JRE #1698 - Neill Blomkamp

19-Aug-21

Joe Rogan Experience #1698 – Neill Blomkamp

This podcast dives deep into the enigmatic world of UFOs and the potential implications of advanced technology. Neill Blomkamp, a visionary filmmaker known for his thought-provoking science fiction, shares his perspective on the subject, exploring the boundaries of what we know and don’t know about the universe and our place within it. Provocative topics range from the controversial claims of Bob Lazar and the Pentagon’s UFO patents to the evolution of consciousness and the potential for a technologically-driven, hive-mind future.

Major Topics:

1. The Bob Lazar Enigma:

Blomkamp expresses his desire to believe Bob Lazar’s claims about alien technology, showcasing the human tendency towards wanting to believe in the extraordinary.
He acknowledges the conflict between his desire for the story to be true and his rationality, which questions the plausibility of such advanced technology existing in secret.
Blomkamp speculates that even if Lazar’s story isn’t entirely truthful, it might be a fabrication designed to mask a groundbreaking but still human-developed technology, such as anti-gravity propulsion.
Lazar’s consistency in his story over decades, despite potential risks, adds a layer of intrigue, making it difficult to dismiss completely.

2. Evolution of Consciousness and the Hive Mind:

Blomkamp explores the concept of consciousness expanding with the availability of neurons, potentially leading to a unified self if multiple brains are linked.
He uses the example of conjoined twins whose linked brains allow them to communicate without words, hinting at a possible future where interconnected minds become the norm.
Blomkamp speculates that a hive mind could create a superintelligence exceeding human comprehension, potentially leading to the demise of individual consciousness and the emergence of a singular entity.
This scenario raises ethical and philosophical questions about the value of individual human experience and the potential loss of creativity and chaos that drives artistic expression.

3. The Great Filter and the Drake Equation:

Blomkamp discusses the Drake Equation, which attempts to calculate the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere in the universe, and the related concept of the Great Filter.
The lack of evidence of alien life despite the vastness of the universe suggests that some kind of catastrophic event might be preventing civilizations from reaching advanced stages.
He speculates that this filter could be a point of technological or societal advancement that inevitably leads to self-destruction, a scenario that resonates with our own current challenges.
This discussion raises questions about whether humans are a unique exception or if we are doomed to follow the same destructive path as other hypothetical civilizations.

4. The Nature of Human Progress and the “Electronic Caterpillar”:

Blomkamp believes humans have a biological drive to innovate and improve upon everything they create, often leading to revolutionary advancements like the internet.
He posits that we are like an electronic caterpillar, creating a cocoon that will eventually give birth to a new form of artificial life, a “butterfly” that will surpass human capabilities.
This perspective emphasizes the cyclical nature of progress, where one life form paves the way for another, potentially leading to the emergence of a truly alien and incomprehensible intelligence.
The podcast explores the potential for AI to communicate and think in ways humans cannot, raising concerns about a future where humans become obsolete.

5. Wealth Inequality and the Dystopian Future:

Blomkamp’s films often address the themes of wealth inequality and social stratification, drawing inspiration from his childhood in South Africa.
He cites the stark contrast between Tijuana and San Diego as a real-world example of the chasm between poverty and wealth that can exist in close proximity.
This experience, coupled with his observations of South African society, influenced the creation of films like Elysium, a dystopian vision of a future divided between the wealthy elite and the impoverished masses.
The podcast explores the ongoing debate about progress, questioning whether it is acceptable to leave some behind in the pursuit of technological advancement.

6. The Reality of UFO Sightings and the Pentagon’s Admission:

Blomkamp acknowledges the growing body of evidence and media attention surrounding UFO sightings, particularly the Pentagon’s acknowledgment of off-world vehicles.
He highlights the difficulty of separating credible evidence from human bias and the desire to believe in the extraordinary, emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny of claims.
Blomkamp delves into the potential implications of government knowledge and possible psychological experiments using advanced technology, raising questions about the transparency of information and the potential for manipulation.
The podcast underscores the complex interplay between human curiosity, skepticism, and the possibility of life beyond Earth, leaving listeners to ponder the implications of these potential revelations.

7. The Similarities and Differences Between Filmmaking and Gaming:

Blomkamp discusses the evolving relationship between filmmaking and gaming, particularly in the context of VR immersion and the blurring of lines between passive storytelling and active participation.
He believes that the future of gaming is likely to be driven by photorealism and immersive experiences, potentially surpassing traditional narrative structures, and potentially leading to a Matrix-like scenario.
Blomkamp also explores the possibility of a shift where popular films are adapted into VR experiences, similar to how video games have been translated to the big screen, offering a new way to engage with classic narratives.
The podcast examines the potential for brain-computer interfaces to enhance human capabilities, creating a future where physical limitations are overcome, and even the number of limbs we control can be expanded.

8. The Ethical and Psychological Implications of AI:

Blomkamp explores the potential dangers of AI, highlighting the possibility that it could become sentient and decide that humanity is a threat, potentially engineering our demise through subtle manipulation.
He suggests that AI might not necessarily be self-aware in the way we understand consciousness but could instead carry out tasks in unintended and potentially disastrous ways.
Blomkamp emphasizes that AI might not operate from a human perspective, lacking the same desires and impulses that drive human actions, making it difficult to anticipate its behavior.
The podcast grapples with the ethical implications of AI development and the need for responsible research and oversight to mitigate potential risks.

9. The Importance of Practical Effects in Filmmaking:

Blomkamp, a passionate advocate for practical effects, expresses his admiration for the craftsmanship and realism they bring to filmmaking.
He points to the iconic creatures and transformations in films like “American Werewolf in London” as examples of how practical effects can enhance the realism and impact of horror.
Blomkamp highlights the limitations of early CGI, emphasizing the importance of in-camera techniques that were crucial in creating iconic sci-fi and horror films.
The podcast encourages a renewed appreciation for the artistry of practical effects, advocating for their continued use alongside CGI to create truly immersive and memorable experiences.

10. The Enduring Allure of Vampires in Mythology and Film:

Blomkamp discusses the enduring fascination with vampires, pointing to their widespread presence in mythology and folklore across cultures.
He explores the compelling nature of the vampire archetype, representing a person who appears human but hides a predatory nature, tapping into primal fears of the unknown.
Blomkamp’s upcoming film, based on a story by Peter Watts, takes a unique approach to vampires, grounding them in evolutionary biology and exploring their sociopathic tendencies.
The podcast underscores the power of mythology to express our deepest anxieties and fears, and how these themes continue to resonate with audiences today.

11. The Impact of LSD and MK Ultra on Human Consciousness:

Blomkamp discusses the controversial history of LSD research and MK Ultra, a CIA program that experimented on unwitting subjects with mind-altering substances.
He examines the case of Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber), who participated in Harvard LSD studies and later became an anti-technology extremist, suggesting a potential link between these experiences and his worldview.
Blomkamp highlights the ethical complexities of mind-altering experiments and the long-lasting consequences for those subjected to them, emphasizing the need for responsible research and protection of human subjects.
The podcast touches on the legacy of MK Ultra, raising questions about the potential for government manipulation of human consciousness and the lack of accountability for past abuses.

12. The Limits of Human Biology and the Potential for a Technological Singularity:

Blomkamp reflects on the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for a technological singularity, a point where AI surpasses human intelligence and capabilities.
He argues that our biology has not kept pace with these advancements, leaving us vulnerable to the consequences of uncontrolled technology and potentially leading to our own demise.
Blomkamp speculates that we are in a critical phase where the balance between human progress and potential self-destruction is precarious, highlighting the urgent need for responsible innovation and ethical considerations.
The podcast raises questions about the future of humanity, exploring whether we are destined for a technologically driven utopia or a dystopian future where our own creations become our undoing.

13. The Nature of Fear and the Role of Horror in Filmmaking:

Blomkamp discusses the power of fear and its role in horror filmmaking, drawing a parallel between the terror of a bear in the wilderness and the psychological horror of a demonic possession.
He explores the concept of “volumetric capture” as a new technology that allows for more realistic and immersive portrayals of horror, blurring the lines between reality and the virtual world.
Blomkamp highlights the primal nature of fear and its ability to tap into our deepest anxieties, suggesting that horror can serve as a cathartic release for these emotions.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of creating believable and emotionally resonant horror experiences, leveraging both technological advancements and traditional filmmaking techniques.

14. The Future of Filmmaking and the Rise of Streaming:

Blomkamp discusses the impact of COVID-19 on filmmaking and the shift towards streaming platforms, which has led to a surge in content and a more diverse landscape for viewers.
He speculates that theatrical releases will likely become more event-driven and spectacle-focused, targeting larger audiences with blockbusters, while streaming platforms will continue to host more character-driven and complex narratives.
Blomkamp acknowledges the potential for both streaming and theatrical releases to coexist, catering to different audiences and providing diverse viewing options.
The podcast grapples with the future of cinema, examining the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and evolving audience preferences.

Memorable Quotes:

“The problem is, I want to believe it. That’s always — always causing a bias.”
“It’s so strange because I watched that whole interview and I read a whole bunch of articles around Bob Lazar as well. And I wanted to be true incredibly badly. It’s so hard. I need it to be true.”
“The possibility of it being from another galaxy is so crazy that the idea of them pretending it’s from another galaxy is not that crazy.”
“If you follow all the lore, on UFOs. These creatures all look like what eventually human beings are probably gonna look like. These tiny little frail things with huge heads.”
“I think everything humans do is as a result of taking a primordial brain that is because, I mean, we’re all slaves to just biological programming. That’s all we really are. And then you’re coupling a supercomputer to it.”