True Stories, the Talking Heads movie from 1986, may be brilliant. It also may be awful. It’s probably, actually, just both at once. I’ve always been stunned by this one scene, however, especially in its ability to predict the future of the New Economy (something not that surprising, considering the movie centers around a Texan computer company based in the town of Virgil).
Spalding Gray, who is the head of Varicorp and the father in this little dinner drama, manages to describe the spatial issues of home workplace, along with how they are merging. He does not further comment on whether that’s a good or bad thing, so it remains sort of unclear. What are we to make of the guy dancing in his office alone at night?
Partial transcript of video:
EARL: You know, Larry here may have a future at Varicorp. With his young discipline and systems consciousness, he could go a long way. And Varicorp is growing like there’s no tomorrow. Let me show you what I think is going on.
LINDA: Do you hear music?
DAVID BYRNE: Is something wrong with your sister?
EARL: Mainframe. Microprocessor. Semi-conductor. Now, if this is the town, and here is the workplace, with its goods, and distribution network. Now, most middle class people have worked for large corporations, like Varicorp. Or for the government itself. But now, all that’s started to change. Scientists and engineers are moving off from those large corporations like Varicorp, and they’re beginning to start their own companies, marketing new inventions—
DAVID BYRNE: Excuse me, Mr. Culver. I forgot what these peppers represent…
EARL: Aha! It all spins back to the middle. Here we are, right here, in Virgil! Our way of doing business has been based on the past. That’s why we have to keep these guys in Virgil! Even though they do leave Varicorp… For the time being, it’s created confusion! And chaos! They don’t work for money anymore! Or to earn a place in heaven—which was a big motivating factor, once upon a time, believe you me. They’re working and inventing because they like it! Economics has become a spiritual thing. I must admit, it frightens me a little bit. They don’t seem to see the difference between working and not working. It’s all become a part of one’s life! Linda! Larry! There’s no concept of weekends anymore!
Tags: David Byrne, estranged labor, New Economy, Talking Heads, True Stories
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