Lacayo's perspective and the Postmodernist reflection.

Akira...A whole lot more than it seems.

After watching one of the anime all-time classics, Akira, I find myself completely confused and lightheaded. The movie itself was great, the animations were smooth and the story line was as confusing as an episode of Lost. Nevertheless, it was good, but I'm not going to write a critique about the movie. As we were in class today, Professor McCay prompted us to analyze different aspects of the movies and, considering my overflowing luck, I ended up with the Post-Modernist influences in the movie. First of all, at that particular moment I still had no idea what on earth the Postmodernist manifesto was, even less on how it applied with Akira.

After much deliberation and the exchange of many "WTF?" looks, I finally began to understand the concept a little bit more. The movement branches off from the original Modernist viewpoint; which goes against the "traditional forms of art, architecture, religious faith...and daily life" (Wikipedia). Therefore, the Postmodernist movement believes that the norm/reality is subject to change because of people and their reactions to life. How do they relate? Modernism just wants to change the norm while Postmodernism believes that it’s always subject to change. This is just a very simple definition and still the concepts take a moment to understand. I still haven’t been able to fully grasp the idea of it.

Now, how does this relate to Akira and Tetsuo?

Let’s put in consideration Tetsuo’s situation. He’s a poor young man who is pretty much in the bottom of the caste system. I personally believe that one of the reasons he’s alive is because he has friends who care for him and protect him when circumstances become difficult, which seems to happen a lot to this unfortunate guy. This dependency on friends causes Tetsuo to develop resentment towards his friends; he is tired of the “damsel in distress” image he has. Tetsuo wants his own rules, he wants to have the power to set his own directions and not follow and be constantly saved by those who are stronger than him.  When Tetsuo obtains his psychic powers, he is able to finally set his own rules. Here’s when the theme of Postmodernism is at its highest. Tetsuo doesn’t want the reality that has been set for him; therefore he seeks to create his own reality where he is the one with power, a hero, almost a god. People begin to worship him and they begin to accept the norm which he is setting but ultimately that reality which he seeks ends up turning against him…or does it?

Tetsuo: An image of Postmodernism?
From a boy to a god to an abomination.

Postmodernism questions purpose and truth, it seeks its own norm which ultimately changes because of the natural flow of life. Tetsuo is trying to change his reality; he questions his purpose, realizes his position and aims to change it. Nevertheless, it doesn’t go as he intended. However, the ending of the movie is open-ended, leaving us to interpret what is the scenario and what is the closure as the screen fades to black and Tetsuo calls his own name.

Ultimately, meager Tetsuo tried hard to change his norm, he achieved that and yet his norm changed again in a manner of minutes. That is Postmodernism at its finest.

Now, despite all of that, the movie was fantastic. I can for sure see why it’s deemed as one of the greatest anime movies of all times. It can for sure be added to my list of ‘watched and loved’ anime.

“I find it hard to tell you, I find it hard to take...when people run in circles. It's a very, very Mad World.”

-Xavi

Lacayo Quick Facts

I was never the kind of person to just write and ramble about myself for more than 2 minutes. I generally enjoy hearing other people talk about their life, their experiences and such. Nevertheless, whenever prompted to or if the level of sugar in my body is excessively high, I can go on and on and on.

I'm not saying that I'm a shy guy, not at all, I'm more of the kind of person that enjoys a two way conversation rather than a one way "I'm going to blast out everything in my life while you fall asleep" monologue. But I digress.

My name is Xavier Lacayo, feel free to call me Xavi. Any other nicknames must be submitted by mail.
I'm a 19 year old Communications major from Nicaragua, which is not in Africa. Trust me, a lot of people have asked me if it is.

I'm not entirely sure what else to put, so how about a list? Because lists make life so much more simple.
But before I begin with that, just a little warning. I have a really hard time picking favorites. Hence the long list of anime when the professor only asked us to pick one. But I digress, again.

Favorite Food (by request of Britnee): Oriental Food. Sushi and Kimchi are in the top.

Favorite Music: From Blink 182 to Disney, The Cranberries to JPop, Dave Matthews and Glee.  I have a wide selection of musical preferences. I also really like Hatsune Miku, whom which you will find out eventually if you do not already know who it is.

Favorite Anime (how about top 10?): The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Soul Eater, Dragon Ball Z, Death Note (still have to finish it), Lucky Star, FLCL, Ghost in the Shell, Spirited Away, Fate Stay Night and Fruits Basket.

Favorite Hobby: I love to play videogames, hands down. I own a N64 with about 25 (if not more) games. I also love to read and write. I enjoy drawing but I'm terrible at it. One random hobby of mine is also photography; whether with my cellphone camera or my brothers $700 god of pictures, if I see anything worthwhile I'll take it. Another thing I very much enjoy is hanging out with friends and meeting new people, so hit me up whenever you want to chill!

I'm not entirely sure of what to put next. I look forward to being able to discuss anime with all of you and see your blogs. Any questions? I rather answer questions than just ramble on.


"And celebrate we will, 'Cuz life is short but sweet for certain"
-Xavi.