Extra Color
What if we could see one extra color? Something out of the normal spectrum, apart from ultraviolet and infrared. How would it change our perception of life? Of art? It’s all but an impossibility, but the concept and the ability to push past our frameworks and guardrails and create something entirely new is, in fact, very possible. Art in all its forms is often praised for its ability to go beyond the ordinary and offer something unique—a vision that pushes the boundaries of a medium. This idea can be compared to the concept of " color," which symbolizes an artist’s talent for envisioning and crafting something unseen by others. It involves thinking outside the box, exploring realms of creativity, and developing groundbreaking ideas. I’ve often searched for those who can achieve this without relying on the groundwork of what has come before—artists who create their own thing entirely.
There are two alive and working today, and both are visionaries (a term I hesitate to throw around lightly, but one that fits these two entirely). The creations of Hideo Kojima and George Miller serve as examples of this notion of “extra color,” as both artists have reshaped their respective fields with innovative projects that stand out from everything that came before or after them.
Hideo Kojima, a pioneer in the video game realm, has consistently shown his knack for seeing things in interactive entertainment. While his previous works, like the "Metal Gear" series, were lauded for their stories, intricate characters, and inventive gameplay features, it was with "Death Stranding " released in 2019, that Kojima truly pushed boundaries by creating a game that defies easy classification and redefines what a video game can achieve."Death Stranding" stands out from all video games ever made. It defies the expectations of the gaming world by focusing on the theme of connection in both a literal and symbolic manner. In an apocalyptic setting where society has crumbled and supernatural beings called "BTs" roam freely, players step into the shoes of Sam Porter Bridges, a deliveryman on a mission to rebuild connections between isolated cities and settlements in a devastated world.
What makes "Death Stranding" unique is its unconventional storytelling and gameplay mechanics, prioritizing exploration, deliveries, and building relationships over combat or competition. Through the game's "strand" system, players can subtly engage with each other by leaving tools behind, constructing structures, or sharing encouraging messages for fellow players to discover. This focus on collaboration and shared adventures rather than direct rivalry significantly departs from typical gaming standards.
Kojima's creative vision for "Death Stranding" exemplifies innovation in gaming. He noticed an opportunity in the medium that eluded others—a chance to develop a game that goes beyond mere entertainment and fosters players' connections, delves into themes of solitude, and contemplates the essence of existence in a fragmented world. The outcome is a game that doubles as a creation and an interactive journey challenging players to ponder deeply about their surroundings and their role within them.
George Miller, the creative force behind the "Mad Max" franchise, exemplifies the notion of adding an extra dimension. Since its debut in 1979, "Mad Max" has showcased Miller's vision. Despite being crafted on a budget, the film portrayed a bleak future where society had crumbled into disorder, with lawlessness reigning supreme. It offered an authentic take on the action genre, which swiftly gained cult status.
Miller solidified his position as an innovative filmmaker with the launch of "Mad Max: Fury Road” in 2015. This film challenges classification. It's like watching an action movie, a visually captivating symphony, and an intense post-apocalyptic drama. The film's fast-paced storytelling, impressive practical effects, and vibrant cinematography make it stand out in the action genre.
Its blend of grandeur and depth sets "Fury Road" apart. While it offers visuals and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, it also delves into survival, power dynamics, and redemption themes. The sparse dialogue and focus on narrative harken back to silent movies but with a modern twist that sets it apart from anything else.
Miller's talent lies in crafting a world that's both fantastical and grounded in reality, showcasing his unique vision as a filmmaker. His ideas are outlandish yet very tangible. By pushing the boundaries of storytelling, he has created something familiar yet refreshingly original. "Fury Road" isn't another installment in the "Mad Max" series; it's a reinvention that stands out amidst imitators.
"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," the sequel to Furty Road, upholds this legacy of innovation. Despite the film’s puzzling failure at the box office, Miller once again pushed the boundaries of action cinema. Like "Fury Road," "Furiosa" combines grandeur with depth, developing into a visually striking and thematically profound movie.
In art and creativity, " color" holds significant meaning. It symbolizes the capacity to envision and craft something to explore uncharted territories within a creative medium and to bring forth a distinct perspective. They’ve pushed it farther and discovered colors all their own.
Kojimas' "Death Stranding" challenges video game norms by offering an experience centered on connection and introspection alongside gameplay elements. On the other hand, Miller's "Mad Max" series, notably "Fury Road" and "Furiosa," revolutionized the action genre by seamlessly blending spectacle with substance into a wild and unruly world that is both bizarre and real in equal measure.
Both visionaries showcase that genuine innovation arises from perceiving the world through a lens that captures the elusive essence of "extra color" that often eludes others. Their creations serve as proof of the potential of imagination and the myriad opportunities that lie ahead for those willing to explore beyond the mundane.
