet!
Your delivery of this dreadful, terrifying, yet relatable information, even though I've never seen the movie, nor do I know you, really hit me hard.
You made a good video man.
karsten you probably dont care, but your videos inspire me in ways you dont even understand. you helped spark my immense passion for film. you introduced me to life-changing films. you changed the way i watch and perceive movies. your content has made a huge impact on my life, so in that way, your existence and your work is worthwhile. thank you.
The video is 15 min long and it feels so relatable that its duration feels perfect. Totally loved the video man
I'm so grateful for this video Karsten. Gonna watch it immediatly, Thanks
You and I have had similar influences. Ameican beauty touch me very much in my youth but when I saw Synecdoche NY it changed my whole view on film but also my life. I know Who ever is touched by this film is a kindred spirit. It lets me know so much about a person without having a personal conversation with them. This film will always stay with me and even tho ive seen many reviews of it this one. The one youve created will always be one of my favorites. Thank you. From one little person to another.
I'm in tears
This is one of the most relatable videos i have ever seen on the anxieties of death.
This video has brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing your experiences and feelings in such a honest, realistic, and relatable way. This was a very cathartic video-one of your best. I’m very excited for the future of your content as you keep surprising me with how much better you keep on getting.
This was a wonderful video, Karsten. Thank you.
I completely understand that fear of death. For me its the anxiety of not knowing what comes after all of this. It's scary because the more I think about it the more detached and indifferent I feel towards life itself. Similar to you, I've never been popular and I definitely went through an angsty phase, but I found a solace in the medium of film and tv. It helps me make sense of life and the emotions I'm feeling.
Let me share something that I think is lost by a lot of people. I’m not sure what your background is but I’ve been struggling with this fear too of the unknown, just a general anxiety & unrest wondering if what I heard my whole life about dying & going to heaven is actually true (since I grew up in church).
So for the past 18 months I’ve been going through all the theologies of religion trying to discover the real truth, real salvation, real righteousness to get it right 100%. But (like the character in this film) by searching for all the things I must do to finally have this peace I was missing the point.
God gave us salvation freely, saved us by grace, imputed His righteousness to us as a gift in order that we could be free & live without spending our whole life trying to save ourselves, justify ourselves, & earn His love. That is why it is the gospel of peace that gives us rest so we can live free from fear of death & judgment. This teaches us how to love others unconditionally & give them that same peace by requiring nothing of them. I would not have discovered this without trying to find the truth, but the truth was that I had nothing to fear to begin with. For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love & a sound mind. Therefore we can always know that it is never God’s will for us to be afraid, but to always have peace.
I hope this will give you comfort or perhaps encourage you to seek comfort & while seeking you’ll discover like I did that God’s entire plan was to give you comfort by giving you eternal life as a gift & loving you unconditionally, not counting any of your mistakes against you.
I wish this video reached me sooner, it’s one of my all time favorites right now. This video means so so much to me. Recently I’ve had crazy amounts of panic and anxiety over death, to the point where I will loose sleep as to not die in my sleep. I know it’s silly but the idea of just nothing forever is one of the worst things in the world to me. Often my friends who I communicate this to feel sad, but can’t really relate as they are more comfortable with the idea of death than I am. It’s means a lot to me seeing someone who helps me see I’m not alone. Thank you.
That’s because you were created for eternal life. No one was created to die except to die to the fear of death.
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
thank you for this, honestly man..thank you for this.
While watching this movie for the first time 2 years ago, I stopped halfway because I needed to go to the bathroom. I got up and I was very dizzy and disoriented because I was so absorbed in the movie's world. A movie had never made me feel like that. I didn't even realize that I was completely inside "New York". That's how good the script and the execution of it on screen is. It made me self reflect in a way no other form of media had ever done. It has a different effect on everyone, but for me, it hit me on a much deeper and more personal level and I will never forget how I felt after seeing it. I am forever grateful to Charlie and PSH for making it come to life.
And now, thank you Karsten, now I know there is at least one more person that can talk about this movie forever.
this video is great, thanks Karsten! Watched this flick last night and was searching for content to help me digest it and this was perfect.
"I have an ego problem"
*Spends rest of video talking about himself*
ily karsten
This is one of the most powerful UA-cam videos I’ve ever seen. Synecdoche, New York is my favourite film of all time and it has changed my life just as much as it changed yours. I’m glad this video exists. It brought me down to earth, gave me a different prespective of the film and changed me as much as the film did
hey i loved this video a ton. i watched this movie about a year ago and i feel like the more i revisit it the more i learn from it. it wasn't until i actually learned the definition of the word 'synecdoche' that i felt as if i understood what i was needed to from the movie: that one person is representative of all people. or that, everyone is everyone. as someone who as watched your videos for years i really appreciated this and loved hearing your personal take on this movie. thank you.
Little Person is such a fantastic song
Just saw it for the first time and it’s hurts … really bad this is staying with me for a while
this is a gorgeous video. the film itself is a testament to how difficult it is to communicate and deal with these existential thoughts and feelings, so your ability to eloquently express those sentiments in this video is amazing.
You did that really well. Synecdoche is a complex film and one of my favourites too
I clicked on this video then stopped right after you gave the basic synopsis so I could go watch the movie. I wouldn't have reached this film without you. Thank you!
I watched this video right after crying loudly while watching Synecdoche, New York, and this video gave me more perspective on the film. This film has changed my life, I can already feel it and yes it is pretentious but god this movie man, just god.
I found this dramatic film incredibly uplifting in the end. To think of how we are all experiencing this life in all of its complexities is overwhelming, tragic, and awe inspiring. It was a heavy film with existential & psychological threads all through it but when I finished watching it I felt more empathy for the world at large and how we are all having these experiences that are complex in details, thoughts, perspectives; even in the simplest of lives takes a lifetime to tell in its uncondensed form. We are all the lead actors in our own plays. You are a lead actor, the person reading this is a lead actor, I am a lead actor. The significance is finding love and working in a way to hopefully look back on a life of love and connection and not regret for not having tried your best and dedicated yourself to some ultimate purpose. This film was mind shattering to me at first and then I studied its use of colors early on from the reds to the greens & blues and how they all represented different themes. In the beginning green colors were sick and blue colors were also heavy and dealing with health. At the end of the film green is seen in some spots as new life like the picnic. I could write a whole essay on this films use of color. I think any film school teaching about colors would do well to use this as an example. The colors themselves help tell the story and they are masterfully woven together once the viewer establishes a general theme to each one so the lines are blurred. To me this film skipped over the 4th wall without breaking it. Finally watched it tonight and am reeling from the experience. This movie felt both incredibly complex in its arrangement and themes but at the same time very simple in its view of life and how we are all a part of something greater. Like the tiny paintings held so much story to them when seen up close and the replica city held so much story from a farther perspective and then through time as another perspective. It’s a question that makes me empathetic for the world and the human condition while making me want to live while I’m alive.
this video is "a hug I didn't know I needed", thank you
I'm so glad you made a video for this movie. More people need to know this exists and need to watch it
i just went on a hunt looking for this video and i finally found it. thanks for making this man
I can't describe how good this video is. I mean damn
The woman who comforts Caden at the end of the film is an actress named Deirdre O'Connell -- and she's in a one-woman show called Dana H. at the Vineyard Theatre in New York. If you wanna see art about life and death...whew. Rewatch this movie and then go see that play.
Hey so I just got around to watching this video and this literally should be titled my love letter to film because yes this is/was your favorite movie and the reasons you give are extremely significant but what truly is described in this video is why films are so important in many peoples lives. This was awesome. Thank you.
Well said. This movie is in my Top 3 of all time and has been there for a while. In all of the movie's ambiguity, it somehow manages everything I feel about my thoughts on life and all _it's_ ambiguities better than anything I have ever seen on film. I absolutely love it.
Thank you sir! And good luck in your final year of school:)
Honestly I wish more people would do essays like this. There’s such an objectivity to film now that, as someone who’s more dedicated to the emotions of film and the reactions they get out of people just hearing about a way a film touched somebody or brought on this strong emotion is amazing. Of course we need objective analysis but just as your art teacher puts a picture up on the projector and asks “what makes up this picture” they also ask “what does this picture make you feel.”
This film changed my life. thank you for giving it the praise it deserves. I do my best to introduce everyone I can to it. the sad part is it never gets any praise. it was for sure Hoffmans best role.