"Le film est l'art de mentir 24 mensonges par seconde."

The core idea here is all about how movies create a version of reality that’s not quite real. When we watch a film, we’re essentially seeing a bunch of still images, or frames, strung together in rapid succession. The standard rate for these frames is 24 per second. What’s fascinating is that our brains perceive this rapid sequence of images as continuous motion, creating the illusion of life. Essentially, films trick us into believing we’re watching real, fluid motion—when it’s all just a clever ruse.

Historically, this perspective on movies gives a nod to the magic and wonder of filmmaking. The idea of film as an "art of lying" isn't new. Even the early pioneers of cinema, like Georges Méliès, embraced this notion. Méliès, with his groundbreaking special effects and fantastical storytelling, was essentially saying: "Hey, look at this trick!" He understood that film could transport audiences to worlds far beyond their daily lives.

Think about the movie “Jurassic Park.” When it came out, people were blown away by how realistic the dinosaurs looked. Of course, we knew that dinosaurs didn’t exist anymore, and yet, for the length of that movie, we were immersed in a world where they did. The filmmakers used a mix of CGI (computer-generated imagery) and practical effects to create this illusion. Each frame was meticulously crafted to convince us of the existence of these incredible creatures. Those dinosaurs were “lies”, but they were so skillfully constructed that we bought into the story completely.

So, how can you use this wisdom in your own life? Think about the stories you tell—whether in your personal life, your career, or creative projects. Being aware of the gaps between reality and the version of events you’re presenting can be powerful. It doesn’t mean being deceitful, but rather understanding that framing and perception are crucial. If you’re giving a presentation at work, for example, how you present your data can engage and persuade your audience. The art of storytelling—knowing which details to highlight, which to downplay—can turn a mundane topic into something captivating.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Your grandma starts telling a story about her youth, and you notice she’s embellishing a bit. Maybe she’s adding a little extra flair to make the story more dramatic or relatable. This isn’t about deceit—it’s about connecting with her audience, drawing them in. Her “lies” are like those 24 frames per second; they make the story come alive in a way that cold, hard facts never could.

So, next time you’re crafting a story, whether it’s for a film, a speech, or even a simple anecdote, remember that it’s okay to embellish a bit to make it more engaging. Your goal is to connect with your audience, to transport them, even if just for a moment, to the world you’ve created. And that’s a beautiful thing—just like the magic of movies.