The 1988 movie 'They Live' directed by John Carpenter, is a sic sci-fi film with vital social commentary and visual prowess about consumerism, capitalism, and conformity.

One could argue that 'They Live' was a precursor to 'The Matrix' in terms of its themes of reality, perception, and control. Both films deal with the idea of a false reality that is controlled by an unseen force and the struggle of the protagonists to uncover the truth and free themselves from that control.

The story follows a drifter named Nada (played by Rowdy Roddy Piper), who discovers a pair of sunglasses that allows him to see the true nature of the world, revealing that aliens are controlling the planet through subliminal messages in advertisements and media, like how Neo can see code and like how I can see stigma how he sees code. Don't believe me? That is your problem, Pope Urban VIII.

Stigmas are so dumb and obvious I am constantly shocked that people don't seem to witness them as I and many others do. NPC argument.

The film's underlying message is that society is being manipulated and controlled by those in power who seek to maintain the status quo and keep people complacent and ignorant of their actual reality.

In today's world, the message of 'They Live' is more relevant than ever, as we see how people in positions of power manipulate and control society for their own benefit.

This noisy lo-fi experimental ballad 'They Live' by artist Brice Frillici captures the essence of these film's themes and messages, with its gritty and visceral sounds of tinnitus serving as a reminder of the insidious forces. On top of melodic keys, droning synth, and sheering feedback guitars. A soft indie vocal delivering the underlying current of stigmata and clever poetics red pill trigger blah having fun with itself.

Don't Resist the Alchemist!

Prepare to be confounded by what can only be described as a visual assault on the senses. 'They Live' purports to be a collection of artistic brilliance, but in reality, it's a chaotic mishmash of colors, shapes, and forms that leave you questioning the very essence of art itself.

The images within this book seem to have been created by an overzealous AI with a penchant for randomness. There's no rhyme or reason to the jarring juxtapositions of elements that assault your eyes with each turn of the page. It's as if the artist threw darts at a board covered in magazine clippings and decided to call the resulting chaos "art."

The lack of coherence and direction in 'They Live' is a disorienting experience. Instead of a carefully curated visual journey, you're dragged through a nightmarish maze of disconnected images that seem to revel in their own incomprehensibility. It's as though the artist aimed for obscurity and hit it with uncanny precision.

One cannot help but wonder if the artist intended to provoke bewilderment and frustration. If that was the case, then 'They Live' succeeds admirably. The book's apparent disregard for aesthetics and meaning is an affront to anyone seeking to find solace and inspiration in the world of art.

In a world filled with masterpieces that evoke emotion, intellect, and contemplation, 'They Live' is a brazen rebellion against artistic conventions. If you're looking for a sense of order, purpose, or beauty in your art, it's best to steer clear of this bewildering descent into creative chaos.

In "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix," pivotal scenes focus on the unveiling of hidden realities. Each serves as an epiphany, disrupting protagonists and altering their perceptions.

In "V," Mike Donovan infiltrates the Visitors' spaceship, unmasking their reptilian forms. In "They Live," Nada puts on special sunglasses that strip away society’s illusions, revealing subliminal messages like "OBEY" and "CONSUME" in advertisements. In "The Matrix," Neo chooses the red pill over the blue, awakening to the illusory nature of his world.

These scenes symbolize the revelation of hidden truths. "V" echoes Cold War fears, representing a hidden enemy within society. "They Live" critiques consumerist culture and the way ideological messages are embedded in the mundane. "The Matrix" delves into philosophical existentialism, questioning the nature of reality itself. Trivia: "They Live" was inspired by a comic book called "Nada," and the "OBEY" message inspired a real-world art campaign by Shepard Fairey.

Moreover, these epiphanies serve as calls to action. Donovan becomes committed to exposing the Visitors, Nada turns into a rebel, and Neo assumes the mantle of the One.

Interestingly, the awakening scenes in all three works involve a form of technology: Donovan’s camera, Nada’s sunglasses, and Neo’s red pill. This suggests a paradox where technology both obscures and reveals the truth.

Furthermore, these epiphanies don't only serve the characters; they're designed to wake up the audience to real-world parallels. Whether it's mass surveillance, consumerist propaganda, or the manipulation of information, the films invite us to question the systems we live within.

In "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix," the protagonists are introduced to transformational figures who catalyze their awakening and subsequent rebellions. In "V," Martin is an ally within the Visitors who helps Mike Donovan and Julie.

In "They Live," Frank serves as the reluctant compais Nada's reluctant companionacing the rebellion. They embody In "The Matrix," Morpheus mentors Neo and introduces him to the brutal truths of his existence.

These catalyst characters serve as mentors and awakeners, pushing the protagonists toward confrontation with oppressive systems. Martin helps Donovan obtain evidence, Frank assists Nada in navigating the underground rebellion, and Morpheus equips Neo with the training and philosophy to challenge the Matrix. Trivia: Frank Armitage, the character portrayed by Keith David in "They Live," was named after H.P. Lovecraft's pen name, nodding to themes of cosmic horror and hidden realities.

Interestingly, these characters are not merely plot devices but symbols of internal and external struggles against conformism. They embody hope and resistance, and their alliances with the protagonists signify a broader coalition against tyranny. This is akin to the character of Yinsen in "Iron Man," who helps Tony Stark build the first Iron Man suit, acting as a catalyst for his transformation.

Moreover, these secondary characters often face moral complexities. Martin in "V" grapples with his loyalty to his species versus his ethical stance. Frank in "They Live" is skeptical and initially resists Nada’s call to arms, symbolizing public hesitation to question societal constructs. Morpheus faces scrutiny within his crew, embodying disruptive ideas' controversial nature.

These transformational figures in "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix" serve critical roles in instigating and guiding the rebellions against oppressive regimes. Through their struggles and moral dilemmas, they add layers of complexity and depth to the stories, enriching the narrative and emphasizing the importance of collaboration in any form of resistance.

The Battle Sequences: Moments of Triumph and Revelation in "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix" The climax in each of "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix" involves an intense battle scene that is not just physical but ideological. In "V," a decisive attack against the Visitors disrupts their propaganda machine. In "They Live," Nada and Frank infiltrate the alien broadcast station, disrupting the signal that hides the aliens' actual appearance. In "The Matrix," Neo's final confrontation with Agent Smith is a personal triumph and a shattering of the Matrix's illusion of control.

These battle scenes are iconic, but they are also deeply symbolic. They represent fights against antagonists and systems of manipulation and control. Nada's destruction of the signal in "They Live" liberates humanity from the shackles of consumerism, akin to the final assault on the Death Star in "Star Wars," which symbolizes tyrannical power. Trivia: The "They Live" signal-disrupting scene was filmed in just one take, capturing the urgency and raw emotion of the moment.

Noteworthy is how these battles are framed within the narrative. Each fight physically manifests an ideological struggle—freedom vs. control, truth vs. deception, individual vs. system.

Additionally, these battles' stakes are personal and universal, mirroring archetypal battles found in world mythologies. Whether it is Donovan's quest for truth in "V," Nada's pursuit of liberation in "They Live," or Neo’s journey towards self-discovery in "The Matrix," each battle encapsulates the larger struggle between individual agency and systemic oppression.

These climactic battle scenes in "V," "They Live," and "The Matrix" are more than just action-packed finales. They are symbolic confrontations that encapsulate the thematic cores of their respective stories. They serve as microcosms of the more significant ideological battles each character—and, by extension, the audience—is encouraged to wage.

Every page unfolds a captivating narrative, revealing stark, skull-like entities juxtaposed against a backdrop of the Crystal Mountains. The intricate collage of scanned images, transformed by AI and further refined in Photoshop, evokes a psychedelic dreamscape that challenges perception and sparks introspection. A journey into the fantastic and fantastical, where surrealism cast in shadows dances with the rhythm of dystopian echoes.

'They Live' isn't just an art book—it's a bold statement, a societal critique hidden within the layers of its AI-crafted imageries. As the vibrant, stark figures whisper tales of control, perception, and reality, readers are invited to put on the metaphorical glasses, to wake up and question the norms that dictate society.

Ahh, I came here to kick some ass and chew bubblegum. But I'm all out of bubble gum!

New 'They Live' book out now. Many collage paintings. Link in bio.

Lyrics:

Am I still here

If I'm wearing Raybans?

Ooooh

Am I alone

In the city of skeletons?

They live They live

Why's he fighting

So hard to black out?

They live They live

I'm still here

If I'm wearing Raybans

Am I alone

In the city of skeletons?

city of skeletons city of skeletons

I have come

To chew bubblegum.

And kick some ass...

And I'm all out of bubblegum

They live They live

In the city of skeletons

City of Skeletons city of skeletons city of skeletons