How I did it: The original source file is on wikimedia, but it's translation is only so-so. The best english translation I found is actually in the external links section of the wikipedia entry for "futurist manifesto", I think.

Lessons & tips: The trick with Marinetti is understanding that the philosophy of futurism itself, the ideas he stumbled onto, are completely, completely different from who he was as a person, and what he wanted. That said, his exaltation of the ideas is exquisite, and people need to try their best to look past his little temper-tantrums...the misogynistic fussing and the subtle racism...these things actually have nothing to do with the truth in the ideas he is positing.

Resources: The manifesto itself, of course, was a great help. I could've maybe used some Intonarumori to make it a more memorable experience.

Dec 11, 2008, 08:20AM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer