Anime that Influenced the Matrix: Akira vs. Ghost in the Shell

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT?This week we pull two classic sci-fi anime films out of our Nerdhat, both of which influenced the Wachowskis and inspired elements of the Matrix trilogy. Richard will  be pitching Mamoru Oshii's 1995 classic "Ghost in the Shell," while returning guest Elijah Miller will be advocating for Katsuhiro Ôtomo's groundbreaking 1988 film "Akira." To Peruse and Purchase Examples of Elijah's art, visit https://www.elijahmillerart.com/AI Summary*In this episode, hosts Richard Best and Elijah Miller delve into the world of anime, focusing on two iconic films: Ghost in the Shell and Akira. They explore the artistic journey of Elijah, discussing his recent projects and experiences in the art community. The conversation transitions into a detailed analysis of both films, highlighting their themes, animation styles, and cultural impacts. Richard and Elijah share their insights on character development, visual storytelling, and the significance of these films in the anime genre, culminating in a lively discussion about their personal preferences and the future of anime.Takeaways*- Elijah has experienced significant growth in his artistic career over the past two years.- Akira is a pivotal film that has influenced many aspects of modern anime and storytelling.- Ghost in the Shell explores deep philosophical questions about identity and humanity.- The animation quality of Akira is unmatched, showcasing a fluidity that is rare in modern anime.- Both films reflect societal fears and hopes regarding technology and the future.- Character development in Akira is driven by the circumstances surrounding the characters' struggles.- Elijah emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the art world.- Richard shares his personal connection to the themes of Ghost in the Shell.- The discussion highlights the cultural significance of anime in both Japan and the global context.- The episode concludes with a light-hearted debate about the merits of each film. *We thought it somehow appropriate to use a bit of AI assistance in creating this week's show notes. Don't worry, we didn't contract any viruses when we jacked in....*The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Nerdhat podcast or its hosts.*Love the podcast? Want to join the community? Head over to our Patreon and sign up today! https://patreon.com/TheNerdhatPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink