The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare skl.sh/cinemawins03241 Rust Cohle is a complicated character in True Detective and we all love him. But WHY!??!? Let's talk about it!
Everything GREAT About (Rust in) True Detective!
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Probably my favorite moment in S1 of True Detective is when Rust and Marty have both lost everything and after seeing the horrific VHS tape their dynamic is basically: "We've screwed up our lives one too many times, so even if it kills us let's finally see this thing through and do something right for a change." It's impactful in large part because the show gave us such a raw depiction of both character's flaws, hypocrisies, and life-altering mistakes.
I always liked when Rust asks Marty: "so how you been...besides work. What do you do?" It's such a mundane and simple question but Rust says it in a way that reminds you that he's truly isolated and has probably barely spoken to anyone in ten years. And that deep down Rust missed Marty. In the end it was the closest friendship either of them had.
Yeah..there's that. The stronger emotional point, I think was intended, was that Marty had to feel the weight for not believing there was a killer still out there, and that there was a larger conspiracy. Hence his punching the table in anger. What Rust proved, despite all outward signs that he's gone obsessively insane, was that during all Marty's time cheating, drinking, fighting with Rust, divorcing and retiring; he allowed a killer or killers to persist out there, doing to children what was on that tape. It's a flurry of emotions, shock, rage, disgust shame and then guilt. " I won't avert my eyes anymore ". Rust no longer thinks he's lost it and is communicating to Marty " no more detours, distractions and acting like there's not something larger here "
One of the things I really loved about Rust was that he was written a bit edgy, but justifiably edgy. There's an aura of lived experience and grit to him in every scene, especially in the few times we see him get physical like in episode 4. Writing characters like him without that part usually leads to ridiculous characters like Shadow the hedgehog
Rust, for me, is a broken optimist. When he had a family, he was optimistic, but when he lost his child and his wife because of his actions, it broke him. He still works, but on a surface level, like rust itself, people forget that there is a strong material beneath it that is still there.
Don't use edgy.
All of that is mostly thanks to Matthew McCounaghey's amazing performance!
@@chandrastar5939 make me.
@@chandrastar5939 lol, you don't get to decide what words I use
"I can see your soul at the edges of your eyes. It's corrosive like acid. You've got a demon little man."
The fact that he ends the season saying “the light is winning” is something the nihilistic fanboys tend to overlook. He and Marty went on a journey and came out the other side as better people. That’s encouraging.
Pessimism fanboys overlook that. Nihilists and existentialists know, and he has said it himself: "I consider myself a realist" and "the real answer is that it's obviously my programming".
Also, despite Rust’s open disdain for the world, he had the reputation of being a BRILLIANT and hardworking detective. He dedicated his career to help people even though he basically thinks humanity is pointless.
There are two types of nihilists: 1. Nothing matters, and that is sad 2. Nothing matters, lets party
That's Nihilism Vs. Absurdism
1- BoJack Horseman 2- Mr. Peanutbutter
@@AltonDynamo I don't want to get into a multi-paragraph argument through KZhead comments, but as someone who really likes absurdism, I can't help but point out that that is not what it is. Absurdism (very broadly speaking) focuses on the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the apparent lack of it in the universe. You could look at it as a type of nihilism, although there are almost definitely people who would disagree with framing it that way
I'm more of a "if nothing inherently matters, you I can choose what matters and no one will be able to say I'm wrong". Basically, live and let live, follow what makes life worth living for you without forcing other people to follow the same idea. With the caveat that my freedom to choose ends at where your freedom begins, this isn't something that should give carte blanche for people to be assholes to each other, but if meaning for you comes from getting a world record in speedrunning instead of a family or fulfilling career, go be your best self
Ah yes. The two moods.
I love Rust because he's a genuine dude. He tries to do the right thing, and admits when he does something wrong. Even when he and Marty fight and he says "Nice hook, Marty." He says it and means it. He doesn't sugarcoat his thoughts and opinions. And it doesn't hurt that it was just a brilliant performance from Matthew McConaughey
Rust’s final speech still makes me cry. All of his nihilism was a defense mechanism. He solves the case and regains the hope he lost. Also Marty crying and hugging his wife and kids broke me
Love that you recognize Carcosa as not being a physical place. Robert W. Chambers writings are very distinct and influence Chole's character deeply.
Omg I binged all of true detective for the first time about a week ago and I was trying to figure out why I was so attached to this character and I'm so happy you made this video
Lemme guess, you're going to watch it over and over again in your lifetime because Time Is A Flat Circle.
" If you ask me the light's winning" One of the best closing lines ever .Up there with " it aint like it used to be ; but it'll do" .from the wild bunch .
Cole is very inspirational imo, because I think most of us, if not all of us, went through points in our lives when everything lost its meaning, when you feel on the edge, alone and feel darkness of the world swallowing you. And despite all of that, instead of wallowing in that pain and pessimism or taking revenge on the world as so many do, Cole still does as much good as he can and is very much a proactive figure. That's why the ending of Cole's story is so bittersweet to me, this man righted the wrong he did with no expectation of a reward and yet the world reached out to him in a form of his passed daughter's love, a rare ray of light and hope to remind Cole that there's more to life than this.
You can see Rust's character reflected in the last few years of media, particularly anything that involves "darker" protagonists. My favourite recent example is Alan in Alan Wake 2
Long-time subscriber, first time commenter here - I really enjoyed this in-depth character analysis, it offers a lot more to ponder than the usual "why is this movie good" motif (which I've also enjoyed over the years). I hope to see more of these if your schedule allows. Thank you for the contribution to general philosophical conversation.
God, I can't WAIT for Dune part 2 on this channel. There's gonna be so much incredulous awe
just watched it yesterday and oh my god is it just as amazing as the first part
@@aslothhasnogamereading the book first. Comments like this is why I’m about to read the 200 pages I have left before tonight. Need to see it today
And if Stilgar won't get his own win counter, I'm gonna riot or something.
@@dominikbeitat4450Stilgar is always a win :)
I KNOW it’s one of the only movies i’ve gone to see multiple times, such a special experience
Matthew McConaughey is always a win and it made me check and realize you haven't done a Cinema Wins for Interstellar yet.
Season 1 of True Detective remains on of the greatest seasons of television ever brought to the screen
For me personally it’s the single best season of all time.
It's number 1 for me, followed by Band of Brothers, Lonesome Dove, and Haunting of Hill House
Rust reminded me so overwhelmingly of my father it was fucking eerie. Everything from his appearance to his personality and mannerisms. Like if my father had come back to life and become a detective.
Something that gets debated a lot is Rust and Maggie's blip of an affair and if he's guilty because of it. I think people don't quite recognize that Rust, while he was in many ways interested in Maggie (mowing lawn, talking to her on the phone without Marty, helping their marriage out, etc) I don't believe he was ever interested sexually with Maggie. Maggie was someone who read Rust well, and understood him better than anyone else, which is why Rust trusted her emotionally. How this relates to the affair is that Maggie intentionally took this line that she had with Rust and twisted it to put strain on Marty in the end, but fundamentally Rust did not want to be involved in that. He doesn't initiate a longstanding relationship, and the one time he sees Maggie afterward, he kicks her out of the bar and resents her. In my analysis of the moment where Maggie and Rust hook up, Rust is extremely drunk, reeling from being suspended, and having to pause the most important investigation of his career. He is in an emotionally vulnerable state without the booze and investigation, let alone with them mixed in. He was unable to make a rational decision in the moment. Maggie used that to manipulate Rust into a position where he could hurt Marty. In general, I would go as far as to say Rust was r*ped by Maggie, because he was intoxicated and emotionally did not show consent. He was a victim in that moment, as well as the fallout thereafter. I don't think he is worthy of blame, in any case. So glad to see your take on Rust, always been a longtime fan of your channel. One day do Memento please!!
I also got that impression. Rust was very cerebral in his human connections (or what few he actually had), so that relationship was particularly meaningful. I'm not certain if Rust is completely blameless, but it skews incredibly hard towards it not being his fault. This comment should be more visible :)
I always thought that it was incredibly sad that the one person he connected with successfully on an emotional level took advantage of him when the opportunity presented itself. Maggie was flawed just like the rest of the characters on the show.
The idea that a lot of things point to Rust being the killer behind everything is something I've never considered and I've rewatched this season several times. No, I don't believe it's true. But the sheer fact that the killers he apprehends are deeply familiar with him, and deeply feel he is more veil then them speaks mountains. Such a beautiful written season where you learn something new every time you rewatch it, and yet noting his truly absolute.
What a bit of synchronicity! I rewatched the series last week and I've watched a ton of YT vids on season once in the last 4 days and here comes one of my favorite creators with a vid on one of my favorite characters.
I would argue that characters like Tony Soprano, Walter White, and "all the adults on Ozark" are actually protagonist villains. They are central characters, but they are not "heroes" in any sense. All things being equal they serve their own interests, willing harm the innocent, and generally rationalize it all away feeling little or no remorse. An antihero, on the other hand, generally does the right thing (in the wrong way), breaks the rules (usually for the greater good), and when they hurt an innocent they are sorry. Some great antiheroes are V(For Vendetta), Billy Butcher, Riddick, and Dexter Morgan.
Loved the video! It's great to see you branching out into straight-up video essays more. You're very good at them.
Thanks! I still have those suggestions for the coming months or whenever you can: 1. Request #28 for Jurassic Park 2-3. 2. Request #17 for Shrek 1-4, at least the first one. 3. Request #18 for Indiana Jones 1-4, at least Raiders of the Lost Ark. I also understand how you might be busy with those Planet of the Apes films, The Marvels, and possibly Oppenheimer. But still take your time. Love you, CinemaWins!!! ❤
hasn't he already done jurassic 3??? i could have sworn he did 3.
@@lainwakura That was Dominion. I'm talking about Jurassic Park III (2001).
@@patrickspencer6550 Jurassic 3 = Jurassic park 3, go back to school and learn reading comprehension.
@@lainwakura That’s what I mean. Jurassic Park 2-3 is an easier and shorter way of saying both films.
Awesome analysis. Rust is one of my favorite characters, just so tightly written and sincere in his beliefs the entire time. Also, you had fantastic editing on this one. All your vids are great, but this one was top shelf stuff.
really enjoy the editing around the word hero at the end there, great stuff
This is one of my new favorite videos of yours, I really hope it does well enough that you can make more
Man, i LOVE this style of video essay type content from you, such unique takes and you make it so entertaining
I rewatched S1 after the disaster that was Night Country. So good to watch the detectives actually do detective work.
Yes! I've been waiting for this. Thank you!
I've been thinking about True Detective season 1 alot lately so it's nice to see this video and a different one from you
I was not prepared for the Rollercoaster of this video. Now I have a new show to explore thanks to you. Also what an amazing video - you've always written things that captivate. I know when click on a video - I won't be able to stop til I get to the end. Speaking of endings - the final scene (bar the skills hare spot) was superb! Love that creative touch. ❤❤❤
I love that you brought up Chambers. The entire collection is decent, but there are certainly a few that heavily influenced a lot of different things going forward, especially in this show, of course. The King in Yellow is a wonderful addition to pop culture.
i’m really liking these other video types! always a love a cinemawins but it’s great to see you guys branching out
I feel pretty safe in saying this is the greatest single season of tv ever created. I've never seen a show so completely come together in such a perfect way, from the plot, the cast, the acting and of course, as (correctly) said by many, the writing, which wipes the floor of even some of the most famous and popular shows. Nothing comes close to how incredible this show is. I like to think of It as it's own show and ignore the following seasons, but I am loving the love this season is getting now due to those seasons. I wish nothing more than if I could watch this again for the first time.
Great video, would really love to see more of this format on the channel!
Never clicked on a notification so fast! Such good stuff!
Liked this change in format, hope you do more like this.
Walter White is NOT an anti hero. Anyone who thinks so missed the entire point of the show.
Walter White is a straight up villain.
Would the phrase Anti-Villain fit better?
No. He's just a massive a hole.@@jackofallclaws6672
They're the ones who go "HURRRR DURRRR SKYLER WAS A BITCH!!"
@@jackofallclaws6672no, he killed a kid. Example, joker isn’t an anti villain just because he’s willing to kill innocent people and villains.
You should definitely do more of these, the ending reflections are usually my favorite part of this channel and I’d love to see more general discussion and reflection type video essays from you. Even if you do a more casual, lightly scripted brain vomit style video I’m sure we would all be down for it. If it’s feasible for you to fit into your schedule you should really consider it. I think it would add some variety to your content, offer you a break from the more structured and focused work of the normal videos and it would be fun for us viewers to hear some of your more personal thoughts on movies and TV outside of the normal wins, like hearing some of the negative stuff too. I know you try to keep the wins videos more positive and objective and not push your own opinions too much, so that’s where these “Cinema Reflections” or whatever could come in and let you just speak your mind. Great video as always and I can’t wait for the rest of the Apes videos!
I am totally here for these character breakdowns. If this is the direction he’s taking the channel I’m super excited
Will you do the Planet of the Apes trilogy? Rise, Dawn and War?
Loved this style of video. Would be really interesting to hear a similar comparison to Danvers in season 4!
I have watched this video 9 times since it came out, no hyperbole. Just a sign of how much I love this new video format!
i love you i love you i love you i just finished this season and was looking for a video about it!
Outstanding analysis of an amazing character and show. I appreciate your acknowledgment of Chambers and Ligotti, and would just like to point out for those who don’t know that the whole “light vs dark” conversation was lifted almost verbatim from the comic book Top Ten by the supremely talented Alan Moore.
Carcosa is a state of mind that each Cult member and the ones they've touched live in. See it on any of those that have mentioned it, they don't live by our rules. It's also more defined in Lovecraft's works.
Rustin Cohle is actually an absurdist (Camus). He recognizes that meaninglessness is inherent, but we can never stop looking for it. The peephole he used for reflection (you're welcome for that one) is perfectly representative of that idea. Rust is trying to look through the one corner where the world looks back, and the meaning reifies itself.
Appreciate this different type of CinemaWins video. Look forward to more.
Rango! Rango! Rango *whip cracks*
When I first watched True Detective season 1, Rust and Marty's dynamic reminded me of Rorschach and Nite Owl's dynamic from Watchmen. Marty felt like the more optimistic and just but flawed man who wanted to see the good in the world and do things by the book but was quickly beaten down by all the horrors he witnessed, while Rust started out as the pessimist who had already seen the worst of humanity and was fighting an uphill battle while willing to sink to any depths to seek justice. Even Rust's lines after watching the snuff film in episode 7 reminded me of how Rorschach talked during his prison psychiatry sessions. How after seeing all the depraved evils of man, he could never look away and pretend they could be ignored any longer. Or maybe everything I just typed is overanalytical bullshit. IDK, I'm really high right now......
Wow, more videos like this please. Dissections of characters we love both good and bad. I’d like to see you take on Norman Stansfield in “Leon”
I was kind of expecting a colab with PhilosophyTube with all this talk about Nihilism and pessimism
Honestly…miss opportunity. Abi’s hella busy though
Call me simple but I like to think that Rust didn't exactly stop being a nihilist but he came to believe there's a light at the end of the tunnel, maybe life is pointless and it all fades away but just for a moment he'll see his daughter again at the end and that brought him peace. Beautiful stuff.
Greatest season in the history of television history. I’m dying on this hill!
I'm up there with ya
absolutely love that this show and specifically this character keeps getting love and attention.
I studied existential philosophy, so I've read everything from Kierkegaard to Schopenhauer to Fanon, but one of my favorite criticisms of nihilism comes from Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths. In the final battle between Batman and Owlman, with Owlman having been such a strong proponent of nihilism throughout the entire movie that he is willing to destroy the multiverse just to prove that nothing actually matters, Batman tells him that "We both looked into the abyss, but when it looked back at us, you blinked." Nihilism, to say that nothing actually matters, is a coward's philosophy. Dare to care and say something true and sincere or I will start throwing rocks.
Wouldn’t that be you deciding there’s meaning in the nothingness not that there is some sort of outside meaning?
Honey wake up new cinemawins just dropped and it's about our husband
😂
Thanks for reminding how much the first season HIT....time for a rewatch!
Love your content! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Yes! We love this! ❤
True Detective S1 is a 10/10 character show. Every character fascinates me so much and is written so well
Brilliant Video and exploration of what might be one of the best TV protagonists ever, Love from India...🎉❤
"I’m a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will." Antonio Gramsci in a Letter from Prison (December 1929) I love this was of looking at both the concepts. Sure, life is full of pain, but good actions can be done none the less.
I love how you make Danvers a Debby Downer instead of giving her credit for also having a philosophy of life. Wrong.
Kicka$$ character analysis. Thank you for making it. I enjoyed the watch a lot.
you are amazing at this!
It also helps that the lead actor is giving the best performance of his life.
Another attempt to get him to review The Road to Eldorado
“ those files are still sealed?” “Sheeeiiiiit.”
I really love these character dives, specifically in TV series. I’d love if you did Marvels Daredevil, specifically season 3.
Rust could not consent at that point. He was taken advantage off
you had me at "Emil Cioran" --
I like this new format. Deep dives into characters is a wicked idea and I hope you do more of them! Bojack horseman or Walter white could make awesome ones
So I know this is a long shot and you mostly cover movies, but gosh you covering season one of true detective would be amazing.
Really appreciate about how you analysis a charactor. Wonder will we have more series like this? Appriciate good film but more on character's philosophy (writing) or other creative decision such as filmatography or the editing, vfx etc.? Also hope you may analyse The Creator, this is one of the film I like (visually and the ending) but too many flaws in the movies and my god this movie is so wonderful
Liking these breakdowns of TV shows. If you do Shogun 2024, might be worth doing the 1980 series as well.
I was just thinking about finally watching this series.
Wooo that cut to black to emphasize the text was a good touch
I finished watching the first season for the first time yesterday. Really creepy that this video came out at the same time. CINEMAWINS IS LISTENING!
Yay! More tv shows!
He is not a hero. He is a silent guardian, a watchful protector A True Detective!
The conversation where marty asks if hes a bad man and rust says the world needs bad men sums up the world...
Rust is not an anti-hero at all, in my opinion. Even though he would SAY thinks that would make it seem like humanity is pointless, but in his ACTIONS, he devoted himself to being a good cop (not necessarily a good friend or a good person).
Damn Night Country really messed up that strong start 😢
I think what scares me about nihilism and antinatalism is that those ideas almost killed me… that’s how my brain reacted to them. My brain also used them as an excuse to do nothing, it justified my indifference and inaction. So for me, those are some horrifying ideas, and more than that, I see them as antithetical to existence itself. It’s hard to really take Rust at his own word when his actions don’t really line up with what he’s saying. I get that on a personal level, my actions don’t always line up with what I say I believe, so I have no problem with characters who are technically hypocrites. But I do have a problem with the attitude. I’d rather aspire to live a life I want to live and make better for myself and others, and sometimes fail to do that, than aspire to help humanity and all conscious experience end and sometimes fail to do that. So to me, nihilism and pessimism was a path towards maturity, but it isn’t a destination. At least in my case, those attitudes were really a sign that I had further to go on my journey.
For me Marty is us, simple people trying our best. Failing most of the time, and going wrong way, and making mistakes but moving on our path, whatever it is. Rust is a man we need but we don't want to be, effective, coldheaded but empathetic, balancing on the thin edge of sanity. That's why this duo works for me
True Detective season 1 was some of the greatest television I’ve ever watched
Going forward I'm going to start putting "Very Handsome" on my Resumes.
There's an idea that Rust's pessimism is inspired by manichaeism, Mithra's cult and some other deep stuff. Idk if there's an essay on the topic in english, but there's a good article in russian by Vladimir Brovin and the video essay based on the article (OJm5nGmLBak) by Disgusting Men, would recommend.
Rust is honestly the hero of season one. The character who meets the definition of anti-hero more closely applies to Martin.
Episode 137 of requesting The Princess Bride!!!
we need everything great about heat 1995
Maybe the greatest written season of television I've ever seen
finally a big yt channel recognizing one of the greatest fictional characters of all time
Even through life is pain, it's not painful everyday and those days are worth the suffering to see.
You said much about Rust! But you forgot to mention how handsome he is 😔
Can you do lights out and legend of the guardians, owls of Ga’Hoole next
When You Gonna Cover Minus One?
Great vid! I agree. I think Gothic Hero has become it's own identity in our collective understanding. However,I do think our Gothic Heroes are more flawed than our traditional ones. Rust is a sad addict. Batman is a grouchy, depressed mortal with an ego. Both are really quite angry,just under the surface. That said,I love those gothic guys.
Great video! Keep it up=)