Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. It focuses on the unique experiences of individuals and their capacity to define their own essence through actions, often confronting themes like alienation, despair, and the absurdity of existence. This perspective profoundly influences various art forms, especially in how characters grapple with their reality and the choices they face.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism became prominent in the 20th century, with key figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus shaping its ideas through literature and philosophy.
2. In film, existentialist themes often manifest through characters facing moral dilemmas or seeking purpose in an unpredictable world, reflecting their internal struggles.
3. The French New Wave embraced existentialism by depicting protagonists who confronted their circumstances with a sense of ambiguity and often disengagement from societal norms.
4. Slow cinema aligns with existentialism through its focus on long takes and minimal action, allowing viewers to engage deeply with characters' inner lives and the passage of time.
5. Existentialism's exploration of freedom and responsibility often leads characters to face the consequences of their choices, highlighting the weight of personal agency in storytelling.

Review Questions

• How do existentialist themes manifest in the character development within films associated with the French New Wave?
  • In films of the French New Wave, existentialist themes are evident in characters who frequently grapple with personal identity and societal expectations. These characters often find themselves at crossroads, forced to confront choices that reveal their essence. Their journeys depict a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty about meaning and purpose, mirroring existentialist ideas about individual freedom and responsibility.
• Discuss how slow cinema reflects existentialist principles through its narrative style and pacing.
  • Slow cinema embodies existentialist principles by emphasizing long takes and minimalistic storytelling that encourages viewers to reflect on the characters' internal struggles. The deliberate pacing allows audiences to engage with themes like time, existence, and introspection. As characters navigate their lives at a slow pace, it reflects their quest for meaning amidst life's uncertainties, echoing existentialist concerns about the human condition.
• Evaluate how existentialism challenges traditional narrative structures in film and its implications for storytelling.
  • Existentialism challenges traditional narrative structures by prioritizing character experiences over conventional plot development. In doing so, films influenced by this philosophy often feature ambiguous endings and open interpretations, reflecting life's uncertainties rather than providing clear resolutions. This approach encourages viewers to engage more deeply with the material and consider their interpretations of meaning, ultimately reshaping how stories are told and experienced in cinema.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that explores the conflict between human tendencies to seek inherent meaning in life and the universe's silent indifference.

Authenticity:

The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, as emphasized in existential thought, where individuals are urged to live authentically and make choices that reflect their true selves.

Nihilism: The belief that life lacks objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, which existentialists often confront and respond to in their exploration of meaning.