Opinion Today 2: The Sequel

Is anything new anymore? A short film explores the state of creativity.

View in browser|nytimes.com November 26, 2024 By Jonah M. Kessel Deputy Director, Opinion Video Going to the movies this week? There's a lot to choose from, as long as you'd like a sequel or adaptation: "Moana 2," "Gladiator II," "Smile 2." How many "Venom" movies are there now? And then there's "Wicked" (but not the musical or the book that came before). Maybe the big screen isn't your thing. Instead, you could stay home and watch HBO's new "Dune" spinoff. And of course there is the always-expanding "Star Wars" universe. We are being sequeled and franchised to death. "Everything looks the same, sounds the same, is the same," says the documentary filmmaker Kirby Ferguson. Ferguson once made a documentary series called "Everything Is a Remix," in which he explored how we define creativity. Here at Opinion Video, we were big fans of the series. And when Ferguson pitched us on a new idea that explored creativity in the wake of today's ubiquitous sequels, we could think of no one better than him to answer the question: Is creativity dead? His conclusion is surprising. What we are seeing, Ferguson says in the film, is just the tip of the iceberg. So on your way to whatever sequel you choose, we hope Ferguson's new short film will give you needed perspective on the state of our collective creativity. Watch the film: Is Creativity Dead? Or is the algorithm just hiding it from you? By Kirby Ferguson Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Guest Essay She Was the Most Powerful Woman in the World. And She Isn't Ready to Say Sorry. In her memoir, the former German chancellor doesn't take the chance to make amends. By Melanie Amann More From Opinion Thomas L. Friedman Mr. Trump, Do You Realize How Much the World Has Changed Since You Were President? 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By Zeynep Tufekci Matter of Opinion Our Mount Rushmore of Fictional Presidents Jed Bartlett and other presidents of our youth. 26 MIN LISTEN Getty Images letters Overcoming Obesity, With Diet and Physical Education Responses to a news article about overweight Americans. Also: Cabinet picks accused of sexual abuse; transgender rights; boys' feelings about the election. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? 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