Another Round: Pain and Pleasure of Existentialism

This is an era marked by chaos and absurdity, where our spirits endure continuous pain capable of overwhelming countless ordinary individuals. Yet, the expression of this pain is deeply connected to existential philosophy. The film features an interview with the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard, who, as mentioned, is a key figure in the early development of existential philosophy.

The title of "Drunk" reminds me of Nietzsche's Dionysian Spirit, and this movie is an example of existential philosophy. Heidegger emphasized that the essence of existentialism lies in "Everything is, and is not, meaningless. At its depth, existentialism is profoundly about meaningfulness, not meaninglessness. Human beings, through their own consciousness, create their own values and determine a meaning to their life." This philosophy is undoubtedly humanistic, and Nietzsche also proposed the concept of "strength", a more intense thought that emphasizes the will to life's resistance to nihilism, combined with Heidegger's philosophical thoughts, it is fully reflected in this movie.

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Indulging in alcohol provides a peculiar sense of pleasure. As Tommy's desperate boat drifts on the ocean's waves, and the other three teachers revel and dance uninhibitedly, life becomes a piercing pain for every student under study pressure and every adult facing midlife or family crises. In the film, alcohol serves as an external representation, but what truly becomes intoxicated is the spirit and will of the teachers. This will aligns with the inherent mechanism of existentialism, where real pain coexists with intoxicating alcohol and boundless pleasure. We find ourselves ensnared between meaning and meaninglessness, caught in a repetitive cycle. While the movie carries a certain comedic tone, emotions remain deeply personal, yet they manage to convey a shared human experience.

The Unbearable Pain of Being

This is a midlife crisis that seems to be all-encompassing for four teachers, from family to their own survival, from fulfilment to nothingness. The youth crisis seems to constantly manifest itself on young people today, from the pressure of entering school to the pain of graduation. Although the movie does not delve much into the pains of them, a few lines about the fleeting pain leave a lasting impression.

Mads Mikkelsen takes on the role of Martin, who finds himself in the midst of a family crisis. Despite having shared many years of marriage with his wife, they coexist under the same roof, their interactions becoming scarcer than those with their own students. Their love, once rooted in romance, has transformed into a connection of affection, held together by the presence of their two children. However, the couple grapples with the ongoing challenge of breaking free from the monotony of uninteresting interactions in their lives.

The midlife crisis represents a challenge for individuals in their middle years as they strive to balance family and career responsibilities while often neglecting their own personal growth. This struggle aligns with the existentialist concept of self-actualization. The crisis emerges from the clash between personal values and the demands of social life, resulting in a feeling of stagnation and meaninglessness. This, in turn, contributes to the pervasive boredom and lack of interest associated with middle age. If the midlife crisis were solely a result of materialistic pressures, it might not be a recurring topic in contemporary discussions.

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Moreover, the film not only depicts Martin's family crisis but also delves into Peter's marital struggles, Nikolaj's challenges in parenting, and Tommy's experience of loneliness. Each of the four teachers grapples with different crises, providing a nuanced exploration of personal and relational struggles.

The challenges faced by students with less emphasis in the film are not only externally evident within Danish society but are also universally experienced by college students worldwide. In comparing the situation with Chinese college students, it becomes apparent that the pressures of exams and entrance requirements are even more intense. Many students find themselves caught in a cycle of "demoralized" culture, characterized by a sense of nihilism. This culture embraces a sombre atmosphere as a means to cope with increased pain, often for minimal rewards. Nihilism, in this context, presents a significant issue within existential philosophy, as it may serve as a precursor to the exploration of existential themes.

These are painful experiences that life cannot bear. As human beings who exist, we face the void of nihilism and worry and fear it, making it difficult to break free. At this time, alcohol emerges as an external motivation for self-restructuring in the film.

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The Pleasure of the Ego Knows No Bounds

The movie begins and ends in a frenzy, with an interlude of eternal pain mixed in between. It's hard not to think of phrases like "the world is sinking, we are celebrating" when reflecting on it.

The focus of the four teachers' alcohol plan is whether 0.5% blood alcohol content can rescue them from suffering. The movie seems to answer in the negative, but it's actually an unanswerable question. A little bit of alcohol does bring the four teachers out of their mundane state.

This is also a manifestation of Nietzsche's "Dionysian" spirit, which is a state of ecstasy and pain intertwined, where humans seek to understand the pains of life in extreme indulgence. Nietzsche believes that "dreams" and "intoxication" are two states of life, and these almost fanatical experiences are also the core of existentialist philosophy's defiance of nihilism.

Yet, this indulgence poses a dilemma, as the amount of alcohol consumed appears to be beyond control, resulting in Tommy developing alcoholism and adding another layer of pain. Even as pleasure reaches its peak, the challenges of social life emerge on the opposite end.

Pleasure seems to have no bounds. The film doesn't discard the idea that the main characters might stop drinking and return to their regular lives after the alcohol plan fails. Instead, it guides them into another even wilder celebration, effectively capturing Nietzsche's concept of will. Timothée Chalamet's solo dance is equally lively and indulgent. The pleasure reaches its peak towards the end, and the film concludes abruptly. However, the audience's spirit feels like savoring a large glass of potent liquor—intense, fulfilling, and burning. The world is confusing, life is filled with pain, and it may lack meaning. Yet, pleasure remains without limits.

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"Optimistic" Existentialism

In my opinion, existentialism is optimistic and a profound form of heroism. It seems that the attitude of recognizing the futility and pain of life and then continuing to survive aligns with Romain Rolland's statement "There is only one heroism in the world : it's to see the world as it is, and to love it." This idea internalized in life seems to be the popular phrase "carpe diem," but I am not sure if carpe diem is a recurrence of existentialism. However, what I saw in the movie was undoubtedly an existentialist sense of optimism. Facing meaningless absurdity and pain, they still seek deep pleasure without hesitation.

It's regrettable that I couldn't watch the movie while enjoying a glass of wine. While alcohol can be a means for seeking pleasure, there are numerous other avenues for us to explore. While we may not assert to be existentialists, the philosophy of existentialism can certainly prompt deeper contemplation. Life is a journey—something to be felt rather than rigidly understood.

Existentialism has the remarkable ability to transform pessimistic nihilism into a distinctive form of optimism, a concept that truly captivates me. In the current absurd era, where pain seems to be a constant companion, the suggestion arises that perhaps we should open a bottle of wine and immerse ourselves in it wholeheartedly. While we may not have control over when we become intoxicated, we do possess the ability to regulate how much wine we consume. Furthermore, we retain the power to manage our own pleasure and partake in a spirited dance whenever we choose.

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