Discussion: Zeitgeist
Monday May 1, 2006
Kate writes: I'm trying to work out what it is and how it works. Some things are definitely cooler than others. Further, every so often something turns up that feels just perfectly in tune and of the moment. Some people can do this reliably (the soundtrack to the Tarantino film Kill Bill hit an awful lot of hot spots, for example). Conversely, this is very easy to screw up, and has a limited shelf life. The Baz Luhrman (sp) Romeo and Julliet film was right in the zone when it opened, and is now looking dated. Also a number of 'teen movies' and other things aimed at the young miss the target embarrassingly.
What is it that makes some things resonate with the times, and some terribly wrong? How is this zeitgeist transmitted? What I don't understand is how coolness is never a question for debate. Something is either right or wrong, and we all know it (those of us in approximately the right generation, anyway...) But generally we can't argue about it. Anyone got any theories?
I certainly don't have any answers to this, but it is an interesting question. Does it take special skill to be able to create something that is a hit and strikes a chord with others? How do some things keep from becoming dated too quickly - what is the difference between a fad and a timeless classic? Read More...
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