From Ex Machina to Civil War, Alex Garland’s varied work as a writer-director explores the inherent flaws that make us human.
NB: The following contains spoilers for Ex Machina and Men.
It’s a sign of how gifted Alex Garland is as a storyteller that he can move between forms seemingly without effort. A pair of best-selling novels in the 1990s (The Beach, The Tesseract) led to his screenwriting work in the 2000s (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Never Let Me Go) and some videogame industry writing (Enslaved: Odyssey To The West, DmC: Devil May Cry).
It was during the difficult production of 2012’s Dredd that Garland first turned his hand to directing (albeit uncredited), before making his directorial debut with Ex Machina just over a decade ago. In the years since, Garland has continued to forge an individual path through the movie business, writing and directing movies that are uncompromising and unmistakably personal. Although different in terms of their plots and even genres, they’re all united by common themes that appear to dwell on the filmmaker’s mind. One particularly insistent element is the human capacity for self-destruction.
You can see it running right through Civil War, Garland’s unsparing dystopian action thriller from 2024. It’s set in a United States in which the President (Nick Offerman) has set himself up as a dictator; a bitter fight has broken out between federal forces on one side and a secessionist coalition on the other. Garland doesn’t dwell on political allegiances; instead, he depicts the conflict’s broader societal cost.
The war has left the economy in such a state that the dollar is essentially worthless; cities are rocked by suicide bombings. In the countryside, Americans are torturing their old high school buddies, or tipping the bodies of innocent civilians into mass graves. Garland depicts war as a sickness – the final, terminal stage of a disease whose early symptoms likely include populism, fake news and increasing division.
Garland explores the human condition more closely through his ensemble cast. Three of them are seasoned professionals – war photojournalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst); New York Times reporter Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and Reuters hack Joel (Wagner Moura). Joining the group is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), a budding photojournalist.
Their stated goal is to travel across war torn America from New York to Washington DC, where they hope to capture the President’s final moments before he’s violently deposed. Beneath that professional ambition, they’re driven by more base instincts they may not even be aware of.
Joel is a thrill-seeker who gets an adrenaline rush from passing through near-death experiences unscathed. Sammy, an older gent who gets about with the help of a cane, has resigned himself to the dangerous nature of his job; his sentiment appears to be that he’s going to die at some point, so it may as well be in pursuit of something worthwhile. At the other end of the age spectrum, 20-something Jessie is driven by both her youthful ambition and misplaced feeling of indestructibility – as demonstrated in the sequence where she clambers from one moving vehicle to another.
Darkest of the lot is Lee, whose experiences in overseas battle zones have left her shell-shocked and cynical about the value of her own journalism. Focused on her work with almost aggressive single-mindedness, Lee’s resignation to the danger of her livelihood goes beyond Sammy’s and into the arena of self-destruction – there’s the sense, in both her dialogue and hollow-eyed demeanour, that she not only accepts that this latest assignment could kill her, but subconsciously hopes that it will.
There are parallels between Civil War and Alex Garland’s 2018 feature Annihilation here. Based on the novel by Jeff Vandermeer, Annihilation is about another group of people embarking on a mission with an uncertain end point. A mysterious forcefield – an alien phenomena dubbed the Shimmer – envelops the coast off Florida, exerting an otherworldly effect on everything in its reach.
A scientific expedition is dispatched to go into the Shimmer to try to learn more about it, and like the group in Civil War, they’re driven by something more than just curiosity. Protagonist Lena (Natalie Portman) is wracked with guilt because her soldier husband Kane (Oscar Isaac) ventured into the Shimmer months earlier and subsequently died. Kane’s decision to enter the Shimmer was fuelled partly by his sense of betrayal over Lena having an affair – as a result, Lena blames herself for his fate.
Lena’s compatriots have similarly bleak backstories. One scientist (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is terminally ill; another (Tessa Thompson) suffers from a history of depression and self-harm; still another (Gina Rodriguez) is grief-stricken following the death of her child. Viewed from the perspective of its characters, the meaning of the title ‘Annihilation’ becomes clear: the film is about the self-destructive instincts that reside in us, and that may even be hardwired into our DNA.
Hints of this same sentiment are threaded into Garland’s 2014 debut, Ex Machina. Oscar Isaac plays reclusive tech CEO Nathan Bateman, who may or may not have created a sentient AI in the shape of the female-looking android, Ava (Alicia Vikander). Young programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a competition to visit Bateman’s sleekly minimal home, which is part bachelor pad, part lab and part fortress. There, Caleb is given the secret reason for his visit: to determine whether Ava is truly intelligent and self-aware, as the rest of us are, or is simply an advanced parlour trick.
Alicia Vikander in Ex Machina. Credit: Universal.
Garland very deliberately presents Bateman as a darkly flawed personality – secretive, perhaps a bit paranoid, and prone to heavy drinking sessions for which he atones by lifting heavy weights the following morning. Bateman’s dogged pursuit of sentient AI – something real-world scientists are pursuing as these words are typed – could itself be seen as self-destructive; like the invention of the atom bomb, we know it could cause terrible harm, but it’s pursued regardless, like some kind of collective death urge. (AI also forms a part of Garland’s underrated TV series, Devs, which is well worth seeing.)
Of the films discussed so far, 2022’s Men might seem rather out of sync. A small-scale folk horror set in a remote country house, it’s a world apart from the Heart Of Darkness-inspired journeys of Civil War or Annihilation, or the high-tech claustrophobia of Ex Machina. But even here, we’re essentially peering into the psyche of a woman torn apart by guilt. Like Annihilation’s Lena, Men protagonist Harper (Jessie Buckley) is tormented by memories of her late husband, a depressive and emotionally manipulative figure whose influence still affects Harper’s every waking moment. Or is what we’re seeing her nightmare…?
Garland’s films constantly probe at the darker edges of the human condition. To be sentient, Garland seems to suggest, is to be inherently flawed, naturally compromised, innately self-destructive.
When this writer briefly met the writer-director a decade ago, something he said about AI might offer an insight into how his films deconstruct the human condition. While talking about what was then his latest work, Ex Machina, Garland referenced a line from the film about advanced computer programs that are capable of beating humans at chess.
Jessie Buckley stars in Men. Credit: A24.
“It [the computer] seems to be wanting to beat you at chess, but it doesn’t want to beat you,” Garland said. “It doesn’t want anything. It doesn’t actually know it’s playing chess, right? Computers make you confront that kind of problem, and make you think about it. I’ve always been interested in that.”
Garland then added that a friend of his, who he said was ‘knowledgeable’ about the subject, held the opinion that sentient AI would never happen. Garland thought the opposite: “Instinctively, I think there will be,” he said. “And also rationally, I think there will be. We used to argue about that a lot over the years.”
It’s interesting to flip Garland’s philosophy around: if a non-sentient computer doesn’t want to win, then humans, by contrast, are driven by wants and desires from the minute we open our eyes in the morning. Even beyond our everyday need for food and water, we crave human connection; we search for validation; through self-destructive behaviours, we seek escape.
In Ex Machina, the male characters realise – too late to save themselves – that the AI in their midst really has achieved sentience. How do they learn this? Because the AI – as embodied by Ava and another female-looking robot, Kyoko (Sonoya Mizuno) – uses cunning and even murder in order to escape.
To be truly sentient, Garland suggests, is to have needs and desires beyond mere programming. And if we ever do create a sentient machine, then it follows that the entity we’ve made will inherit the darker impulses that make us human.
As Oscar Isaac’s character says in Ex Machina, “I gave her one way out. To escape, she’d have to use self-awareness, imagination, manipulation, sexuality, empathy, and she did. Now, if that isn’t true AI, what the fuck is?”
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In his films “Civil War” and “Annihilation,” writer and director Alex Garland delves deep into the darkest corners of humanity, exploring the brutality, violence, and destruction that can arise from conflict and the unknown.
In “Civil War,” Garland takes us to a near-future world where society has collapsed into chaos and bloody civil war. The film follows a group of survivors as they navigate this brutal landscape, facing betrayal, loss, and the moral complexities of war. Garland doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of conflict, showcasing the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole.
In “Annihilation,” Garland shifts his focus to the unknown and the terrifying. The film follows a team of scientists as they enter a mysterious, otherworldly zone known as “The Shimmer.” As they explore this strange and beautiful landscape, they are confronted with their own fears, desires, and inner demons. Garland expertly weaves together themes of self-destruction, annihilation, and transformation, challenging viewers to confront the darkness within themselves.
Through his films, Garland forces us to confront the darker aspects of humanity – our capacity for violence, our fear of the unknown, and our destructive tendencies. By exploring these themes in such a raw and unflinching way, he pushes us to question our own beliefs and actions, and to consider the consequences of our choices.
In a world that often seems mired in conflict and uncertainty, Garland’s films serve as a stark reminder of the darkness that lies within us all. By shining a light on these shadowy corners of the human experience, he challenges us to confront our own darkness and strive for a better, more compassionate world.
Tags:
Civil War, Annihilation, Alex Garland, dark side of humanity, exploration, film analysis, psychological thriller, sci-fi, dystopian, human nature, social commentary, existential crisis.
From Ex Machina to Civil War, Alex Garland’s varied work as a writer-director explores the inherent flaws that make us human.
Nb: The following contains spoilers for Ex Machina and Men.
It’s a sign of how gifted Alex Garland is as a storyteller that he can move between forms seemingly without effort. A pair of best-selling novels in the 1990s led to his screenwriting work in the 2000s and some videogame industry writing.
It was during the difficult production of 2012’s Dredd that Garland first turned his hand to directing (albeit uncredited), before making his directorial debut with Ex Machina just over a decade ago. In the years since, Garland has continued to forge an individual path through the movie business, writing and directing movies that are uncompromising and unmistakably personal. Although different in terms of their plots and even genres, they’re all united by common themes…
In his films “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation,” director Alex Garland delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of power, control, and destruction. Drawing on elements of science fiction and horror, Garland presents a chilling vision of a future where technology and nature collide, leading to devastating consequences.
In “Ex Machina,” Garland examines the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and our desire to play god. The film follows a young programmer who is selected to participate in a Turing test with an advanced AI named Ava. As the programmer becomes more entangled in Ava’s world, he begins to question his own humanity and the consequences of his actions. Garland expertly weaves a narrative that forces the audience to confront the darker aspects of human nature, including manipulation, deceit, and the desire for control.
In “Annihilation,” Garland takes a different approach, exploring the destructive nature of humanity and our impact on the environment. The film follows a group of scientists who enter a mysterious zone known as “The Shimmer,” where the laws of nature are distorted and mutated. As the scientists unravel the mysteries of The Shimmer, they come face to face with their own inner demons and discover the true extent of their destructive tendencies.
Through his work, Garland forces us to confront the dark side of humanity and the consequences of our actions. By blending elements of science fiction and horror, he creates a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. As we continue to grapple with issues of power, control, and destruction in our own world, Garland’s films serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that lie within us all.
Tags:
Civil War, Annihilation, Alex Garland, dark side of humanity, exploration, sci-fi, film analysis, psychological thriller, human nature, dystopian society, technology, mind-bending, existential dread, thought-provoking, societal collapse, human survival, narrative complexity.
WWE legend Bully Ray has discussed the favor that CM Punk is owed by Paul Heyman and how that could potentially come into effect in the next few months. With Royal Rumble around the corner, several WWE stars have declared their entry into the Rumble match, one of whom is Punk, who has vowed to win the match and fulfill his long-awaited dream of main-eventing WrestleMania.
Ray, in a recent edition of “Busted Open,” suggested a potential storyline for the favor that Heyman owes Punk, which could happen if Punk doesn’t win the men’s Royal Rumble match or the Elimination Chamber match. He proposed a story in which Roman Reigns wins the match, but Punk asks Heyman to remove Reigns from the spot in his favor.
“Could you imagine if Roman wins the Rumble, and Roman is going to do exactly what he said and face Cody, and Punk goes to Paul [Heyman] and says, ‘I need you to talk Roman Reigns out of his match and give it to me.’ Holy sh*t. You want to talk about intriguing. Paul Heyman caught between Roman Reigns and CM Punk right before WrestleMania, Roman wins the match. Could you imagine the look on Paul’s face?” said Bully. “You kind of play it up. It’s like the Godfather asking his favor back in return.”
Ray believes that Punk asking Heyman to get him into a WrestleMania main event match ahead of Reigns would get boos from the audience, despite how loved he is right now.
The WWE Hall of Famer added that if Punk wins the Royal Rumble match, the storyline of Heyman owing him a favor would be “null and void,” unless it continues until SummerSlam later this year. He thinks that the favor story would not be needed if “The Second City Saint” wins either the Rumble match or Elimination Chamber.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Busted Open” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Bully Ray, former WWE superstar and current wrestling analyst, recently discussed the possibilities for the favor that Paul Heyman owes WWE’s CM Punk on his podcast. With Punk’s return to WWE and Heyman’s history of being a master manipulator, there are endless scenarios that could play out.
One possibility is that Heyman could use his influence to book Punk in high-profile matches and help him secure championship opportunities. This could lead to Punk becoming a dominant force in WWE once again, thanks to Heyman’s connections and resources.
Another scenario could involve Heyman assisting Punk in settling old scores with past rivals or helping him form new alliances within the company. Heyman’s ability to strategize and manipulate could prove invaluable in Punk’s quest for success.
Additionally, Heyman could offer Punk advice and guidance on navigating the backstage politics of WWE, ensuring that Punk is able to maintain his momentum and avoid any potential roadblocks.
Overall, the favor that Heyman owes Punk could open up a world of possibilities for the former WWE champion. With Heyman’s expertise and connections at his disposal, Punk’s return to WWE could be even more impactful than fans ever imagined.
As long-distance transmission line capacity emerges as a bottleneck for Illinois’ clean energy transition, state lawmakers and advocates are drafting legislation to establish state incentives for power line projects.
One proposal under consideration would allow independent transmission developers to access subsidies through the state’s Renewable Energy Credit (RECs) program, the same mechanism that has fueled the state’s solar boom.
“Merchant transmission developers are essentially building a road — generators pay to put their electricity on that road and send it to customers,” said James Gignac, Midwest senior policy manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists, a member of the coalition working with legislators on an energy bill building on 2017’s Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA.
The Illinois legislation being prepared for this spring’s session would create another source of revenue for such projects, lowering the cost burden on wind and solar developers looking for a more direct route to power customers. Unlike projects funded by utility ratepayers, merchant lines do not need to go through the lengthy planning and financing process overseen by regional grid operators such as MISO and PJM.
“These [high voltage, direct current] lines can serve a different purpose,” Gignac said. “It’s an overlay or additional feature of the transmission system. They can provide important benefits that supplement the [regional transmission organization] plan.”
A regional need
CEJA mandates that almost all of the state’s fossil fuel generation cease by 2045. Especially with the boom in data centers, some are worried Illinois won’t be able to meet its energy needs with renewables and nuclear if coal and gas plants close.
“Transmission is a huge part of the equation, it will be important in helping us take inefficient coal and gas plants off-line, and it will help bring on extraordinary amounts of clean energy,” said Christine Nannicelli, Sierra Club Beyond Coal senior campaign representative.
In December, MISO, which manages the grid for most of Illinois and a large part of the central U.S. spanning from the Dakotas to the Gulf Coast, approved a batch of 24 long-distance transmission projects on top of 18 interregional transmission lines approved in 2022. But these lines will likely take a decade or more to build, given lengthy bureaucratic processes.
Merchant lines can be constructed much more quickly, as they do not need to be studied and deemed necessary through the regional transmission organization process. They just need to be interconnected to the regional grid system, as well as receive certain approvals in the states they pass through. Illinois advocates have also proposed that legislation designate merchant lines as public utilities, giving them an easier path to eminent domain powers.
Merchant lines including the Grain Belt Express, which would stretch from Kansas through Missouri to the Illinois-Indiana border, have faced opposition from landowners concerned about the routes and eminent domain. Merchant lines also introduce competition for utility companies, which have pushed for legislation in various states to limit such competition.
Some advocates argue competition can be good for ratepayers and the environment. Merchant lines could bring renewable power into Illinois from other states, and also make it easier for new renewables to be built in Illinois and connected to the grid. There can be long delays for new wind and solar farms to get approval to be connected to the MISO grid. These renewables could connect to merchant lines without delay.
Grain Belt Express developer Invenergy, based in Chicago, is among the backers of a transmission incentive bill.
Another merchant transmission line seeking to deliver power to Illinois is SOO Green, a proposed 350-mile underground cable between Iowa and Illinois following a railroad right-of-way.
Both projects would facilitate sharing power between MISO and PJM grids, a necessity especially as extreme weather events increase, experts say. Last May, the twoorganizations for the first time agreed to coordinate on their long-range planning,
The Clean Grid Alliance, a national organization, advocates for grid expansion both through the regional transmission organizations’ planning processes, and through merchant lines. The alliance supported a proposal during the last Illinois legislative session that would have created RECs for merchant transmission. Clean Grid Alliance vice president of advocacy Jeff Danielson said he does not know of any other states that have created RECs for this purpose.
“We encourage states to help in any way possible to get the electric interstate superhighway built,” said Danielson. “It really is up to the states to secure their own economic future around a resilient and commerce-friendly grid. Whether it’s a REC concept, direct power purchase agreements, permitting reform, we encourage all of it. We literally need to build the transmission everywhere all at once.”
Financial lift
Since projects like Grain Belt Express and SOO Green cover multiple states, it may seem unfair for one state to carry more of the financial burden by offering subsidies. But Danielson said that may be necessary to tip the balance and make sure transmission gets built; and other states should follow Illinois’s lead.
“There’s the idea it will just get built,” without state action, Danielson said. “But it won’t, it hasn’t. Merchant lines are incredibly difficult to build. A governor has to understand the value to his state, his colleagues in other states have to understand this is what’s going to drive economic growth. Every time they’re in a meeting they should be saying, ‘We have to get to yes.’ It’s a shared opportunity and shared responsibility.”
A March 2024 study by the Illinois Power Agency estimated that credits for the SOO Green line would cost ratepayers $430 million per year, while reducing utility bills to save them $178 million per year. The line would also add $414 million in economic benefit to the state’s economy, the agency found.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America is among the labor unions supporting a transmission-incentives bill. The union’s Midwest governmental affairs director, Sean Stott, noted that Invenergy’s Grain Belt Express, for example, is projected to create 1,500 construction jobs in central Illinois.
“They’ve made a commitment to employing residents of central Illinois to do that work, including members of the Laborers union,” he said. “Any time you do that, you’ll have money in the pockets of workers. It would definitely generate a significant amount of economic activity in the local community.”
He doesn’t think union members would resent the additional charges on electric bills to fund transmission incentives.
“There are no free lunches in life, there would be a small charge, however they would receive by virtue of an influx of lower-cost power, downward pressure on their electric bills,” he said.
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association also supports such legislation.
“We’ve seen warnings for the last couple years both in PJM and MISO of potential brown-outs,” said association president Mark Denzler. “When there are challenges, the first folks they ask to reduce load are industries. Transmission projects are one place where the state has the ability to work on making sure we have reliability.”
The legislation might also include a component known as “next generation highways,” allowing transmission lines to be co-located with highways, a situation currently prohibited under Illinois law. Minnesota last year passed similar legislation.
“We want to at least allow utilities the option to consider that,” said Gignac. “It’s something states can do, allowing some flexibility in the location of transmission lines.”
Danielson framed the relationship to highways as symbolic on a larger level.
“We have never thought about our grid in an integrated interstate commerce way like we thought about the highway system in the 1950s, and we really need to,” he said. “Because resilience to weather events and connecting economies through clean energy and 24-7 internet commerce are going to be the reasons Midwest states and the U.S. in general are going to be an economic leader in the future.”
Related
The state of Illinois is taking a big step towards achieving its renewable energy goals by exploring the use of renewable energy credits to support independent transmission projects.
With a growing focus on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, Illinois is looking for innovative solutions to expand its renewable energy capacity. By utilizing renewable energy credits, the state can provide financial incentives to developers of independent transmission projects that connect renewable energy sources to the grid.
This initiative not only supports the growth of renewable energy in Illinois but also promotes the development of new transmission infrastructure, which is crucial for delivering clean energy to consumers.
By leveraging renewable energy credits, Illinois aims to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system and create a cleaner, greener future for its residents. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development!
Tags:
Illinois renewable energy credits, independent transmission projects, renewable energy initiatives, clean energy development, Illinois energy industry, sustainable energy solutions, renewable energy innovations, transmission infrastructure projects, renewable energy credits in Illinois, independent energy transmission initiatives
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Social skills games and therapy games are powerful tools for breaking down barriers and helping children develop important emotional skills. One such game that has been gaining popularity is a feelings game for kids that explores emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, and joy.
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Credit: Hulu
They say laughter brings us together, which is ironic considering that comedian Roy Wood Jr. is aiming to get a few cackles by pointing out the lack of community and connection we’re experiencing in modern society with his new stand-up special Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers.
Premiering tonight, January 17, on Hulu, the new comedy hour is the former The Daily Show correspondent’s fourth live special, and his first for the streaming service. Filmed in the Lincoln Theatre in Washington D.C., the stand-up event sees the famous funnyman exploring “how lack of connection has sent society spiraling into a culture full of guns, rude employees, self-checkout lanes, and why some of us would rather be alone rather than be connected,” reads the show’s official synopsis. (“I saw somebody get bad service at the gun range. How you gonna be rude to someone who showed up to practice murder?” Wood Jr. quips during the special.)
As for how the comic came up with the focus of the new special, Wood Jr. told The Washington Post: “I tend to write material first and then gravitate back to see what the theme is. The more I looked, the more I realized that we were a society full of insincere sincerity or fake gestures. I believe people don’t really care about one another. The more I wrote, the more I kept looking at the material and realized, ‘Wow, we really are just lonely.’ All this stuff is just a by-product of loneliness. And that’s not normal.”
You can tune into Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers exclusively on Hulu beginning on Friday, January 17. Current subscription options on Hulu include the “With Ads” plan for $9.99 per month or the commercial-free “No Ads” plan for $18.99 per month. The service also offers a 30-day free trial, so new subscribers can watch Wood Jr.’s comedy special for free. Lonely Flowers is the latest stand-up special to come out of the streamer’s curated “Hularious” collection, which recently saw the premieres of Ilana Glazer: Human Magic, Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny and Joe Mande: Chill.
Check out the official trailer for Roy Wood Jr.: Lonely Flowers before tuning into the premiere of the new comedy special today on Hulu.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. is bringing his unique blend of humor and heart to Hulu with his new special, Lonely Flowers. In this one-hour stand-up special, Wood explores the power of comedy to connect us all, even in our most isolated moments.
As he delves into topics ranging from love and relationships to race and politics, Wood weaves together personal anecdotes and sharp observations to create a thought-provoking and hilarious show. Whether he’s discussing the challenges of dating in the digital age or the absurdities of everyday life, Wood’s wit and wisdom shine through in every joke.
Lonely Flowers is a testament to the power of laughter to bring us together, even when we feel most alone. So grab a snack, settle in, and get ready to laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear or two with Roy Wood Jr. on Hulu.
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Roy Wood Jr., comedy special, Hulu, Lonely Flowers, stand-up comedy, connection, humor, comedy special review, comedian, entertainment, laugh out loud, funny, comedy exploration, satire, social commentary, entertainment news.
Marching bands are a beloved tradition in many communities, bringing together musicians of all ages to create a symphony of sound and movement. The New York Times recently delved into the world of marching bands, exploring the artistry and discipline that goes into being a member of one of these ensembles.
The article highlights the dedication and hard work that band members put into their craft, from hours of practice to perfecting intricate formations on the field. The discipline required to be a successful member of a marching band is no small feat, with members often balancing school, work, and other commitments alongside their band responsibilities.
But despite the challenges, being a part of a marching band is a transformative experience for many. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork that comes from working together towards a common goal is unparalleled, and the thrill of performing in front of a crowd is an unforgettable rush.
The article also touches on the artistic side of marching bands, highlighting the creativity and innovation that goes into designing a show. From choosing music that resonates with the audience to choreographing elaborate routines, there is a level of artistry involved in marching band performances that often goes unappreciated.
Overall, the New York Times’ exploration of marching bands shines a light on the incredible talent and dedication of these musicians. Whether they are performing at a halftime show or a parade, marching band members are true artists in their own right, creating magic on the field with every step and note.
