Where is creativity?

There’s a bit in Malcolm in the Middle where Malcolm has been trying all day to compose an original piece of music.

Although it’s caused him a great deal of stress and frustration, he’s finally done it!

He has succeeded in being creative!

Malcolm rushes out to show his family.

To his horror, to his utter dismay, Malcolm’s family recognise the tune and tell him that it’s not an original but a jingle from an ad!

Malcolm realises that they’re right and he’s devastated.

Somehow unconsciously he had stored that particular melody and didn’t hear for what it was.

Now the question is – Was Malcolm creative?

When he was on his own, pre feedback, he certainly thought he was innovative.

But when the composition clashed with cultural feedback Malcolm was just a copy cat.

So where does creativity lie?

In one’s head? Or when compared against the mountain of work that has come before?

PS – I couldn’t find an English speaking YouTube clip but here is a transcription from a fan website of the scene:

And a Spanish version of the scene 😛

Published by thomaspfduggan