Conflict is everything when it comes to a good film. Without it, a film would be boring and lacking any type of purpose. While a conflict can be portrayed by two characters fighting physically or emotionally, a conflict can also come from within. An existential crisis is when a person is struggling to find some type of meaning to their life. It is an inner struggle that creates a good base for a dramatic film. A movie focusing on an existential crisis gives us a chance to dive deep into the mind of a character while we watch them struggle internally.
When a main character is struggling with an existential crisis, it can be dramatic, heartbreaking, or sometimes funny. InAlejandro González Iñárritu’sBirdman, we watched a washed-up actor (Michael Keaton) hilariously try to find meaning to his life while putting together a Broadway play. In more dramatic films, likeInto The Wild, we watch our characters trying to find purpose through life experiences and other people. Inner conflict is something that every person can relate to, and when we see it portrayed on the silver screen, it gives the audience a chance to look into themselves and evaluate their own choices. Let’s take a look at the seven best films focusing on characters suffering from an existential crisis.
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7Lost In Translation
Sofia Coppola’sLost In Translationfeatures one of Bill Murray’s greatest performances to date. Murray plays a movie star named Bob Harris struggling with a midlife crisis while on a promotional job in Tokyo, Japan. While there, he forms a relationship with a young American woman named Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), who is struggling with her marriage. The film tackles many themes including alienation, disconnection, and preserving relationships. The backdrop of Tokyo with Harris gives us a clear depiction of the confusion and disconnection that he feels inside. Both characters are deeply struggling with their relationships while trying to find meaning to their lives. Through their story, we see the importance of forming bonds and friendships to help us get through the turmoils that life can throw our way.
6Into The Wild
Into the Wildfollows the true accounts of Christopher McCandless, brilliantly played byEmile Hirsch. McCandless deeply struggles with his own existence and cannot relate to his wealthy parents whose only means of affection are through giving materialistic gifts. McCandless is determined to find purpose, so gives up all of his money and begins an epic quest through the wilderness to Alaska. Along the way, McCandless meets several memorable characters who teach him about love, loss, and friendship. Although McCandless seems to be running away from people and society, he learns, in the end, that happiness is only truly meaningful when it is shared with others.
Birdmanis a brilliant film that broke cinematic boundaries with its seamless one-take camera style, while completely reinvigoratingMichael Keaton’scareer. The film follows a struggling actor who can’t shake off his reputation of being only known for his superhero blockbuster movie. He wants so deeply to be respected as an actor, that he invests all of his money and puts his reputation on the line while he produces a Broadway play. The film explores the superficial aspects of the entertainment industry, and the pain and pressure that it puts on individuals. It is an epic film that dives deep into the mind of the main character as we watch him find purpose in his life and his career.
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4The Truman Show
The Truman Showis one of the most original films involving an existential crisis ever created. The movie tells the story of Truman (Jim Carrey) whos life begins to crumble as he starts to realize that he is actually the star of a TV show and everybody in his life is an actor. It is a nightmare reality, but the film provides many uplifting and comedic moments. After Truman discovers that his life is a lie, he faces his fears to escape the prison that he has been living in. It is a story of bravery and love while exploring the pros and cons of reality television.
3The Graduate
The Graduateis a film that many aimless youths can relate to. Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) has just returned home after graduating college and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. There is pressure from his parents to find work, but Benjamin mostly spends his time drifting in the pool while drinking beer. He finds some type of purpose after an affair with an older woman (Anne Bancroft) but soon realises that a shallow, sexual relationship creates nothing meaningful in his life. As he pursues Mrs. Robinson’s daughter (Katharine Ross), Benjamin finally feels like he has it all figured out. Unfortunately, in the famous final scene, we find that Benjamin is just as aimless and confused as he was in the beginning of the film.
2Synecdoche, NY
The directorial debut ofCharlie Kaufmanis one of the most original, thought-provoking films ever made. The story follows a theater director named Caden (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who explores love, loss, and misery as he dedicates his life to creating a play that is truly honest. The film is surreal and epic and, at many times, seems as if it takes place in another world. It is a deep dive into the mind of a man who is trying to find meaning to his life and convey it through his art. Although the film might not be for everyone, it is an original experience that should be seen at least once.
Federico Fellini’s epic masterpiece is unquestionably the most iconic movie featuring a character suffering from an existential crisis. The film follows Guido Anselmi (Marcello Mastroianni), suffering from a severe case of “director’s block” as he attempts to make his next film.8 1/2is a surreal film that broke cinematic boundaries and has become one of the most beloved movies of all time. It dives deep into the artistic mind of a struggling director trying to balance his work and relationships. Many of Fellini’s own struggles are showcased throughout the film making it all that more intimate and personal. It is a true masterpiece and is a must-see for any cinema fan.
