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WHAT WERE STANLEY KUBRICK'S SOURCES FOR EYES WIDES SHUT?
"It’s a great huge game of chess that’s being played -- all over the world -- if this the world at all, you know."
-- Lewis Carroll
🌈 🦉 👁️ 🎄 🎭
<thread>
WHAT WERE STANLEY KUBRICK'S SOURCES FOR EYES WIDES SHUT?
"It’s a great huge game of chess that’s being played -- all over the world -- if this the world at all, you know."
-- Lewis Carroll
🌈 🦉 👁️ 🎄 🎭
<thread>
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There was a time, years ago now, when I read every biography of Stanley Kubrick I could find in the library.
So it would be impossible for me to source every claim in this thread because I can’t tell you exactly where I learned the information.
There was a time, years ago now, when I read every biography of Stanley Kubrick I could find in the library.
So it would be impossible for me to source every claim in this thread because I can’t tell you exactly where I learned the information.
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What fascinated me about Kubrick was the process he used to make movies. It always began with exhaustive research. He would devour numerous books, magazines and newspaper articles preparing for his next movie
What fascinated me about Kubrick was the process he used to make movies. It always began with exhaustive research. He would devour numerous books, magazines and newspaper articles preparing for his next movie
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His attention to detail was extremely time consuming.
He only made 7 movies between 1964-1999.
His attention to detail was extremely time consuming.
He only made 7 movies between 1964-1999.
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Kubrick clearly loved researching. Sometimes he would select random books to read for no other reason than to learn something he didn’t know.
Kubrick clearly loved researching. Sometimes he would select random books to read for no other reason than to learn something he didn’t know.
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His home was filled with boxes upon boxes of his research.
His home was filled with boxes upon boxes of his research.
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Eyes Wide Shut (EWS) was Kubrick’s last film. It was finished 12 years after his previous one. So there is no telling how many different sources Kubrick used in preparation for EWS.
I’m only going to focus on a limited number of intriguing possibilities.
Eyes Wide Shut (EWS) was Kubrick’s last film. It was finished 12 years after his previous one. So there is no telling how many different sources Kubrick used in preparation for EWS.
I’m only going to focus on a limited number of intriguing possibilities.
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One source we know for certain is the book, Traumnovelle (Dream Story) by Arthur Schnitzler
One source we know for certain is the book, Traumnovelle (Dream Story) by Arthur Schnitzler
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Published in 1926, the book tells the story of an Austrian couple whose mutual confessions of sexaul fantasies leave them both confused and troubled.
In response to his wife’s confession, the husband (a doctor) roams the city night in search of erotic adventures.
Published in 1926, the book tells the story of an Austrian couple whose mutual confessions of sexaul fantasies leave them both confused and troubled.
In response to his wife’s confession, the husband (a doctor) roams the city night in search of erotic adventures.
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Kubrick uses the doctor’s wanderings to form the backbone of the plot of EWS, updated to 1990’s New York City.
The couple is played by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time of filming.
Kubrick uses the doctor’s wanderings to form the backbone of the plot of EWS, updated to 1990’s New York City.
The couple is played by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time of filming.
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The book is about what is real & what is illusion and how often it is difficult to tell them apart. The movie shares a similar theme, but it’s not quite the same. Kubrick adds his own distinct point of view to the novel's story.
The book is about what is real & what is illusion and how often it is difficult to tell them apart. The movie shares a similar theme, but it’s not quite the same. Kubrick adds his own distinct point of view to the novel's story.
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When the insightful film analyst Rob Ager visited the Kubrick archives, he discovered a copy of Cult & Occult in a box containing Schnitzler’s book and other EWS related material.
When the insightful film analyst Rob Ager visited the Kubrick archives, he discovered a copy of Cult & Occult in a box containing Schnitzler’s book and other EWS related material.
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I happen to own a copy of the book. (Currently a copy is selling for over $500 on Amazon). #HoldTheLine
I happen to own a copy of the book. (Currently a copy is selling for over $500 on Amazon). #HoldTheLine
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There are sections titled Trantric cults, Sex and the occult, Ritual and magic that may have influenced Kubrick’s vision for EWS.
There are sections titled Trantric cults, Sex and the occult, Ritual and magic that may have influenced Kubrick’s vision for EWS.
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Another possible source: Kubrick subscribed to the publications of Lyndon LaRouche’s organization.
Another possible source: Kubrick subscribed to the publications of Lyndon LaRouche’s organization.
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This may surprise some, but keep in mind that prior to the growth of the internet, conspiracy theories weren’t as omnipresent as they are today. LaRouche’s publications helped fill the void.
This may surprise some, but keep in mind that prior to the growth of the internet, conspiracy theories weren’t as omnipresent as they are today. LaRouche’s publications helped fill the void.
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And, as I’ve stated previously, LaRouche’s organization employed several capable writers.
And, as I’ve stated previously, LaRouche’s organization employed several capable writers.
https://twitter.com/SeekerOTL/status/1320536198088065024
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For instance, an article about political correctness and the Frankfurt School that appeared in the initial publication of Fidelio is quite good and ahead of its time.
For instance, an article about political correctness and the Frankfurt School that appeared in the initial publication of Fidelio is quite good and ahead of its time.
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In the movie, the doctor learns about a secretive masked ball where an old friend, a musician, is scheduled to play. The password for entry is “Fidelio.”
In the movie, the doctor learns about a secretive masked ball where an old friend, a musician, is scheduled to play. The password for entry is “Fidelio.”
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When the doctor sees “Fidelio” written on a napkin, he asks his musician friend, “what is this?” The friend answers “the name of a Bethoveen opera.”
The Beethoven opera was also the inspiration for the name of a LaRouche magazine.
When the doctor sees “Fidelio” written on a napkin, he asks his musician friend, “what is this?” The friend answers “the name of a Bethoveen opera.”
The Beethoven opera was also the inspiration for the name of a LaRouche magazine.
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In the novel, the password is “Denmark.” Kubrick’s decision to change the name and to use “Fidelio” is significant.
While the opera’s plot does resemble certain aspects of EWS, I also believe it reflects the influence of LaRouchian thought on Kubrick.
In the novel, the password is “Denmark.” Kubrick’s decision to change the name and to use “Fidelio” is significant.
While the opera’s plot does resemble certain aspects of EWS, I also believe it reflects the influence of LaRouchian thought on Kubrick.
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The eternal antagonist in LaRouche’s grand conspiracy theory is what he refers to as the Venetian Party of England.
The eternal antagonist in LaRouche’s grand conspiracy theory is what he refers to as the Venetian Party of England.
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Trust me when I say LaRouche goes into exhaustive detail explaining how he believed the oligarchs of Renaissance Venice infiltrated and took over the British elite. I’ll spare you the details.
Trust me when I say LaRouche goes into exhaustive detail explaining how he believed the oligarchs of Renaissance Venice infiltrated and took over the British elite. I’ll spare you the details.
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At the very center of EWS is a ball attended by elites and scantily-clad beautiful women wearing Venetian masks.
At the very center of EWS is a ball attended by elites and scantily-clad beautiful women wearing Venetian masks.
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The scene was shot in NYC or even in America at all.
It was shot at Elveden Hall in Suffolk, England.
The scene was shot in NYC or even in America at all.
It was shot at Elveden Hall in Suffolk, England.
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The high priest of the ceremony, wearing a red cloak, speaks with a British accent.
The high priest of the ceremony, wearing a red cloak, speaks with a British accent.
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The actor who plays Red Cloak appeared in a previous Kubrick movie as an English aristocrat. So there are a lot of allusions to the British for a story set in New York City.
The actor who plays Red Cloak appeared in a previous Kubrick movie as an English aristocrat. So there are a lot of allusions to the British for a story set in New York City.
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The next possible sources we’ll look at it are based on my speculation. In 1995 an utterly surreal book, The Trance Formation of America, written by Cathy O’Brien, was published.
The next possible sources we’ll look at it are based on my speculation. In 1995 an utterly surreal book, The Trance Formation of America, written by Cathy O’Brien, was published.
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O’Brien claims she was a mind-controlled slave to the rich and powerful, including many prominent politicians, even Presidents. And she names names.
O’Brien claims she was a mind-controlled slave to the rich and powerful, including many prominent politicians, even Presidents. And she names names.
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Her accusations are outrageous. One of her more outlandish claims is that she was sent to deliver a message from George H W Bush to the Vice President of Mexico stating the US was open for the influx of illegal narcotics:
Her accusations are outrageous. One of her more outlandish claims is that she was sent to deliver a message from George H W Bush to the Vice President of Mexico stating the US was open for the influx of illegal narcotics:
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“tearing down the border between our countries enough to allow for as many drugs to come in as Mexico can deal out.”
“tearing down the border between our countries enough to allow for as many drugs to come in as Mexico can deal out.”
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Such claims are easy to dismiss, but when I heard the president’s son was arrested for his involvement with NXIVM, it did make me think. 🧐
newsweek.com/nxivm-emiliano…
Such claims are easy to dismiss, but when I heard the president’s son was arrested for his involvement with NXIVM, it did make me think. 🧐
newsweek.com/nxivm-emiliano…
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One of the major villains in O’Brien’s book is Dick Cheney. Now, keep in mind that Cheney was not well known outside the Beltway in the 1990’s. He had yet to be dubbed ‘Darth Cheney.’
One of the major villains in O’Brien’s book is Dick Cheney. Now, keep in mind that Cheney was not well known outside the Beltway in the 1990’s. He had yet to be dubbed ‘Darth Cheney.’
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O’Brien writes that Cheney was an enthusiastic participant in The World’s Most Dangerous Game: the hunting of human victims like animals as part of their mind-control programming.
O’Brien writes that Cheney was an enthusiastic participant in The World’s Most Dangerous Game: the hunting of human victims like animals as part of their mind-control programming.
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Ridiculous. Right?
But Cheney actually did once shoot a man while hunting (AFTER the book was published).
nytimes.com/2006/02/13/pol…
Ridiculous. Right?
But Cheney actually did once shoot a man while hunting (AFTER the book was published).
nytimes.com/2006/02/13/pol…
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Why would I believe it’s possible Kubrick read such a bizarre book?
Because O’Brien claims she was conditioned through abusive trauma and “Over The Rainbow” programming.
Why would I believe it’s possible Kubrick read such a bizarre book?
Because O’Brien claims she was conditioned through abusive trauma and “Over The Rainbow” programming.
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Eyes Wide Shut is filled with rainbow imagery.
Eyes Wide Shut is filled with rainbow imagery.
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Kubrick sets the story during Christmas time, I suspect, so he could include multiple Christmas trees awash in the colors of the rainbow (He is also commenting on the crass commercialization of a religious holiday).
Kubrick sets the story during Christmas time, I suspect, so he could include multiple Christmas trees awash in the colors of the rainbow (He is also commenting on the crass commercialization of a religious holiday).
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In an early scene, the doctor and his wife attend a party hosted by one of his wealthy patients.
The doctor is accosted by two beautiful models (with British accents) who tell him they want to take him “where the rainbow ends.”
In an early scene, the doctor and his wife attend a party hosted by one of his wealthy patients.
The doctor is accosted by two beautiful models (with British accents) who tell him they want to take him “where the rainbow ends.”
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Another classic story that O’Brien claims was used in her mind-control programming was Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking-Glass.
Another classic story that O’Brien claims was used in her mind-control programming was Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking-Glass.
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In one trippy scene, she writes that long-time West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd abused her using this type of programming.
In one trippy scene, she writes that long-time West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd abused her using this type of programming.
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In Eyes Wide Shut, the doctor’s wife is named Alice.
And on the poster for the movie she is looking into a mirror.
In Eyes Wide Shut, the doctor’s wife is named Alice.
And on the poster for the movie she is looking into a mirror.
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Throughout the movie we see mirrors in scenes involving Alice.
Throughout the movie we see mirrors in scenes involving Alice.
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Another book about mind-control, The Illuminati Formula Used to Create a Undetectable Mind Controlled Slave by Fritz Springmeier Cisco Wheeler, was published soon after O’Brien’s book.
Another book about mind-control, The Illuminati Formula Used to Create a Undetectable Mind Controlled Slave by Fritz Springmeier Cisco Wheeler, was published soon after O’Brien’s book.
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The authors also claim the elite use Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland mind-control programming.
Their description of this programming sounds a lot like the dream world of Eyes Wide Shut.
The authors also claim the elite use Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland mind-control programming.
Their description of this programming sounds a lot like the dream world of Eyes Wide Shut.
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In a scene late in the movie, Alice wakes from a dream in which she was participating in an orgy. Or maybe it was more than just a dream?
The purpose of Rainbow programming, the authors claim, is to leave the victim confused about the reality of her exploitation.
In a scene late in the movie, Alice wakes from a dream in which she was participating in an orgy. Or maybe it was more than just a dream?
The purpose of Rainbow programming, the authors claim, is to leave the victim confused about the reality of her exploitation.
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Bear in mind the question I’m raising is not about the validity of O’brien’s claims. Or whether Kubrick believed in “over the rainbow” programming. I’m asking if O’brien’s book could have been a source for his movie.
Bear in mind the question I’m raising is not about the validity of O’brien’s claims. Or whether Kubrick believed in “over the rainbow” programming. I’m asking if O’brien’s book could have been a source for his movie.
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There were several books on the subject of Oz/Alice programming published after O’Brien’s book. I haven’t found a source that pre-dates her claims, so that would seem to exclude a possible shared source between O’Brien and Kubrick.
There were several books on the subject of Oz/Alice programming published after O’Brien’s book. I haven’t found a source that pre-dates her claims, so that would seem to exclude a possible shared source between O’Brien and Kubrick.
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Of course, there is another alternative that is rather disturbing: O’Brien is telling the truth, in part at least, and Kubrick never read her book but was aware such programming existed from other sources.
Of course, there is another alternative that is rather disturbing: O’Brien is telling the truth, in part at least, and Kubrick never read her book but was aware such programming existed from other sources.
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There is one distinct difference between EWS and the books by O’Brien and Springmeier: the use of violence. The books are explicit that torture and rape are employed as means of creating mind-controlled slaves.
There is one distinct difference between EWS and the books by O’Brien and Springmeier: the use of violence. The books are explicit that torture and rape are employed as means of creating mind-controlled slaves.
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In EWS, on the other hand, there is no violence. The possibility is only suggested.
In EWS, on the other hand, there is no violence. The possibility is only suggested.
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In some ways, Kubrick’s version is more disturbing. The women are not so much slaves as they are prostitutes. The men go along because the rewards of being part of the club are immense.
In some ways, Kubrick’s version is more disturbing. The women are not so much slaves as they are prostitutes. The men go along because the rewards of being part of the club are immense.
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The Power Elite doesn’t force compliance. People go along out of fear of losing status and money and all that comes along with possessing them.
The Power Elite doesn’t force compliance. People go along out of fear of losing status and money and all that comes along with possessing them.
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In one early scene, the doctor is chilling in his beautiful Manhattan apartment, wearing his Uggs, watching football with his beautiful wife (note the mirror at Alice’s feet).
He looks very comfortable.
In one early scene, the doctor is chilling in his beautiful Manhattan apartment, wearing his Uggs, watching football with his beautiful wife (note the mirror at Alice’s feet).
He looks very comfortable.
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Life is good.
It is only after his wife admits to having a sexaul fantasy involving another man that the doctor’s world is shaken.
Only then does he begin to see that things around him are not what they seem. There is something sinister below the surface.
Life is good.
It is only after his wife admits to having a sexaul fantasy involving another man that the doctor’s world is shaken.
Only then does he begin to see that things around him are not what they seem. There is something sinister below the surface.
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We know children & teens are sexualized in our culture and what do we do about it?
We know children & teens are sexualized in our culture and what do we do about it?
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Of course this could be interpreted as heightened paranoia & sexual insecurity on the doc’s part.
But I believe Kubrick is suggesting the doctor is simply more aware of his surroundings, as if awakening from a trance, when his comfortable existence is called in question.
Of course this could be interpreted as heightened paranoia & sexual insecurity on the doc’s part.
But I believe Kubrick is suggesting the doctor is simply more aware of his surroundings, as if awakening from a trance, when his comfortable existence is called in question.
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As the doctor suspects possible foul play and continues his search for the truth, he is summoned to his wealthy patient’s opulent home, where the doctor attended a party at the beginning of the movie.
As the doctor suspects possible foul play and continues his search for the truth, he is summoned to his wealthy patient’s opulent home, where the doctor attended a party at the beginning of the movie.
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The wealthy patient admits that he was at the masked ball as well and tells the doctor to forget everything.
The wealthy patient admits that he was at the masked ball as well and tells the doctor to forget everything.
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“I don’t think you realize what kind of trouble you were in last night. Who do you think those people were? Those were not just ordinary people there. If I told you their names – I’m not gonna tell you their names – but if I did, I don’t think you’d sleep so well.”
“I don’t think you realize what kind of trouble you were in last night. Who do you think those people were? Those were not just ordinary people there. If I told you their names – I’m not gonna tell you their names – but if I did, I don’t think you’d sleep so well.”
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Is it better not to know and sleep well? Or is it better to be awake?
Is it better not to know and sleep well? Or is it better to be awake?
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The wealthy patient never threatens the doctor with violence. He simplys tells him it was all fake. The doctor is confronted with the dilemma whether to continue his search or return to his everyday life.
The wealthy patient never threatens the doctor with violence. He simplys tells him it was all fake. The doctor is confronted with the dilemma whether to continue his search or return to his everyday life.
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The final scene takes place appropriately in an upscale department store. We assume the doctor found the toys too difficult to give up and he’s ended his search.
The final scene takes place appropriately in an upscale department store. We assume the doctor found the toys too difficult to give up and he’s ended his search.
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In a disturbing shot, the doctor’s daughter is seen in front of a Magic Circle game, echoing the magic circle of the masked ball.
In a disturbing shot, the doctor’s daughter is seen in front of a Magic Circle game, echoing the magic circle of the masked ball.
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In Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick shows us how the Power Elite control us through what Darren Beattie calls “pretty lies, pretty illusion.”
In Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick shows us how the Power Elite control us through what Darren Beattie calls “pretty lies, pretty illusion.”
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Kubrick died in 1999 soon after EWS was completed. He didn’t live to see the continued erosion of our freedoms through the Patriot Act, FISA courts, drone strikes, lockdowns, cancel culture. As Beattie said, the elite means of control are becoming more overtly coercive.
Kubrick died in 1999 soon after EWS was completed. He didn’t live to see the continued erosion of our freedoms through the Patriot Act, FISA courts, drone strikes, lockdowns, cancel culture. As Beattie said, the elite means of control are becoming more overtly coercive.
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Perhaps the good news is that coercion is necessary because people are beginning to wake up from the dream.
Perhaps the good news is that coercion is necessary because people are beginning to wake up from the dream.
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