While watching the assigned video essays this week, one concept resonated with me more than anything else: the idea of “therefore, but,” introduced in the F for Fake video. It felt like an “aha” moment. This technique—structuring a narrative so that each point logically follows or subverts the last—seems to be the backbone of the most compelling video essays I’ve come across.
One video that has stayed with me for some time is “Games you can never play again.” by The Cursed Judge. It exemplifies this “therefore, but” structure beautifully. Rather than diving straight into analysis of multiplayer games or the implications of the title, the creator begins with a seemingly unrelated story. That story unfolds into another, and another. Each thread is connected—not obviously, but emotionally and thematically. As the video continues, earlier moments are revisited in subtle ways, creating a satisfying sense of continuity and curiosity. You keep watching, not because you’re being told something directly, but because the pieces slowly form a larger picture.
The video is also a great example of how image and language work together. The voice-over is calm and reflective, never rushed. The clips shown on screen aren’t random; they’re carefully chosen to enhance the emotion or context of what’s being said. The visuals aren’t just decoration—they’re evidence, memory, and metaphor all at once. The use of music and ambient sound adds even more emotional depth, helping to guide the viewer’s feelings without ever becoming manipulative.
That said, I think I would take a very different approach to my own video essay. I’d aim for a blend of styles inspired by creators I enjoy, with a stronger focus on humor and a tone that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While the “therefore, but” structure works beautifully for longer, narrative-driven essays, I think shorter videos—like the 1- to 2-minute format for this assignment—lend themselves better to something playful, punchy, and more experimental in tone than deeply reflective or story-based.