What IS Evangelion, Technically (And How Did It Break Anime)?

You guys and gals ever wonder what Neon Genesis Evangelion is, technically speaking? In terms of genre and medium and world-type? And what rules does it break? Please allow me way too much time to explain the show's structure while attempting to chug a pint of LCL liquid while playing Fly Me to the Moon.

In all honesty, this video essay is the result of a mega-script that got trimmed down for time, so please excuse any last-minute oddities apparent in the edit as I rewrite my video on Evangelion's perfect first Act and await the Third Impact.

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[BLung-tqmm]

*The amount you like Evangelion is inversely proportionate to the amount you like yourself...*

[retroanimemike]

I have seen A LOT of video essays about EVA over the years and you are only the second to talk about how the show is edited. And it is edited so masterfully, we should talk about its editing every time we discuss the show. And you cite references very clearly, which shows me that you are a man of science. Quite the plesant surprise this video turned out to be!

[charlottemoulton]

Genuinely thought this came from an accound with tens of thousands of followers. Eva is such a fun series to discuss and you did an amazing job analyzing it, excited to see more of your content in the future!!

[entrcpy]

I did not walk, but RAN to my living room to get my Evangelion production art collection book while watching this. I love the little notes in the book like “highlight shoes”, “never use close up”, “always use this bag”, etc. it’s really something. There’s so much to glean from the notes.

I’m not an artist, and only watched it in 2021 for the first time, but you can’t recreate that. Truly amazing story.

[ogwemman]

I love when small channels just drop incredible videos like this out of nowhere, I was extremely impressed and would love to see more

[Tychaios]

It's really a show where rewatching it AGAIN never feels like it goes unrewarded. Over the years, that first ultralong shot at the station definitely became one of my favorite scenes because of how powerful it can be if you accept the invitation to the charged space being made for you. The segment from Ebert is quite interesting and I'm glad you added it. I've been pondering on that aspect of anime for awhile; how it seems to be a medium that more readily conjures vivid incarnations of archetypal figures and stories.

[panagiotiskeskinidis]

sometimes you see a video and you know the creator is going to make it big. keep up the great work man!

[walterb.]

Great video!

I love the long lasting static shots in the series for the exact reason you mentioned, so it baffles me when when people online complain about / call it bad because it isn’t exiting for them / not conventional enough

Looking forward to your next video about it

[aestroai]

I was a film student in the early 2000s. I always loved the artistic cinematography of Eva. I went on to be an animator, and film editor. I instantly noticed the stylistic references to UFO (since I was a fan) and I was blown away. That and the juxtaposition of happy anime with dark gnostic apocalypse. Nice vid.

[joshuabateman]

After watching the Shin Kamer Rider trailer I had a nearly two hour discussion with a friend about Anno's editing and how it's the strongest part of Shin Godzilla. It instantly made me want to rewatch Eva. It's macros and micro editing choices are world-class. While there is a lot to say about his use of objective camera work (which is much more noticable in live-action) and careful composition, I truly think it's the edit that is Anno's strongest suit. For the record, I'm a script supervisor by profession, so seeing the edit is a part of my day-to-day and definitely colours my worldview.
I am so, so glad you made this. You earned a sub, keep up the good work.

[g-mav]

This isn’t just one of the best video essays I’ve seen on Evangelion — and I’ve seen a lot of them — this is one of the best video essays I’ve seen on cinema, PERIOD. I’ve been deep diving into film analysis for many years, yet I learned so much in less than 22 mins, that it straight up humbled me. Please do more on Eva. Imo anime such as Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell, have much to teach us, not just narratively, but also technically. Thank you for your awesome work and can’t wait for more!

[pandoranbias]

The way Eva is edited and directed gave me tonal whiplash at some points. Especially in the first 3/4s of the series, major plot points and emotional turning points will be presented in a completely different manner than the rest of the episode. The composition of the scenes, the atmosphere of the shot, the behavior of the characters, and the writing of the dialogue will feel like I've suddenly been put in front of an alternate-universe Lynch film. Some scenes, like Shinji first entering Misato's apartment, feel like Wes Anderson scenes, where the composition and dialogue are telling you "a story is being told, pay attention". The long shot at the train station is one of the best shots in all of anime, and perfectly portrays the tension the two felt and the uncertainty Shinji was feeling as his mind raced to figure out what decision to make. Overall just an incredibly put together piece of art.

[yohanscold]

I’m a simple man, I see EVA, I click the thumbnail.

Great content, excited to see what you else you may put on the table. Thanks for creating.

[spudsbuchlaw]

I remember consistently noting Eva's editing, that may just be because I'm a freak like that, but it's so cool seeing someone else do so, and i'd love to see your next video

[BasedBuffet]

Film editor here😎

Being a on multiple sets and learning things such as gaffing, cinematography, sound mixing etc. this is such a breath of fresh air. A lot of people don’t really dive into the different mechanics behind the scenes that convey the overall message of the story.

[NopalzinReuter]

It seems you have been blessed by the algorithm, but obviously well deserved: High quality production put in a honest creative take in a overly discussed piece of art. I think your insight was good enough to bring NGE back in the discussion from another light. Thanks and good luck.

[kenzie]

As an artist, Evangelion is a visual masterpiece to me. More than once I've referenced Eva's framing in paintings I've done, or the use of color at times. It's a beautiful show.

[StudioEmpirah]

The editing of this show is something I am so glad someone is finally covering. It's some of the greatest filmmaking I've ever witnessed, and I would not only love to congratulate you on your amazing analysis, but I also wanna encourage you to PLEASE make more! This is some killer, KILLER stuff!

[sameoldluck]

just watched this show for the first time and it has already taken over my life — got thru a rewatch already and the rebuilds, and this channel has been a godsend ❤

[BCBaron]

Really well done essay. Thanks for making it.

I would argue that not only do the static moments in this series succeed in building up a sense of anticipation and give the viewer a chance to ponder just what's going on in the characters' minds, the fact that the overall presentation is episodic really works in its favor, as well.

The audience gets the opportunity to pause and digest what they just watched and perhaps discuss elements that stood out to them with friends or whatever before moving on to the next part. I think this was just one of several essential elements which made the experience of the original series distinctly different versus that of the Rebuild films.