Hommage instead of Remix: Writing Response to the Metal Gear Solid Documentaries

This is the Writing Response of Metal Gear Solid Documentaries. This is also homework for NYU DM-GY 6053 Section D: Writing Response.

At the very beginning, Hedeo Kojima directly points out that his game is originated from "Hide and Seek". [1] In fact few western artist would speak with such a shocking plain and bold style to point out the derivation of the original idea.

Instead of western REMIX, which suggest while hide the purpose of copy, the Japanese artists live in a cultural environment where creators never hide, be bold, shameless and even glorious about copying and adopting. In Metal Gear Solid 2 [1], the conversation between "Rose and Jack" is an unnecessary, even a bit hilarious "Remix" of the Titanic. The team do not have to do so since the "Oil Platform" is the idea borrowed from the Titanic. But still they adopt this conversation, as if showing off their relationship and respect to that classic film.

An unnecessary remix as if showing of its originality

It is quite obvious that instead of avoiding plagiarism, Japanese artists have been actively Hommage (オマージュ) the classical work. They intentionally, frequently and openly do so, “to show respect, salute” to the classical precedents. In Metal Gear Solid, it is almost everywhere, from the Vampire character and the final ex-skeleon boss. Maybe this is related to a part of their modern culture. Some scholars even argue that encouraging copy not only comes from a practical philosophy (which is quite similar with early American philosophy) but also deeply connected with Japanese mythology from a historical perspective. While occasionally fits the contemporary art creation environment: An age information flow and integration is more important than originality.

References

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=eJVYND_YRx8