The funniest critique of Cartesian dualism ever put to film occurs on the moon. In Terry Gilliam’s The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Robin Williams plays the King of the Moon: a giant disembodied head floating serenely above his own detached body. The head is refined, articulate, and philosophical. The body, meanwhile, rampages below: lustful,Continue reading “The Locus of Human Action”
Category Archives: Opinions
Aphrodite
Aphrodite born of inseminated sea foam. Her name evokes the froth (aphros) and hints at deep currents. Sailors would intuitively know how they are moved by the unseen. The Twelve Olympians that appear as the definitive powers holding dominion were not the first. Like all Greek myths, they hold power only after family drama andContinue reading “Aphrodite”
Atalanta
Atalanta intrigues me. She is the only female to compete among the heroes on their terms. There are female warriors, of course, the Amazons, and Medea, a constant reminder of the older, earthbound powers women can summon. But Atalanta stands not as an opponent or enchantress, but as a peer. Who is Atalanta? She isContinue reading “Atalanta”
Protective Arts 