Hosts discuss top 3 existentialist movies, lack of research on metaphysics of puns, and surprisingly positive opinions on recent paper. Delve into ontology of art and puns, challenge traditional views on language ontology, and explore flexibility of words. Light-hearted banter on puns and humor theories. Dive into existential movies shaping identity through choices, analyze Blade Runner themes, compare Double Indemnity vs Locke decisions, and explore genetic dreams in Gattaca.
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Quick takeaways
Anatomy of a Fall showcases existentialist themes through the son's struggle with defining his identity amidst his mother's trial.
Locke illustrates the complexity of moral courage and the impact of decisions on shaping personal character.
Blade Runner delves into questions of identity and free will, challenging preconceived notions through characters' emotional struggles.
Deep dives
Anatomy of a Fall
Anatomy of a Fall is a captivating movie directed by Justine Triet, focusing on a husband and wife who are both writers. After the husband's mysterious death, the wife is arrested for his murder. The film delves into the complexities of their marriage and the son's crucial role in the trial. The son must decide whether to believe his mother is guilty or innocent, highlighting the burden of making life-defining choices.
Existential Choices
The son's decision to fabricate testimony to exonerate his mother forces him to confront the existential dilemma of choosing his identity. He grapples with the uncertainty of his mother's innocence and recognizes the weight of his choice in defining who he will become. This portrayal captures the essence of existentialism, emphasizing how choices shape individual identity.
Interpretation and Reality
Anatomy of a Fall challenges viewers to interpret whether the wife truly committed the crime, leaving the truth ambiguous. The film prompts audiences to engage in their own decision-making process regarding the wife's guilt, mirroring the existential theme of active participation in shaping one's reality.
Existential Themes in Blade Runner
Blade Runner, a sci-fi film set in a dystopian future, explores existential themes through the characters of replicants who struggle with emotional maturity and their limited lifespan. The film delves into questions of identity and free will, particularly focusing on Deckard's ambiguous nature as potentially being a replicant himself. The pivotal moment when a replicant shows compassion challenges the idea of predetermined roles and actions.
Choices and Consequences in Locke
In the film Locke, the protagonist, Ivan Locke, faces a moral dilemma that tests his values and priorities. As he navigates between his family, job responsibilities, and a personal crisis, he ultimately chooses to support a woman in need despite the sacrifices it entails. The movie highlights the concept of moral courage and the impact of decisions in shaping one's character, emphasizing the complexity of preserving self-identity amidst challenging circumstances.
David and Tamler choose an episode topic that will define the identity and meaning of the Very Bad Wizards podcast going forward – our top 3 existentialist movies. Plus, you’re gonna be shocked to hear this, you might want to sit down, but there has been surprisingly little research on the metaphysics of puns. We look at a recent paper that remedies this appalling gap in the literature – and maybe the biggest surprise of all, Tamler has some nice things to say about it.
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