Have you ever finished a movie feeling more contemplative than entertained? Perhaps a lingering sense of unease settled in, prompting you to question the very fabric of existence. If so, then welcome, fellow traveler, to the captivating realm of existential cinema. These films delve into the deepest corners of the human psyche, confronting us with life’s biggest questions and leaving us grappling with the vast unknown.
Our journey begins with Lars von Trier’s haunting masterpiece, “Melancholia.” Here, we meet Justine (Kirsten Dunst) and Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), two sisters whose already strained relationship crumbles further as a rogue planet hurtles towards Earth. Justine, previously mired in deep depression, finds a strange sense of peace as the apocalypse looms. Conversely, Claire desperately clings to normalcy, highlighting the diverse ways we cope with the unthinkable.
Next, we enter the mind of Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) in Charlie Kaufman’s mind-bending “Synecdoche, New York.” Caden, a celebrated theater director, struggles to navigate a crumbling personal life while attempting to stage a play that encompasses the entirety of human existence. The film blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leaving us questioning the very nature of existence and the futility of striving for control.
“A Ghost Story,” directed by David Lowery, takes a poignant look at grief and loss through the eyes of a nameless protagonist (Casey Affleck). After a tragic accident, he returns as a white-sheeted ghost, silently observing his grieving wife (Rooney Mara). The film is a slow burn, devoid of dialogue and relying heavily on visuals to convey the profound sadness and the sheer immensity of the human experience.
For a more experimental experience, delve into Don Hertzfeld’s “It’s Such A Beautiful Day.” This animated film follows Bill, a stick figure grappling with mental illness. The narrative unfolds in three chapters, each exploring themes of life, death, and the complexities of the human psyche. While the film can be visually jarring and emotionally challenging, it ultimately offers a powerful reflection on the beauty and fragility of life.
Prepare to be visually overwhelmed by Gaspar Noé’s “Enter the Void.” This film chronicles the descent of Oscar (Ryan Gosling), a drug dealer in Tokyo, into death and a surreal exploration of the afterlife. Shot primarily from Oscar’s perspective, the film utilises mind-bending visuals and a pulsating soundtrack to create a truly immersive and disorienting experience.
“First Reformed,” directed by Paul Schrader, stars Ethan Hawke as Reverend Ernst Toller, a parish priest wrestling with a crisis of faith. Haunted by the death of his son in the Iraq War and tormented by the environmental destruction he witnesses, Ernst struggles to reconcile his beliefs with the suffering he sees around him. The film’s stark visuals and introspective tone create a palpable sense of dread, forcing viewers to confront the anxieties of a world teetering on the brink.
Alfonso Cuarón’s dystopian masterpiece, “Children of Men,” paints a bleak picture of a future ravaged by infertility. Decades have passed without a single child being born, plunging humanity into chaos and despair. Clive Owen portrays Theo, a cynical former activist tasked with escorting a miraculously pregnant woman to safety. The film explores themes of hope amidst despair, the resilience of the human spirit, and the fragility of our existence.
Looking for a space odyssey that will leave you questioning your place in the cosmos? Then Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” is a must-watch. In a future where Earth is dying, humanity’s last hope lies with a team of astronauts searching for a new home among the stars. The film tackles mind-bending scientific concepts like black holes and wormholes, while simultaneously exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring human desire for survival.
Richard Linklater’s rotoscoped animation, “Waking Life,” takes viewers on a dreamlike journey through philosophical discussions. The protagonist wanders through surreal landscapes, engaging with a diverse cast of characters who debate free will, the meaning of life, and the nature of reality. The film is a visual and intellectual feast, prompting us to ponder the very fabric of existence and the mysteries of the human consciousness.
Finally, we return to the world of Charlie Kaufman with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” This thought-provoking film explores the complexities of love and memory through the story of Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet). After a bitter breakup, Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase all memories of Joel. However, Joel decides to undergo the same process, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of memory in shaping our identity.
Cinema, at its finest, can transport us beyond the popcorn and entertain us with grand adventures or tug at our heartstrings with tear-jerking romances. But some films delve deeper, prompting us to confront the very essence of existence and grapple with life’s biggest questions. These existential explorations can leave you pondering for days, questioning your place in the vast universe, and re-evaluating your priorities.
Edited by Rahul Bansal
