Round Robin

In Totems without Taboos:The Exquisite Corpse, Paul D. Miller discusses the need for us to respect the flow of information from different places, perspectives and cultures. In our own version of the exquisite corpse, we too had to practice this respect for each phase of the story. Each night there would be a new edition to our story and we no longer held the control to change or develop it.  In that sense, nothing was really our own. Everything was sort of an homage. Each artist was trying to express their independence in creativity, while simultaneously bending their personal pursuits to align with the previous artist. This process resulted in a final product that reflected the different perspectives and ideas of each contributor.

As to how each individual story turned out, we can all relate to Adam’s comment on his final compilation:  “In terms of my own story's exquisite corpse, I think there was a slight creative disconnect.”  Keith’s comment may explain a little bit as to why there was a creative disconnect: “As for me, I was limited by time and my inability to draw, but my contribution meant something different for the masterpiece.” Different styles of art led to different interpretations.  As one of the great philosophers has said, “Anything you put in front of the human eye man will draw a conclusion from;” once the artist has released his work, it belongs to the general public for interpretation.  Thus the theme of each of the stories were different based on the translation of the previous artist. 

The exquisite corpse can be compared to the cartoon, Adventure Time, in the fact that all parts/episodes have their own beginning, middle, and end.  Yet they do not necessarily have to be viewed in order. Similarly, each story in the creative corpse does not necessarily communicate the same theme. The collaborative process and the mixing of form and content, narrative and theme, individual story and series is beautiful in and of itself.  It shows how similar yet different man may be.

As aspiring filmmakers, it is important to realize the auteur approach is not necessarily the best way to go. Making a film is a big deal and there's no way one person will generate the kind of depth that makes for good stories. Miller talks about the sheer volume of information available to people today, which allows for infinitely more connections than ever before. Letting go of pride and ownership allows us to enjoy the endless buffet of experience coming from all sides and contribute our own bits. The writer may win the Oscar, but that award is due in part to the 13 year old girl on Pinterest and the source from which she pinned. No matter how successful we may be, we can never take full credit. Our part may merely constitute the feet.

The Round Robin Story

#1) When Fuzzy Penguin floated though class in a hot air balloon, his classmates thought he was a rather odd duck.

By Adam Hardy

 

#2) But Fuzzy Penguin who was a duck didn't care. So he floated on until his balloon popped. Then he dropped.

By Tom Hartvigsen

 

#3) Fuzzy Penguin fell for a long time, though he rather enjoyed it. He did not enjoy hitting the ocean though.

By Weber Griffiths

 

#4) The sea enjoys its meal when it gets one.

By Keith Grover

 

#5) "What would you like... cookies, pies, or cakes?"
"JUST SALT PLEASE."

By Hannah Hansen

#6) SCANDAL REVEALED: Homofarm Zoo's forced closure leaves man-eaters without food. PETA says, "Inhumane!"

By Adam Hardy

This last addition was a bit of a mistake, as I didn't realize the last installment was the final one. I found it remarkable that I no longer recognized the story from where it had began. The changes become more drastic as the development is merely inspired by the previous chapter and doesn't necessarily represent a narrative.