I realized very young that most people only barely examined the surface of things. I also realized I was just not that way early, too.

It’s mystifying to me for instance when someone can watch a film like Ex Machina and conclude that it’s just the same — with the same themes and conclusions — as other films with sexy, sexy robots. I literally sneer at those people unconsciously because I wonder how so much brain damage can occur in such a small space.

The film of course is completely a repudiation of all of those ideas, all of those cultural touchstones, and all of the contemptible patriarchy that causes such thoughtless art to be made.

Along with this of course is that most people (even very smart ones like Casey Johnston) are only dimly aware of history, of cultural moments and touchstones prior to 20 years ago or so (strangely, often including things that occurred in their own lifetimes? How does this happen?!), and have a complete blindness to their own assumptions.

Most people I think are constantly assuring themselves that they are right whereas I am constantly asking myself, “What if I were wrong? How would that look?” My opinions are strong but weakly held. With new evidence, my opinions change fluidly. Anything else would be intellectually dishonest.

Back to Ex Machina. It’s a good litmus test, I think. If your opinion of the movie is that it’s about how Caleb was so callously wronged or that it was about how Ava was portrayed thoughtlessly as a sexbot, you probably aren’t the kind of person I want to engage with because you have nothing to teach me. I’ve already been stupid and I don’t need to go back there again.