Out of nature : existentialism and nihilism in the cinema of the Coen brothers

Abstract

The Coen brothers are a filmmaking duo who frequently investigate the philosophies of existentialism and nihilism in their works, often in black comedies and absurdist stories with a distinct noir feel. An analysis and discussion of how such abstract ideologies are explored on film opens the door to the recognition of the various viewpoints from and with which their media texts are created and through which they can be regarded. The process also allows the reader of said texts to grapple with underlying ideological issues. I am both interested in the Coens’ filmography as well as in these specific areas of philosophical thought, motivated, in the latter case, by a personal need to understand the world around me. At the same time, I cannot lay claim to the originality of this angle of analysis, since several papers have broached the subject, as have a few video essays on the same filmmakers. These papers and essays have, in turn, allowed me to appreciate the Coens’ films from a particular viewpoint. What I would like to do is venture into the matter in greater depth, through the research and analysis of the philosophical underpinnings of said media texts, to help me better understand the artists behind the work; in effect, to tune into the frequency with which they think and communicate.