This reminded me a lot of Camus and his Philosophy of finding meaning in a meaningless life. Have you read Camus's essay The Myth of Sisyphus? His entire philosophy is based on the absurd. "La Chute" (The Fall) is my all-time favourite book. Nothing like a bit of Existentialism to get you out of bed in the morning.
I have not read it yet, though it’s been sitting on my bookshelf for nigh on five years. After I wrote this essay, it made me quite interested to explore absurdism further. Perhaps I’ll start there, since I mentioned it and all.
This sounds like Sartre: nothing matters = freedom. But the one thing that does matter is life -- my life to me, your life to you -- it matters because it’s the one thing we have, it’s real, we are in charge and no one else and we experience it. Thanks for this, lots to think about.
Thanks for reading, E. T., and I agree! The movie is deep. I’ve only scratched the surface by exploring one of its themes, albeit the one most relevant to me at the time of watching. Cheers!
My favorite movie to come out in the last 2 years. I cried a lot through it and it definitely changed my perspective towards life.
The way I saw the bagel vs googly eyes was that the bagel represented light surrounded by darkness (white center and black border), whereas the googly eyes represented darkness surrounded by light (black center and white border). It's a wonderful representation of the two points of view one can take when faced with difficult circumstances.
I think Thomas Nagel’s The Absurd is closer to what you took away from this movie. Thanks for this great post! I’m definitely thinking about subscribing.
I have to say that I haven't see the film, but it seems to be a good metaphore of what the essence of life is. Nothing matters, two words with a wide meaning. If your really stop and think about it, is as what you have writen "life is to short to be worried about tiny things". The power of changing is inside us and "all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" (I love this quote that Gandalf tells Frodo in The Lord of The Rings The fellowship of the Ring") So live life, that's all we are here for!
Nice to read such a philosophic piece or writing of yours. Congratulations for both, the writing and the growth you reached 😊
Thanks a lot! This piece took a lot out of me, and I wrote it, I think, mainly for myself, to put my thoughts in order when it comes to this subject and have something to return to whenever I need the reminder.
Now I have to go and watch the film again. Thoughtful essay. Thank you for sharing it...and why haven't our paths crossed at Foster? The multi-verse is challenging us.
You understood the film so much better than I could and broke it down so well, too. I think the most powerful statement you made is this: “What the nihilist fails (or refuses) to grasp is that, even though there’s no objective meaning to anything, that doesn’t stop us from creating our own subjective meanings. It doesn’t stop us from deciding what’s important to us.” I came to a realization some time ago that focusing on what matters to us gets us closer to peace and happiness. Thinking and being and doing small gets us there. What I mean by that is, being with loved ones, caring for ourselves and those we love, focusing on our passions. We cannot hug the world, but we can change our little world by being more present in it.
Beautiful last sentence. I’m happy you enjoyed this, and you don’t know how happy I am to see you back on here. You always add something to the conversation, Nadia. Thanks for checking this one out!
I've watched EEAAO six times now and reading this made me want to watch it again. This philosophy resonates with me a lot too. Great write-up, my friend!
Thank you for this brilliant of EEAAO. You have reminded me that I need to watch it again.
Life is a game, a school of experience. There is no prize, only death and the lessons we learn.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Love yourself, honour yourself and wear the freakin google eye in your third eye.
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This reminded me a lot of Camus and his Philosophy of finding meaning in a meaningless life. Have you read Camus's essay The Myth of Sisyphus? His entire philosophy is based on the absurd. "La Chute" (The Fall) is my all-time favourite book. Nothing like a bit of Existentialism to get you out of bed in the morning.
I have not read it yet, though it’s been sitting on my bookshelf for nigh on five years. After I wrote this essay, it made me quite interested to explore absurdism further. Perhaps I’ll start there, since I mentioned it and all.
If you do, let me know what you think!
Will do!
This sounds like Sartre: nothing matters = freedom. But the one thing that does matter is life -- my life to me, your life to you -- it matters because it’s the one thing we have, it’s real, we are in charge and no one else and we experience it. Thanks for this, lots to think about.
Thanks for reading, E. T., and I agree! The movie is deep. I’ve only scratched the surface by exploring one of its themes, albeit the one most relevant to me at the time of watching. Cheers!
My favorite movie to come out in the last 2 years. I cried a lot through it and it definitely changed my perspective towards life.
The way I saw the bagel vs googly eyes was that the bagel represented light surrounded by darkness (white center and black border), whereas the googly eyes represented darkness surrounded by light (black center and white border). It's a wonderful representation of the two points of view one can take when faced with difficult circumstances.
Right! Fantastic movie. I want to see it again soon for sure! Thanks for reading and commenting, Punit!
I love your awareness of the google eyes vs the bagel. Fabulous.
Thanks, Patricia!
I think Thomas Nagel’s The Absurd is closer to what you took away from this movie. Thanks for this great post! I’m definitely thinking about subscribing.
Appreciate you reading! This was one fun post to write and think about.
I have to say that I haven't see the film, but it seems to be a good metaphore of what the essence of life is. Nothing matters, two words with a wide meaning. If your really stop and think about it, is as what you have writen "life is to short to be worried about tiny things". The power of changing is inside us and "all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us" (I love this quote that Gandalf tells Frodo in The Lord of The Rings The fellowship of the Ring") So live life, that's all we are here for!
Nice to read such a philosophic piece or writing of yours. Congratulations for both, the writing and the growth you reached 😊
This was such an interesting read. Put some of my own thoughts and feelings into words
Thanks a lot! This piece took a lot out of me, and I wrote it, I think, mainly for myself, to put my thoughts in order when it comes to this subject and have something to return to whenever I need the reminder.
Now I have to go and watch the film again. Thoughtful essay. Thank you for sharing it...and why haven't our paths crossed at Foster? The multi-verse is challenging us.
Dunno why, but it’s very nice to meet you regardless, Jude! Thanks for the kind words.
I adore this post and this film! Recorded a podcast about it last year. Great read, Andrei. Be kind 💙
I’m glad you enjoyed, Kath! Would love to listen to the podcast. Got a link?
Sure, thanks. It was originally just on Apple & Spotify, but I regenerated it here —
https://thematterhorn.substack.com/p/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-1d7?utm_source=publication-search
Awesome! Will listen to it forthwith.
Just to note the Daniels' own description of their previous movie Swiss Army Man:
"A corpse convinces a man trying to commit suicide that life is worth living."
The Daniels are very tuned into this idea. I am interested to see how far they'll push it over the course of their career.
Right!
Yes. I remember Nate and Brenda.
Good! You’re a connoisseur of great art.
After a while around I reached the point where I choose people to hang with using this only criteria, kindness.
I think that’s very wise!
You understood the film so much better than I could and broke it down so well, too. I think the most powerful statement you made is this: “What the nihilist fails (or refuses) to grasp is that, even though there’s no objective meaning to anything, that doesn’t stop us from creating our own subjective meanings. It doesn’t stop us from deciding what’s important to us.” I came to a realization some time ago that focusing on what matters to us gets us closer to peace and happiness. Thinking and being and doing small gets us there. What I mean by that is, being with loved ones, caring for ourselves and those we love, focusing on our passions. We cannot hug the world, but we can change our little world by being more present in it.
Beautiful last sentence. I’m happy you enjoyed this, and you don’t know how happy I am to see you back on here. You always add something to the conversation, Nadia. Thanks for checking this one out!
D'aww. It's hard not to when you write such thought-provoking things!
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I so enjoyed both the message and your writing, Andrei. Yes, “nothing matters” is certainly a very important tool. A wonderful piece.
Thanks for reading, Maureen! I’m glad you enjoyed this one. I had a blast writing it.
I've watched EEAAO six times now and reading this made me want to watch it again. This philosophy resonates with me a lot too. Great write-up, my friend!
Thanks, man! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully it helped enrich your experience of the movie.