APRIL 2023:
UNRAVELING REALITIES…
Everything Everywhere All at Once, the 2022 film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, is a genre-defying masterpiece that captivated audiences and earned well-deserved accolades at the 95th Academy Awards. The film was nominated for 11 Oscars and won seven awards, the most of all other films that year. With its groundbreaking storytelling and innovative approach to filmmaking, the film’s wins at the Oscars were a testament to its artistic prowess. Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Quan Wang, a Chinese-American immigrant who, while audited by the IRS, discovers that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from destroying the multiverse. The film also stars Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., and James Hong in supporting roles.
The genre-bending film is a visually stunning and philosophically ambitious film that grapples with existentialist and nihilist philosophies to explore the meaning of life. In this kaleidoscopic journey, the film adeptly portrays the opposing world views of existentialism and nihilism through its characters and narrative.
![Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (/ˈsɒrən ˈkɪərkəɡɑːrd/ SORR-ən KEER-kə-gard, US also /-ɡɔːr/ -gor, Danish: [ˈsɶːɐn ˈɔˀˌpyˀ ˈkʰiɐ̯kəˌkɒˀ] i; 5 May 1813 – 11 November 1855) was a Danish theologian, philosopher, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. He wrote critical texts on organized religion, Christianity, morality, ethics, psychology, and the philosophy of religion, displaying a fondness for metaphor, irony, and parables. Much of his philosophical work deals with the issues of how one lives as a "single individual," giving priority to concrete human reality over abstract thinking and highlighting the importance of personal choice and commitment. He was against literary critics who defined idealist intellectuals and philosophers of his time, and thought that Swedenborg, Hegel, Fichte, Schelling, Schlegel, and Hans Christian Andersen were all "understood" far too quickly by "scholars." Kierkegaard's theological work focuses on Christian ethics, the institution of the Church, the differences between purely objective proofs of Christianity, the infinite qualitative distinction between man and God, and the individual's subjective relationship to the God-Man Jesus the Christ, which came through faith. Much of his work deals with Christian love. He was extremely critical of the doctrine and practice of Christianity as a state-controlled religion (Caesaropapism) like the Church of Denmark. His psychological work explored the emotions and feelings of individuals when faced with life choices. Opposite Jean-Paul Sartre and the atheistic existentialism paradigm, Kierkegaard focused on Christian existentialism. Kierkegaard's early work was written using pseudonyms to present distinctive viewpoints interacting in complex dialogue. He explored particularly complex problems from different viewpoints, each under a different pseudonym. He wrote Upbuilding Discourses under his own name and dedicated them to the "single individual" who might want to discover the meaning of his works. He wrote: "Science and scholarship want to teach that becoming objective is the way. Christianity teaches that the way is to become subjective, to become a subject." While scientists learn about the world by observation, Kierkegaard emphatically denied that observation alone could reveal the inner workings of the world of the spirit. Some of Kierkegaard's key ideas include the concept of "subjective and objective truths", the knight of faith, the recollection and repetition dichotomy, angst, the infinite qualitative distinction, faith as a passion, and the three stages on life's way. Kierkegaard wrote in Danish and the reception of his work was initially limited to Scandinavia, but by the turn of the 20th century his writings were translated into French, German, and other major European languages. By the mid-20th century, his thought exerted a substantial influence on philosophy, theology, and Western culture in general. Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons](https://i2.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Soren-Kierkegaard.jpeg?ssl=1)
![Plato (/ˈpleɪtoʊ/ PLAY-toe;[1] Greek: Πλάτων Plátōn; 428/427 or 424/423 – 348 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher born in Athens during the Classical period. In Athens, Plato founded the Academy, a philosophical school where he taught the philosophical doctrines that would later become known as Platonism. Plato, or Platon, was a pen name derived, apparently, from the nickname given to him by his wrestling coach – allegedly a reference to his physical broadness. According to Alexander Polyhistor, quoted by Diogenes Laërtius, his actual name was Aristocles, son of Ariston, of the deme (suburb) Collytus, in Athens. Plato was an innovator of the written dialogue and dialectic forms in philosophy. He raised problems for what became all the major areas of both theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy. His most famous contribution is the theory of forms (or ideas), which has been interpreted as advancing a solution to what is now known as the problem of universals. He is the namesake of Platonic love and the Platonic solids. His own most decisive philosophical influences are usually thought to have been, along with Socrates, the pre-Socratics Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, although few of his predecessors' works remain extant and much of what is known about these figures today derives from Plato himself. Along with his teacher, Socrates, and student Aristotle, Plato is a central figure in the history of philosophy.[b] Unlike the work of nearly all of his contemporaries, Plato's entire body of work is believed to have survived intact for over 2,400 years. Although their popularity has fluctuated, Plato's works have consistently been read and studied. Through Neoplatonism Plato also greatly influenced both Christian (through e.g. Augustine of Hippo) and Islamic philosophy (through e.g. Al-Farabi). In modern times, Alfred North Whitehead famously said: "the safest general characterization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of a series of footnotes to Plato." Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons](https://i1.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Plato--683x1024.jpeg?ssl=1)
Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, is portrayed through Evelyn Quan Wang‘s (Yeoh) struggle to find purpose and meaning in the multiverse. The film beautifully captures the existentialist notion that life’s meaning is not inherent but is shaped by our choices and actions. The protagonist‘s journey through various realities reflects the existentialist quest for self-discovery and the creation of one’s own meaning.
Conversely, nihilism, the belief that life lacks inherent meaning or value, is also depicted through chaotic and absurd multiverse scenarios. The film challenges viewers to confront the nihilistic void, where traditional notions of purpose and order disintegrate. This stark portrayal of nihilism forces the audience to grapple with the idea that life might be inherently meaningless.
While Everything Everywhere All At Once excels in its portrayal of these philosophical opposites, it occasionally struggles to find a coherent narrative thread amidst its mind-bending visuals and metaphysical exploration. Some viewers may find the film’s complexity overwhelming, making it challenging to fully engage with the philosophical themes.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is an audacious cinematic journey that captivated audiences and garnered an impressive 11 Academy Award nominations, ultimately clinching seven well-deserved wins. The film’s success at the Oscars is a testament to its visionary storytelling and groundbreaking approach to filmmaking. The film garnered widespread critical acclaim and is currently estimated to be the most-awarded film of all time. The film’s nominations and wins reflected its excellence across multiple categories:
1. **Best Picture**: The win recognized its status as one of the year’s most ambitious and thought-provoking cinematic achievements. The film‘s ultimate triumph in the Best Picture category solidified its status as a cinematic masterpiece. Everything Everywhere All At Once stood out among its peers, transcending genre boundaries to offer a profoundly unique viewing experience. Its win acknowledged its audacious storytelling, groundbreaking visuals, and the ability to provoke deep philosophical contemplation while maintaining emotional resonance. The film’s impact was felt not only in its narrative complexity but also in its ability to challenge and inspire audiences, reaffirming the power of cinema to push creative boundaries.
2. **Best Director**: The win acknowledged the visionary storytelling and artistic brilliance of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Their audacious approach to filmmaking was evident throughout Everything Everywhere All At Once. They skillfully navigated the complexities of multiverse storytelling, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience for the audience. The directors’ ability to balance existential philosophical themes with deeply personal character journeys demonstrated their exceptional talent. Their win celebrated their fearless creativity and their contribution to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
3. **Best Original Screenplay**: The film’s win was a well-deserved honor. Co-written by directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the screenplay was a masterpiece of complexity and creativity. It artfully wove together the threads of multiverse theory, existentialism, and intergenerational trauma, pushing the boundaries of traditional narrative structure. The script engaged the audience on multiple levels, challenging their intellect while evoking deep emotional resonance. The award celebrated the script’s ability to create a narrative that was as intellectually stimulating as it was emotionally profound.
4. **Best Film Editing**: The win recognized the intricate editing of Everything Everywhere All At Once which played a crucial role in maintaining coherence amid its multilayered narrative. It was a testament to the skill and creativity of the editing team.
5. **Best Actress (Michelle Yeoh)**: Michelle Yeoh‘s portrayal of Evelyn Quan Wang was nothing short of extraordinary. She seamlessly navigated the complexities of the multiverse, embodying various versions of her character with authenticity and emotional depth. Yeoh‘s performance was a masterclass in versatility, showcasing her ability to convey a wide range of emotions and character traits as she grappled with existential questions and intergenerational trauma. Her win in this category was a well-deserved recognition of her talent and dedication.
6. **Best Supporting Actor (Ke Huy Quan)**: The film’s success extended to the Best Supporting Actor category, highlighting the strength of its ensemble cast. Ke Huy Quan, who navigated the multiverse alongside Yeoh as her husband, Waymond Wang, brought depth and nuance to his role. Quan’s consistent emotional thread across the ever-changing dimensions demonstrated his skill as an actor. His win celebrated Waymond’s character development and Ke Huy Quan’s ability to shine in a complex and unconventional narrative.
7. **Best Supporting Actress (Jamie Lee Curtis)**: The film’s success went further to the Best Supporting Actress category, with the film winning three of the four major acting categories. Jamie Lee Curtis contributed to the film’s narrative richness and emotional resonance. Curtis’ performance added layers to the central character’s journey, making her winsome and memorable. Her win acknowledged the film’s ability to weave compelling supporting characters into its intricate tapestry.
Everything Everywhere All At Once not only swept the Academy Awards but also left a lasting impression on the world of cinema. Its wins were a testament to the film’s audacious creativity, storytelling prowess, and technical achievements, making it a standout in cinematic history. The Academy Award wins for Everything Everywhere All At Once were well-deserved acknowledgments of the film’s groundbreaking storytelling and visionary direction. These Oscars affirmed the film’s status as a thought-provoking and visually captivating masterpiece, and they highlighted the exceptional talents of its creators, who fearlessly challenged conventional cinematic norms.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is a thought-provoking cinematic experience that masterfully engages with the existentialist and nihilist philosophies to contemplate the meaning of life. It shines in its visual storytelling and character development but may leave some viewers wanting a more structured narrative to complement its philosophical inquiries. Nonetheless, it’s a bold and daring cinematic endeavor that invites audiences to reflect on the profound questions of existence.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is available now to stream on Showtime…