Clancy
06-15-2010, 02:59 PM
The Nature of Existence
Opening Friday, June 18
Here's the official website, with a very entertaining preview
https://thenatureofexistence.com/
Movie review by Robert Roten, Film Critic
Laramie Movie Scope: The Nature of Existence (https://www.lariat.org/AtTheMovies/new/natexist.html)
If you know what you are doing, you can make a good movie simply by asking questions of a bunch of people and recording their replies...
Film director Roger Nygard talks to pagans, atheists, satanists, social activists, movie directors, scientists, wrestlers, musicians, academics, doctors, philosophers, priests, monks, actors, stand-up comics and many others, among them a variety of fascinating people with very different ideas. He started every interview with the biggest question he could think of: “Why do we exist?”
The answers to this seemingly simple question vary widely of course, from “sex and chocolate,” to fairly incomprehensible philosophical contortions. Physicist Steve Biller had a different answer, that we don't exist at all, we just think we do. One would expect a scientist to say that our existence is a result of random chance and therefore our lives have no purpose other than what we choose. Instead, we get a scientist who says, “I like to think that I exist to figure out why I exist.” Not bad. Nygard, of course, also asks the second question, implied in the first, which is “What is our purpose, or “What is the meaning of life?” Another avalanche of answers include “to serve God,” “to love,” “to have fun,” “evolution,” “to make a difference,” “to procreate,” “to take care of mother earth” etc.
The implications of these basic beliefs explored in this film are vast, as Michael Schermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, says, “For the first time, as far as we know anywhere ever, there is a species that can colonize the entire cosmos.” Stanley Woosley, an astrophysicist of UC Santa Cruz, made the implications even larger than that. Woosley explains how the stars generated all the elements of nature over billions of years, starting from just Hydrogen and Helium. “We are star dust. The universe evolves. Stars evolve. People evolve. Everything that is alive evolves. We may be the path towards some ultimate intelligence, some ultimate life in the universe that would be virtually indistinguishable from what we call God.” Now that's heavy.
The nature of religion and spirituality is also a topic of this film. Is being religious and being spiritual the same thing? When Nygard asks this question he gets some answers that seem to indicate being spiritual and being religious can be the same thing, or these two things can be mutually exclusive. Nygard is able to round up some top religious figures and famous people for his film, like the Archdruid of Stonehenge, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (the most famous self-proclaimed guru living in India), authors Larry Niven (“Ringworld”), Ann Druyen (co-authored “Contact” with her husband Carl Sagan, and produced the movie of the same name), Richard Dawkins, film director Irvin Kershner of “Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back,” but he is shot down in his attempt to see the Pope. He finds out he must donate $20,000 to the church in order to get a 20-minute audience with the Pope. Nygard said he was willing to go as high as $200.
Ironies run thick in the movie, as with the Evangelist David Miller, who proclaims “God is love,” while wearing a badge on his chest which has the word “homo” on it which is crossed out by a line. Evidently, there are certain lines of love which he will not cross, even for Jesus. Two Islamic practitioners, placed in the film back to back, give opposite answers to the question “Do animals have souls?” Tony Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, says yes, all animals, even plants have souls and feelings, while Dr. Zakir Naik of the Islamic Research Foundation says animals do not have souls. Perhaps the most famous atheist in the world, Richard Dawkins, humorously catches himself saying “God knows” while explaining why God is not necessary to explain the mysteries of nature.
Nygard explores the idea of God at some length. A religion professor says God is imaginary. Actress Julia Sweeney said, “In my search for God, I kept doing what everyone does and that is have a very narrow definition of God and then as they look for evidence and don't find it, they keep broadening the definition until it becomes God is air or God is a life force ... ” The old “unmoved mover” argument for God is raised. Woosley says if God pushed the button that started the universe, who pushed his button? A Muslim says God created himself, which is really no more a leap of faith than a scientist arguing the universe created itself.
Nygard also explores the idea of life after death, reincarnation or non-existence after death. One man described his feeling of liberation after being in the presence of over 100 dead bodies in a morgue. He realized he still had many choices in life, while the dead have no more choices. Nygard wonders, “Should I live my life for now or should I live it for later?” Nygard goes on to more questions, “What is truth?” “Are prayers answered?” “What is sin?” Is there a heaven and a hell? How do we find happiness? What do religions teach about sexuality? Where do the voices in our heads come from?
One of the strangest segments of the film is on “Ultimate Christian Wrestling,” founded by Rob Adonis in Athens, Georgia. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Pro-style wrestling is scripted like a play to tell a story. Why not use this style of theater it to tell religious stories? That's what Ultimate Christian Wrestling is all about. Among the exotic locations visited by Nygard in this film is Meherabad, India, where the followers of Meher Baba (1894 – 1969), a self-proclaimed avatar of God, gather at his shrine.
Nygard concludes his film by saying his journey led him to like people more. He found the differences between people and their beliefs are far less than he feared. He feels as long as he continues to move forward, seeking answers to these basic existential questions he will continue to progress. When he stops seeking these answers, he feels he will be in the process of dying. As for me, I think that God is something entirely supernatural, disconnected from the natural world, and that he doesn't intervene in the affairs of this tiny world. I also think our purpose is to be of service to others and to nature. This movie sort of falls into the category of service to others. It is an important subject that doesn't get much coverage in movies. Nygard has done a terrific job of asking questions, getting answers and finding interesting people to appear in this film. It rates an A.
This is a review based on a screening in advance of the film's theatrical release. The film is due to be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2010.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE
(a film review by Mark R. Leeper)
https://ofcs.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1222464/reviews_viewer.php?fb=no&rid=1884101
CAPSULE: THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE is a documentary that is
sort of a "Whitman's Sampler" of religious, metaphysical,
and philosophical beliefs and opinions from all over the
world. Roger Nygard gives us a non-judgmental survey of
what people think about the biggest questions of life.
Interviewed are famous people and others you have never
heard of. The director ties them together in a film
that is constantly entertaining and thought provoking.
Nygard, who previously directed the entertaining
documentary TREKKIES, sets his focus on people's deeply
held and widely disparate metaphysical beliefs and makes
a film ironic, sad, and amazing, but most of all funny.
Without ever taking a stand himself, Nygard shows the
breadth and inconsistency of religious belief around the
world. This is the best documentary I have seen this
year. Rating: low +3 (-4 to +4) or 8/10
Nygard's list of 85 difficult questions follows this review.
Roger Nygard previously made the enthralling documentary TREKKIES,
an exploration into the world of super-fans of the Star Trek
universe. He managed to make a film that shows that community--
warts and all--without being offensive. His secret shield was that
he just looked at the people without being at all judgmental. In a
new documentary he uses this same approach to look at people's
belief in issues of religion, faith, and metaphysics--issues that
countries have gone to war over. With a light touch he manages to
make another charming film that is inoffensive as it covers the
diversity of people's attitudes about some of the touchiest
questions we face. It is obvious that Nygard knew at the beginning
that if he really were looking for the answers to his questions, he
would fail. Besides it is more fun to search for truth than to
find it. His true intention was to show a broad assortment of
belief. Indeed he finds people in the same religion giving
contradictory answers to his questions. The director never
intrudes himself on his subjects. He is content to just train his
camera on people with ideas and opinions and let them represent
themselves as best they can.
Among the people giving opinions are Orson Scott Card, Richard
Dawkins, Ann Druyan, Irvin Kershner, Larry Niven, Michael Shermer,
and Leonard Susskind. That list includes science fiction writers,
a biologist, a physicist, a filmmaker, and the publisher of
"Skeptic" Magazine. Also, we return periodically to
"confrontational" evangelist Brother Jed Smock who seems to choose
college campuses, arrive uninvited, and preaches an often X-rated
or sexist message to passersby. Then there is wrestler Rob Adonis
(founder of Ultimate Christian Wrestling) who tells the gospel
interpreted with professional wrestling. Who has the best and
clearest answers? My pick would be Chloe Revery, a 7th grader who
seems to have things pretty well figured out.
The first half very much sticks to religious thought from the
United States, but eventually Nygard travels internationally in
search of unusual world-views. From the Druids who celebrate at
Stonehenge to the Orthodox Jews in Israel, to the pilgrims to the
Kumbh Mela in India, which attracts 17,000,000 people, Nygard
searches for answers. Much of this is similar to the material of
Bill Maher's RELIGULOUS, directed by Larry Charles. But while
Maher comes off a little smug as if he has the answers, Nygard
takes no stand and shows no bias.
Chloe Revery says it all: "I think truth is what we are all
searching for, isn't it? Even though sometimes it is more fun to
search than to actually find it." That is really what this film is
all about. It is the fun search for a truth we know we will never
find. But we want to go along for the ride. This is a nice small
documentary that is a pleasure. I rate it a low +3 on the -4 to +4
scale or 8/10.
The 85 Questions -- How would *you* answer?
EXISTENCE
Why do we exist?
What is the best thing about existing?
What is our purpose?
Is the world a better place for having had humans in it?
How can we improve humanity?
What is the best advice or philosophy for living?
RELIGION
What is religion?
Why are there multiple religions?
Should religions be challenged?
Is skepticism a good thing?
Why do people get angry when their beliefs are challenged?
Which one is right? Can all religions be correct?
What does fear have to do with belief?
Do we have a need to believe in something?
What is spirituality?
SCIENCE
Can religion and science coexist?
What's the difference between religion and science?
Can a religion change with society?
Was man created or did he evolve?
GOD
Is there a God?
What is the definition of God?
What gives you certainty in your belief?
How do you deal with doubt?
Who created God?
Is God male or female?
What does God need from us?
Who is/are the Messiah(s)?
Who is the Devil?
FAITH
What is faith?
What is a fact?
How can we tell which is which?
TRUTH
What is truth?
How do we determine truth?
Which truth is right?
SCRIPTURE
Is the holy-book(s) literally true?
What is the origin of the holy book(s)?
How do we accept a holy book that positively portrays unacceptable
behaviors like slavery, incest, murder, etc.?
Can we take what we like about a religion/belief system and make
our own version and throw out the rest?
MORALITY
What is morality?
Is there a moral yardstick that applies to all cultures?
Where does morality, or our "conscience," comes from?
Is altruism or morality possible without belief in a deity?
SIN
What is sin?
What is the punishment for sin?
Is thought the same as deed?
Does God want to test us? Why?
SEX
Should a person have sex before marriage?
Is masturbation a sin?
What determines sexual orientation?
Why is God interested in our sexual behavior?
Should women be treated differently than men?
FREE WILL
Do we have free will?
Is everything predetermined?
What entity predetermines fate or destiny?
SUFFERING
Why is there suffering?
What is best path to happiness?
Does God intercede in human tragedies?
PRAYER
Does prayer work?
If so, why does God allow holocausts, and disasters?
If not, why pray?
Does meditation work?
How does meditation work?
SOUL
What is a soul?
Do animals have souls?
Does a soul have the same thoughts and feelings when outside the
body?
Does a soul does carry on our memories, and if not, what is a soul
since it is our memories that make us up?
What purpose does a brain serve if a soul can exist and feel
without it?
AFTERLIFE
Is there an Afterlife?
Where is it, where do we go after death?
Why do we need an afterlife?
LIFE
When does life begin?
When should abortion be allowed?
Is it ever appropriate to kill another person?
SUPERNATURAL
What are supernatural beliefs?
Are there extraterrestrials? Who are they?
Do psychics work, and if you are religious, are they allowed?
Where do the voices in our heads come from?
DOOMSDAY
Will there be a doomsday?
What is the greatest danger facing man's existence?
How do we stop conflict?
Should different cultures be preserved, or are our cultural
differences the source of strife?
Should political leaders invoke a deity in decisions or policy?
Mark R. Leeper
[email protected]
Copyright 2010 Mark R. Leeper
Opening Friday, June 18
Here's the official website, with a very entertaining preview
https://thenatureofexistence.com/
Movie review by Robert Roten, Film Critic
Laramie Movie Scope: The Nature of Existence (https://www.lariat.org/AtTheMovies/new/natexist.html)
If you know what you are doing, you can make a good movie simply by asking questions of a bunch of people and recording their replies...
Film director Roger Nygard talks to pagans, atheists, satanists, social activists, movie directors, scientists, wrestlers, musicians, academics, doctors, philosophers, priests, monks, actors, stand-up comics and many others, among them a variety of fascinating people with very different ideas. He started every interview with the biggest question he could think of: “Why do we exist?”
The answers to this seemingly simple question vary widely of course, from “sex and chocolate,” to fairly incomprehensible philosophical contortions. Physicist Steve Biller had a different answer, that we don't exist at all, we just think we do. One would expect a scientist to say that our existence is a result of random chance and therefore our lives have no purpose other than what we choose. Instead, we get a scientist who says, “I like to think that I exist to figure out why I exist.” Not bad. Nygard, of course, also asks the second question, implied in the first, which is “What is our purpose, or “What is the meaning of life?” Another avalanche of answers include “to serve God,” “to love,” “to have fun,” “evolution,” “to make a difference,” “to procreate,” “to take care of mother earth” etc.
The implications of these basic beliefs explored in this film are vast, as Michael Schermer, publisher of Skeptic magazine, says, “For the first time, as far as we know anywhere ever, there is a species that can colonize the entire cosmos.” Stanley Woosley, an astrophysicist of UC Santa Cruz, made the implications even larger than that. Woosley explains how the stars generated all the elements of nature over billions of years, starting from just Hydrogen and Helium. “We are star dust. The universe evolves. Stars evolve. People evolve. Everything that is alive evolves. We may be the path towards some ultimate intelligence, some ultimate life in the universe that would be virtually indistinguishable from what we call God.” Now that's heavy.
The nature of religion and spirituality is also a topic of this film. Is being religious and being spiritual the same thing? When Nygard asks this question he gets some answers that seem to indicate being spiritual and being religious can be the same thing, or these two things can be mutually exclusive. Nygard is able to round up some top religious figures and famous people for his film, like the Archdruid of Stonehenge, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (the most famous self-proclaimed guru living in India), authors Larry Niven (“Ringworld”), Ann Druyen (co-authored “Contact” with her husband Carl Sagan, and produced the movie of the same name), Richard Dawkins, film director Irvin Kershner of “Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back,” but he is shot down in his attempt to see the Pope. He finds out he must donate $20,000 to the church in order to get a 20-minute audience with the Pope. Nygard said he was willing to go as high as $200.
Ironies run thick in the movie, as with the Evangelist David Miller, who proclaims “God is love,” while wearing a badge on his chest which has the word “homo” on it which is crossed out by a line. Evidently, there are certain lines of love which he will not cross, even for Jesus. Two Islamic practitioners, placed in the film back to back, give opposite answers to the question “Do animals have souls?” Tony Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, says yes, all animals, even plants have souls and feelings, while Dr. Zakir Naik of the Islamic Research Foundation says animals do not have souls. Perhaps the most famous atheist in the world, Richard Dawkins, humorously catches himself saying “God knows” while explaining why God is not necessary to explain the mysteries of nature.
Nygard explores the idea of God at some length. A religion professor says God is imaginary. Actress Julia Sweeney said, “In my search for God, I kept doing what everyone does and that is have a very narrow definition of God and then as they look for evidence and don't find it, they keep broadening the definition until it becomes God is air or God is a life force ... ” The old “unmoved mover” argument for God is raised. Woosley says if God pushed the button that started the universe, who pushed his button? A Muslim says God created himself, which is really no more a leap of faith than a scientist arguing the universe created itself.
Nygard also explores the idea of life after death, reincarnation or non-existence after death. One man described his feeling of liberation after being in the presence of over 100 dead bodies in a morgue. He realized he still had many choices in life, while the dead have no more choices. Nygard wonders, “Should I live my life for now or should I live it for later?” Nygard goes on to more questions, “What is truth?” “Are prayers answered?” “What is sin?” Is there a heaven and a hell? How do we find happiness? What do religions teach about sexuality? Where do the voices in our heads come from?
One of the strangest segments of the film is on “Ultimate Christian Wrestling,” founded by Rob Adonis in Athens, Georgia. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Pro-style wrestling is scripted like a play to tell a story. Why not use this style of theater it to tell religious stories? That's what Ultimate Christian Wrestling is all about. Among the exotic locations visited by Nygard in this film is Meherabad, India, where the followers of Meher Baba (1894 – 1969), a self-proclaimed avatar of God, gather at his shrine.
Nygard concludes his film by saying his journey led him to like people more. He found the differences between people and their beliefs are far less than he feared. He feels as long as he continues to move forward, seeking answers to these basic existential questions he will continue to progress. When he stops seeking these answers, he feels he will be in the process of dying. As for me, I think that God is something entirely supernatural, disconnected from the natural world, and that he doesn't intervene in the affairs of this tiny world. I also think our purpose is to be of service to others and to nature. This movie sort of falls into the category of service to others. It is an important subject that doesn't get much coverage in movies. Nygard has done a terrific job of asking questions, getting answers and finding interesting people to appear in this film. It rates an A.
This is a review based on a screening in advance of the film's theatrical release. The film is due to be released in the U.S. on June 18, 2010.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE
(a film review by Mark R. Leeper)
https://ofcs.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1222464/reviews_viewer.php?fb=no&rid=1884101
CAPSULE: THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE is a documentary that is
sort of a "Whitman's Sampler" of religious, metaphysical,
and philosophical beliefs and opinions from all over the
world. Roger Nygard gives us a non-judgmental survey of
what people think about the biggest questions of life.
Interviewed are famous people and others you have never
heard of. The director ties them together in a film
that is constantly entertaining and thought provoking.
Nygard, who previously directed the entertaining
documentary TREKKIES, sets his focus on people's deeply
held and widely disparate metaphysical beliefs and makes
a film ironic, sad, and amazing, but most of all funny.
Without ever taking a stand himself, Nygard shows the
breadth and inconsistency of religious belief around the
world. This is the best documentary I have seen this
year. Rating: low +3 (-4 to +4) or 8/10
Nygard's list of 85 difficult questions follows this review.
Roger Nygard previously made the enthralling documentary TREKKIES,
an exploration into the world of super-fans of the Star Trek
universe. He managed to make a film that shows that community--
warts and all--without being offensive. His secret shield was that
he just looked at the people without being at all judgmental. In a
new documentary he uses this same approach to look at people's
belief in issues of religion, faith, and metaphysics--issues that
countries have gone to war over. With a light touch he manages to
make another charming film that is inoffensive as it covers the
diversity of people's attitudes about some of the touchiest
questions we face. It is obvious that Nygard knew at the beginning
that if he really were looking for the answers to his questions, he
would fail. Besides it is more fun to search for truth than to
find it. His true intention was to show a broad assortment of
belief. Indeed he finds people in the same religion giving
contradictory answers to his questions. The director never
intrudes himself on his subjects. He is content to just train his
camera on people with ideas and opinions and let them represent
themselves as best they can.
Among the people giving opinions are Orson Scott Card, Richard
Dawkins, Ann Druyan, Irvin Kershner, Larry Niven, Michael Shermer,
and Leonard Susskind. That list includes science fiction writers,
a biologist, a physicist, a filmmaker, and the publisher of
"Skeptic" Magazine. Also, we return periodically to
"confrontational" evangelist Brother Jed Smock who seems to choose
college campuses, arrive uninvited, and preaches an often X-rated
or sexist message to passersby. Then there is wrestler Rob Adonis
(founder of Ultimate Christian Wrestling) who tells the gospel
interpreted with professional wrestling. Who has the best and
clearest answers? My pick would be Chloe Revery, a 7th grader who
seems to have things pretty well figured out.
The first half very much sticks to religious thought from the
United States, but eventually Nygard travels internationally in
search of unusual world-views. From the Druids who celebrate at
Stonehenge to the Orthodox Jews in Israel, to the pilgrims to the
Kumbh Mela in India, which attracts 17,000,000 people, Nygard
searches for answers. Much of this is similar to the material of
Bill Maher's RELIGULOUS, directed by Larry Charles. But while
Maher comes off a little smug as if he has the answers, Nygard
takes no stand and shows no bias.
Chloe Revery says it all: "I think truth is what we are all
searching for, isn't it? Even though sometimes it is more fun to
search than to actually find it." That is really what this film is
all about. It is the fun search for a truth we know we will never
find. But we want to go along for the ride. This is a nice small
documentary that is a pleasure. I rate it a low +3 on the -4 to +4
scale or 8/10.
The 85 Questions -- How would *you* answer?
EXISTENCE
Why do we exist?
What is the best thing about existing?
What is our purpose?
Is the world a better place for having had humans in it?
How can we improve humanity?
What is the best advice or philosophy for living?
RELIGION
What is religion?
Why are there multiple religions?
Should religions be challenged?
Is skepticism a good thing?
Why do people get angry when their beliefs are challenged?
Which one is right? Can all religions be correct?
What does fear have to do with belief?
Do we have a need to believe in something?
What is spirituality?
SCIENCE
Can religion and science coexist?
What's the difference between religion and science?
Can a religion change with society?
Was man created or did he evolve?
GOD
Is there a God?
What is the definition of God?
What gives you certainty in your belief?
How do you deal with doubt?
Who created God?
Is God male or female?
What does God need from us?
Who is/are the Messiah(s)?
Who is the Devil?
FAITH
What is faith?
What is a fact?
How can we tell which is which?
TRUTH
What is truth?
How do we determine truth?
Which truth is right?
SCRIPTURE
Is the holy-book(s) literally true?
What is the origin of the holy book(s)?
How do we accept a holy book that positively portrays unacceptable
behaviors like slavery, incest, murder, etc.?
Can we take what we like about a religion/belief system and make
our own version and throw out the rest?
MORALITY
What is morality?
Is there a moral yardstick that applies to all cultures?
Where does morality, or our "conscience," comes from?
Is altruism or morality possible without belief in a deity?
SIN
What is sin?
What is the punishment for sin?
Is thought the same as deed?
Does God want to test us? Why?
SEX
Should a person have sex before marriage?
Is masturbation a sin?
What determines sexual orientation?
Why is God interested in our sexual behavior?
Should women be treated differently than men?
FREE WILL
Do we have free will?
Is everything predetermined?
What entity predetermines fate or destiny?
SUFFERING
Why is there suffering?
What is best path to happiness?
Does God intercede in human tragedies?
PRAYER
Does prayer work?
If so, why does God allow holocausts, and disasters?
If not, why pray?
Does meditation work?
How does meditation work?
SOUL
What is a soul?
Do animals have souls?
Does a soul have the same thoughts and feelings when outside the
body?
Does a soul does carry on our memories, and if not, what is a soul
since it is our memories that make us up?
What purpose does a brain serve if a soul can exist and feel
without it?
AFTERLIFE
Is there an Afterlife?
Where is it, where do we go after death?
Why do we need an afterlife?
LIFE
When does life begin?
When should abortion be allowed?
Is it ever appropriate to kill another person?
SUPERNATURAL
What are supernatural beliefs?
Are there extraterrestrials? Who are they?
Do psychics work, and if you are religious, are they allowed?
Where do the voices in our heads come from?
DOOMSDAY
Will there be a doomsday?
What is the greatest danger facing man's existence?
How do we stop conflict?
Should different cultures be preserved, or are our cultural
differences the source of strife?
Should political leaders invoke a deity in decisions or policy?
Mark R. Leeper
[email protected]
Copyright 2010 Mark R. Leeper