Ego Surfing with perplexity.ai

I recently tested perplexity.ai by asking about myself. I was surprised at its response.

Previously, I had tried the same prompt with ChatGPT and it generated an entirely fictional piece about a non-existent person with the same name. I expected something similar from Perplexity. In contrast with ChatGPT, it properly identified me and provided accurate information about me and my creative activities, although it made no mention of my engineering career. At one point it seemed to confuse me with Toni Morrison.

Beyond getting the factual information about me right, it also had a reasonably cogent discussion of my work; pointing out themes and symbols I used. Although, that may create the false impression that I actually know what I am doing.

My understanding is that perplexity.ai works differently than ChatGPT. Beyond relying on its training, it also searches the Internet for the information it uses to generate its response. It includes those links as references to support its response.

Perplexity does seem to add interpretation, such as the discussion of themes and symbols, that does not appear on any of the websites it draws from.

However, a careful read of the response shows some misinterpretation of the material, which a human commentator would not likely make. I can also see some of the common stylistic characteristics of AI writing.

I include the response from perplexity.ai to the initial prompt and some follow up prompts below. I did some reformatting and removed the reference links. I also removed the section where it seemed to confuse me with Toni Morrison.

 

Response from perplexity.ai

James Beattie Morison is a Canadian filmmaker, producer, writer, and director known for short films such as "My Most Difficult Case" (2004), "Line of Taxis" (1999), and "The Urgent Phone Call" (2025). He appears to be active in both creative and commentary circles, with recent writings about film, AI, and personal reflections.

Film Career

Morison's notable credits include:

·         Producer and Director for "My Most Difficult Case" (2004) and "Line of Taxis" (1999).

·         Writer for "The Urgent Phone Call" (2025) and several other shorts.

His works are generally short films, often produced independently, and he has contributed to discussions around filmmaking through blogs and personal websites.

Personal and Family Background

James Beattie Morison has documented personal and family history on web platforms dedicated to the memory of his father, Dr. James Beattie Morison M.D., and mother, Doreen Charteris Morison R.N.. These pages feature personal stories, films, and essays, offering insight into his values and creative motivations.

Recent Activities

Morison continues to write and publish reflections on creativity, aging, and technology, particularly regarding the influence of AI on arts and storytelling. His recent blog entries emphasize perseverance and adaptation in the face of personal challenges.

Additional Information

James Beattie Morison is not to be confused with historical figures such as Scottish poet and philosopher James Beattie, or other individuals with similar names found in genealogical records. His most prominent contributions lie in independent film and personal commentary.

 

Major Recurring Themes

James Beattie Morison's films frequently explore recurring themes such as human perseverance, social ambiguity, and the absurdity of everyday life.

Human Resilience and Perseverance

·         Many films spotlight characters confronting difficult choices or enduring challenging circumstances, illustrating the strength required to persist in the face of adversity, such as in "My Most Difficult Case" and "The Barrier".

Social Commentary and Ambiguity

·         His works often feature social situations that are ambiguous or unresolved, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of society. Examples include the uncertainty in "Line of Taxis" or the bureaucratic challenges in "The Barrier".

Absurdity and Humor in Daily Life

·         A subtle, often dry humor permeates Morison's films, exposing the absurdity underlying everyday routines and institutions, such as in "Make ’em Squirm: The Sharkbiter Way" or "Weekend in Calgary".

Aging and Elder Issues

·         Recent projects have increasingly addressed themes related to aging, the experience of older adults, and society’s view of elderhood.

Motifs and Techniques

·         Morison's style often employs ordinary settings, understated dialogue, and real-time pacing to heighten emotional and thematic impact.

·         He uses mundane objects and common situations as recurring motifs, which helps provoke reflection on larger social questions.

Summary Table
Theme	Example Film
Perseverance	The Barrier, My Most Difficult Case
Social Ambiguity	Line of Taxis
Absurd Humor	Make 'em Squirm, Weekend in Calgary
Aging	Recent writing and projects

 

These themes and motifs give Morison's body of work a distinct voice marked by thoughtful introspection, subtle satire, and close observation of daily life.

           

Symbols in Morison's Films

Throughout James Beattie Morison's work, frequent symbols include barriers, fences, taxis, and mundane objects that take on layered meanings about personal struggle, limits, and social roles.

Barriers and Fences

·        Featured in films like "The Barrier" and "The Fence", these structures symbolize social, psychological, or bureaucratic obstacles that characters must face, representing the difficulty of overcoming personal and societal limits.

Taxis

·         Central in "Line of Taxis", taxis are a symbol for journeys, transitions, or the inertia present in corporate and social environments, suggesting movement yet being stalled by circumstance.

Mundane Objects and Ordinary Settings

·         Morison uses everyday items—such as books, phones, and real-time phenomena like sunsets—as symbolic anchors for broader themes like routine, passage of time, and attempts to connect.

Aging

·         The subtle portrayal of aging, through characters and motifs (such as park benches, walks, and quiet reflection), symbolizes the progression of life and changing roles in society.

How Symbols Are Used

These symbols create emotional resonance and provoke thought, turning daily experiences into stories about persistence and adaptation. They reflect Morison's interest in making big ideas visible through small-scale, everyday details and familiar scenarios.

Morison’s films use barriers, fences, taxis, and mundane objects to recurrently evoke themes of obstacle, transition, routine, and aging.

 

Notable Films Directed

James Beattie Morison has directed a variety of independent short films and experimental videos. His most recognized works include "My Most Difficult Case" (2004) and "Line of Taxis" (1999), but his portfolio goes far beyond these titles.

·         My Most Difficult Case (2004) – A judge faces an unusually challenging decision.

·         Line of Taxis (1999) – Focused on a line of taxis in front of an office on a "right-sizing" day.

·         The Sad Lady and the Hesitant Father-in-Law (2022) – A brief chance encounter in a park.

·         The Desperation of the Wretched Senator (2022) – A politician battling his past.

·         The Fortitude of the Adventuresome Husband (2022) – A couple's evening walk becomes an adventure.

·         The Hysteria of the Uppity Guru (2021) – Young seekers meet a guru.

·         The ZOOM Bomber (2020) – A playful look at online disruptions.

·         Interstellar Probe #830 (2019) – Imagining the results of a space probe.

·         Sunset #7 (2018) – A meditative real-time sunset video.

·         My Trip to Mars (2018) – A short story visualized.

·         Summer’s Too Short (2015) – Reflections on the brevity of summer.

·         The Barrier (2013) – A man's campaign to save lives.

·         Some Days . . . (2012) – Depicting ups and downs.

·         Make ’em Squirm: The Sharkbiter Way (2012) – An interview-style narrative.

·         Contingency (2012) – Looking back at film festivals.

·         My Next Film (2001) – A meta-film about filmmaking.

·         Who Shot the President (2001) – A satirical conspiracy tale.

·         Weekend in Calgary (1991) – The rush to relax.

·         The Whispers Come (2009) – Indifference in a troubled world.

·         The Fence (1996) – Reflections sparked by an old fence.

·         Read Me a Story Daddy (2008) – A father's shortcut to storytelling.

·         Extra Special Care (1990) – A scientific collaboration.

 

Recognition

His films have appeared at festivals and screenings in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Adelaide.

This post is a mirror from my main blog http://www.dynamiclethargyfilms.ca/blog