Watch Traceroute

"Traceroute" is a quirky and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2016, directed by Austrian filmmaker Johannes Grenzfurthner. The film takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of internet culture, technology, and geekdom, as Grenzfurthner tries to find out where exactly the internet comes from, and what it means to the people who use it.

At the heart of "Traceroute" is Grenzfurthner's personal story, as he travels across the United States to meet other internet enthusiasts and explore the history of technology. We see him visiting various places of interests, including Silicon Valley, where he interviews tech workers and entrepreneurs, as well as the offices of Wired Magazine, where he talks to editor-in-chief Chris Anderson about the future of technology.

Along the way, Grenzfurthner also meets with other internet celebrities, such as video blogger Eddie Codel and the performance artist Jenny Marx, both of whom have carved out their own unique spaces in the online world. We see Codel giving a tour of his hometown, San Francisco, while also introducing us to his collection of vintage arcade games and tech memorabilia. Marx, on the other hand, takes Grenzfurthner on a tour of the Deep Web, a shadowy part of the internet that is not accessible through normal search engines.

Throughout the film, Grenzfurthner also shares his own personal experiences and reflections on internet culture, from his early days on BBS servers to his present-day involvement in various online communities. He discusses the role of technology in shaping our society, and how it has influenced our communication and relationships with one another. He explores the history of the internet, from its origins as a military research project to its current status as a ubiquitous tool that connects people all over the world.

The documentary is infused with a great deal of humor and playful irreverence, as Grenzfurthner incorporates elements of performance art and absurdist humor into his storytelling. He uses surreal imagery and oddball characters to illustrate his points, and frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly. The film also features a lively and eclectic soundtrack that includes everything from classical music to punk rock to experimental electronica, adding to the film's overall sense of playfulness and subversion.

While "Traceroute" is clearly intended for a niche audience of tech enthusiasts and internet geeks, it has broader themes that will resonate with anyone interested in the impact that technology has had on our culture and society. It's a film that invites us to question our assumptions about how we communicate and connect with one another, and to consider the ways in which technology can both unite and divide us.

Overall, "Traceroute" is an engaging, informative, and entertaining documentary that explores the weird and wonderful world of internet culture with wit and creativity. It's a film that celebrates geekdom and the subversive potential of technology, while also acknowledging its limitations and pitfalls. Whether you're a hardcore internet user or just curious about the world of online communities, "Traceroute" is definitely worth a watch.