Embracing the Multiverse: A Philosophical Journey Through "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once".
Or Pointers for a Good Life: Why I'll be having my students watch this film in my classes.
"Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" is an enthralling exploration of our current existence, using the multiverse as a platform to delve into themes ranging from ADHD and 24/7 digital culture to parent-child relationships. Set during a time when reality seems warped, this film offers a metaphysical inquiry into the nature of existence, addressing thought-provoking questions about time, space, being, nothingness, free will, determinism, mind, body, thinghood, personhood, and epistemology.
Breaking the Mold: A Cinematic Koan. Much like captivating art, "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" defies classification. It transcends traditional genres such as science fiction, action, or drama, blending elements from each to create a unique experience. The film serves as a Buddhist koan, contemplating the paradox of interconnectedness and nothingness.
Existentialism vs. Nihilism: Finding Hope Amid Despair. The film contrasts existentialism and nihilism while providing an escape from existential despair through humorous and quirky analogies. Evelyn, the protagonist, represents a mundane existential despair, grappling with the weight of her unfulfilled dreams. Her daughter, Joy, embodies the angst-ridden nihilistic perspective, symbolized by the black hole everything bagel. Together, they search for meaning in their lives, exploring the cosmic and everyday levels.
The Power of Choice: Creating Our Own Meaning. Sweet Waymond, a supporting character, helps Evelyn realize the significance of choice in shaping our existence and relationships. This theme resonates with existential philosophers, who argue that we create our own meaning. Faced with the pessimism of nihilism, Evelyn chooses love and kindness, demonstrating that our decisions have an impact.
Absurdism: Embracing the Contradictions. The film's absurd situations are reminiscent of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of "the absurd" – the contradiction between humanity's desire for meaning and the seemingly cold, meaningless universe. Joy's despair leads her to seek solace in the void of the everything bagel, emphasizing the challenges of facing life's absurdities.
Contemporary Philosophy: Continuing the Dialogue. Modern philosophers such as Alain Badiou and Quentin Meillassoux continue to emphasize the role of choice and decision-making in existence, urging us to take responsibility for our lives. "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" mirrors this sentiment, as Evelyn and Joy ultimately acknowledge that reality may not make logical sense, yet still find room to create their own meaning and purpose.
"Everything, Everywhere, All at Once" is a rich and engaging film that I will be incorporating into my classes to spark meaningful discussions on life, existence, and the choices we make.