J.J. Talks Mystery

My first experience with J.J. Abrams, came from my obsession with the show LOST. LOST was a television show that revolutionized how television was experienced. Before, it was thought of as a medium for cheap laugh tracks and never ending dramas. LOST turned television into an event outside of the screen. It became a community where LOSTies (as they called themselves) would get together and discuss theories about the show. Because of LOST, I decided to check out other J.J. classics and have grown fonder and fonder of his work, as time has passed. This fondness led me to J.J. Abram's TED talk entitled "The Mystery Box."

"Mystery Box" was inspired by his love of the mysterious. He explains that storytelling is essentially several mysteries being solved as the story progresses. I had never thought of story telling that way, but it makes perfect sense. His example came from one of his favorite movies, Star Wars. He said the mystery in Star Wars came from Leia recording the video for Obi Wan, then the audience waiting to see who Obi Wan was, then wondering if Ben Kanobi was Obi Wan, etc.

He also explained that many of the things that weren't possible without a large Hollywood are now possible if you have the determination and the skills needed. He showed two examples of quality special effects achieved by only a few who were not technically "professionals" in the field. J.J. Abrams and I have the same mentality when it comes to storytelling and creating. Lots of people have the capacity to make their dreams come true. The only difference is that some pursue it and some do not.

J.J. Abrams has gained notoriety as a storyteller and filmmaker since LOST. He has directed several blockbusters such as Star Trek and Mission Impossible, so I feel like if anyone should be admired and listened to, it should be Abrams. If other writers would apply his belief that storytelling is just a series of mysteries, then there would be many more good movies, and less clutter in the industry.