Philosophy in movies

[MFD]

I noticed recently that there are a lot of philosophical undertones creeping into mainstream movies. That its not just restricted to little known artsy films.

For instance, in the Spider-man series, one could discuss the duality of Spider-man's identity, and how, only by balancing both identities can he be truly happy.

Also, the Matrix trilogy absolutely reeked of philosophy.

Any other movies worthy of discussion?

Technically every film can be a hotbed of philosophy, you just have to pretend that the smallest insignificant thing can mean something far greater.

For example: In Babe (the pig movie) the fact that all animals talk can be seen as how we as humans have become so caught up in our superiority that we don't notice the sublime genius all around, even in pigs.

Or because animals talking is cutesy, either or really.

[Kain S. Branford]

Originally Posted by BMHadoken

Technically every film can be a hotbed of philosophy, you just have to pretend that the smallest insignificant thing can mean something far greater.

That's really a common thing people do whether it's with movies, or reading. In the case of things like Spider-Man, and the Matrix, it holds some validity. But I wouldn't give mainstream movies so much credit as to think they're philosophically deep or becoming so. Keep in mind the whole dichotomy of Spider-Man has been around prior to the movies, that's part of the ongoing spidey-story. The Matrix trilogy, if I recall correctly, had a lot of basis from Mayan philosophy; though the details of it escape me.

The reason mainstream movies are mainstream is simply due to the fact they're crammed with action, oodles of CGI stunts, and/or some over-inflated star. There are morals to be found in most of them, but nothing to really warrant a divine revelation.

Although I could be wrong. I mean, I could end up watching Catwoman and suddenly have a life-altering epiphany... or a seizure. Whichever comes first.

[Otaku Son]

Now see, I would post a reply here. But, since it's MFD's thread and, according to MFD, he has me on ignore, he would never see this post. So really, it would be pointless to write an answer that will never be seen to a question that was asked by the person who will never see my answer. So for all he knows, I could be writing "blah blah blah" here...

Anyway, for everyone else who doesn't have me on ignore, I thought the Matrix was meant to have Bilical references, not Mayan? But whatever the case may be, it's not just the movie medium that gets a batch of philosphical material; every media has its group of philosihpical art. I'm sure even Star Wars would have a philosophical meaning behind it.

Otaku, just because you're still raw over MFD Ignoring you, doesn't give you reason to call him a jackhole. (this should test to see if he can read your stuff)

And Matrix definetly had bunches of Bible themes (the ONE e.g. Savior releasing us from the control of the devil...eer, machines). And cmon, Spidey, arms out saving a trainload of people through intense pain on his part...no crucifixtion reference at all.

Movies like Star Wars go by fantasy themes (I read somewhere it followed a code perfectly, Luke finding his enemy is close to him, getting help from nature=Ewoks, etc.)

[Otaku Son]

Originally Posted by BMHadoken

Movies like Star Wars go by fantasy themes (I read somewhere it followed a code perfectly, Luke finding his enemy is close to him, getting help from nature=Ewoks, etc.)

Yes, I know what you're talking about, because I remember we studied Star Wars like that for English in my senior year of high school. Of course me, being the SW geek I was at the time, was able to point out that there was one code that wasn't followed, because there was no one who fit the pre-requisite. But it follows everything else.

But actually, I was thinking more about the whole Force aspect of the movie. Learn yourself, people and nature are the same, etc.

[Kain S. Branford]

Maybe I'm just nitpicking here, but I have to say now things are slightly stepping from a philosophical point of view to a more religious tone with all these biblical references. I won't take away from what was said since--as stated earlier--perceptions such as these tend to be a matter of what one reads between the lines. Philosophy is essentially just opinion, irregardless how some may revere it.

The Star Wars movies do follow a very well reputed fantasy formula. Although even something as formulaic as Star Wars can still spark a measure of philosophical debate... even the prequels. That is, if you too much time on your hands.

[Otaku Son]

Archetypes! That's the term we're all looking for, for the formula Star Wars follows. And those were set back in the days of Romon Mythology, with The Illiad and The Odessy.

[Illuminatus]

The thing is, if you boil down any book or movie enough, it becomes a formula, or an archetype. There are very, very few original ideas left in the world. I learned this the hard way as an aspiring sci-fi writer. The key is how you change those core formulas, and that's where you can add your own spin or philosophy. Just because a movie follows an archetype doesn't mean that it's philisophical value should be undermined. There's also always the philisophical value inherent in the archetype itself.

And before someone goes off on me and says "That's not what I said/meant..." I know. I'm just throwing ideas out.

Ya know, I've heard the "There's only 6 or 8 original ideas floating around" thing before, but nobody seems to want to elaborate on what those ideas are.

Anyways, philosophy in movies is either forced (Matrix) or realized later by movie watchers with way too much time to think about things (me with Back to the Future).