THE ABS-TRACT ORGANIZATION
The Abs•Tract:
Core Philosophy
Think Hard Core
A philosophical fitness program called The Abs•Tract, based on a mystical treatise containing the core truths, inspires a student to experience massive gains in knowledge and understanding, all while getting ripped, abs. As his journey goes from the trivial pursuit of abs to profound abstract revelation, the program is revealed to be an underground plant-powered mystery school, dedicated to saving the world through freethought and satire.
The Abs•Tract:
Core Philosophy
WATCH THE MOVIE
(36 minutes)
In a parallel universe, The Abs-Tract Organization sponsors the ultimate metaphysical workout program (The Abs•Tract: Core Philosophy), to train mind and body together. This world is revealed through a short narrative film (below).
The critique of fitness gimmicks is illustrative and symbolic of everything that is wrong with society. The fitness gimmick and the body image industry represent one of countless sectors that traffic in billions of dollars of nonsense, creating zero value, exploiting the merits of free markets, and normalizing false consciosness. For these reasons, TATO can strategically appropriate large shares of markets, by offering consumers and citizens real value.
The left infographic summarizes the key element of the Core Philosophy system.
The above crossword puzzle refers to the film. Good luck.
Above is the complete short film.
Reviews
"The Abs•Tract" was great; a sharp, wildly imaginative work of satire... made to look like an infomercial for the “philosophical fitness program” of the title... Based “on a mystical treatise containing the core truths,” the Abs•Tract promises “massive gains in knowledge and understanding, all while getting ripped abs... It's like watching an early Cronenberg short, but primed for our post-digital nightmare world and then filtered through Philip Dick, Godel Escher and Bach, and maybe the Church of the SubGenius. It’s heady stuff..."
• Adrian Mack (Film reviewer, The Georgia Straight)
"I'm not sure where the guys from Abs-Tract got their hands on the amount of mushrooms and cocaine needed to supply this project, but the end result is as hilarious as it is trippy... The videos are short, well shot and clever, and firmly embrace the surreal edge of modern comedy."
• Kyle Price-Livingston (Webvee Guide review)
"It’s quite extraordinary, actually. Very avant-garde. I especially like some of the wordplay. However, I can see how festivals might (incorrectly) view it as a 30-minute satirical infomercial. But you should be applauded for taking such a creative risk in terms of form, format, and structure."
• Nathaniel Lyman (Entertainment Lawyer)
"This provocative and engaging presentation captured many core principles pertinent to the process of Self OverComing. Speaking as a man who regained his hard, flat gut in his sixties I resonate with many of the concepts delineated here. Believe me. The proof is in the pudding."
• John Margesson (Philosophy buff, age 62)
"I'm watching this and the play between philosophy, absolute nonsense, and fitness is a riot. Not sure what your background is but 'paralysis by analysis' is brilliant."
• Elizabeth Sheldon (Producer)
“The Abs•Tract provides you with the tools you need to be a savant with a six-pack — but it comes with a deeper message.”
• The Ubyssey (UBC student newspaper)
History:
April 2015 – Distributed on Indieflix
March 6-8th, 2015 – The Abs•Tract: Core Philosophy is an official selection in the Vancouver Web Fest 2015. Nominated for Best Mystery and Best Special Effects.
September 2014 – Released on YouTube
Dec 2013 – Aug 2014 – Various screenings
March 6-8th, 2015 – The Abs•Tract: Core Philosophy is an official selection in the Vancouver Web Fest 2015. Nominated for Best Mystery and Best Special Effects.
September 2014 – Released on YouTube
Dec 2013 – Aug 2014 – Various screenings