The Beautiful Obsession: When Invention Drives a Life (and a Story)
Isn’t there something inherently captivating about the inventor? Not just the whirring gears and flashing lights, but that drive – that relentless curiosity pushing against the boundaries of what's possible? It's more than just cleverness; it's an almost beautiful obsession. And cinema has always been fascinated by these figures, from the fantastical to the deeply personal.
Thinking about inventors on screen got me thinking back to my own childhood fascination with Leonardo da Vinci – I devoured every book and documentary I could find! The Inventor (2021) captures that sense of boundless creativity, showing him not just as a painter but as a man constantly sketching flying machines and anatomical studies. It’s a romanticized view, sure, but it taps into the core appeal: seeing someone actively creating something new, wrestling with ideas, and refusing to accept limitations.
But invention isn't always about grand designs or revolutionizing technology. Sometimes, it’s about a quieter pursuit of understanding. John Lilly, as portrayed in John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office, is a prime example. His experiments with dolphins and sensory deprivation tanks might seem outlandish now (and were certainly controversial at the time!), but they stemmed from a genuine desire to expand human consciousness – a kind of internal invention, if you will. It’s fascinating to see how his ambition intertwined with personal struggles, something that makes him far more complex than just a quirky scientist.
Then there's Demis Hassabis in The Thinking Game. This documentary is less about a single invention and more about the process of creation itself – building artificial intelligence. The sheer scale of the project, the setbacks, the eventual triumph with AlphaGo… it’s inspiring to witness that level of dedication. It also raises profound questions about our responsibility as creators, which echoes throughout many stories featuring inventors.
And let's not forget those who invent things that aren't necessarily celebrated. The Three Inventors, with its whimsical aesthetic, reminds us that innovation can be isolating. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something only to have it misunderstood or rejected! It’s a poignant reminder that the value of an invention isn't always immediately apparent.
Ultimately, these films – whether they focus on historical figures like Da Vinci or contemporary pioneers like Hassabis – reveal something fundamental about human nature: our innate desire to tinker, to explore, and to leave our mark on the world. They remind us that invention isn’t just about building machines; it's about pushing boundaries, challenging assumptions, and striving for a better understanding of ourselves and the universe around us.
What films featuring inventors have resonated with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
