An Exploration of Existentialism Through the Writing of an Original Screenplay
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Simson, Toby
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Milligan, Christina
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Auckland University of Technology
Abstract
Finding meaning in today’s world is a challenge, especially with the decline of religion. The philosophy of existentialism is one answer and argues that life is inherently meaningless and that it is up to the individual to create their purpose. This research explores the essentiality of purpose in an arguably indifferent universe through the immersive practice of writing an original screenplay. The screenplay’s narrative focuses on a character with self-limiting beliefs who is exposed to fundamental existentialist concepts: individual freedom, absurdism, death, religion, and purpose. By integrating these themes into the character’s journey, the screenplay provides a detailed study of existentialism, revealing the importance of choice and responsibility in overcoming existential anguish. These findings enable an examination of core arguments from notable existentialist philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard. The support and refutation of existentialist concepts, alongside the proposal of new concepts, provide a method of adopting existentialism in a modern context.