Classic Films that Illustrate the Deeper Purpose of Art
Art is more than entertainment or a commodity for consumers. It serves a profound purpose of exploring and communicating the essence of human existence. Artists use their craft to understand themselves and the world, posing fundamental questions about life's meaning and purpose.
Art's role in grappling with life's ultimate mysteries is illustrated in Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal" (1957) where the protagonist, a medieval knight, plays chess with Death while seeking answers to existential questions.
Art as a Tool for Knowledge and Truth
We could see art as a tool for knowledge. It captures humanity's perpetual quest for truth through emotional shock and catharsis. From the metaphorical moment of Eve's apple consumption, art represents the journey towards self-knowledge and understanding the universe.
Consider art's ability to explore profound truths in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968) with the monolith symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the evolution of human consciousness.
While science progresses by replacing old knowledge with new discoveries, art captures unique, subjective experiences, offering revelations that provide a holistic view of the world's beauty, cruelty, and limitations.
Art has a capacity to reveal the complexities of the human condition. For example, Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" (1952) follows a bureaucrat's transformative journey after learning he has terminal cancer.
The Moment of Revelation in Artistic Creation
Creating art is a moment of revelation, where artists express their vision of the world, evoking the sense of the infinite within the finite. Art connects with a spiritual truth beyond everyday reality.
In Federico Fellini's "8½" (1963), a filmmaker struggles with creative block and personal crises, ultimately finding inspiration in the very process of making art.
The Accessibility and Emotional Impact of Art
Art, accessible to everyone, aims to make an emotional impact rather than requiring specific educational backgrounds for appreciation. It seeks to connect with observers on a deeper level, using spiritual energy and emotional trauma. Art has an ability to resonate with audiences on a profound, universal level.
François Truffaut's "The 400 Blows" (1959) captures the raw emotions and experiences of a troubled adolescent.
The Decline of Appreciation for Beauty and Truth
The decline of appreciation for beauty and truth in contemporary society, blamed on mass culture, distances people from deeper existential questions. Art protects truth and beauty, demanding faith from both artists and observers. It has the power to explore life's most profound truths.
In Ingmar Bergman's "Wild Strawberries" (1957), an elderly professor confronts his past and mortality during a journey of self-discovery.
Enriching the Human Soul
Art serves a profound purpose beyond conveying ideas or setting examples; its primary aim is to enrich the human soul, preparing individuals for the contemplation of mortality and encouraging a deeper understanding of themselves.
In Federico Fellini's masterpiece "La Dolce Vita" (1960), the protagonist's journey through the decadent and superficial world of Rome's elite ultimately leads him to confront the emptiness of his own existence, which illustrates art's ability to spark significant emotional and spiritual awakening.
The Subjectivity of Art Appreciation
Appreciation of art is inherently subjective, with the impact of a masterpiece varying significantly among individuals. The audience has a crucial role in connecting with and interpreting art.
Ingmar Bergman's "Persona" (1966) exemplifies this, as the complex relationship between the two lead characters and the blurring of their identities invites diverse interpretations from viewers.
The Demand for Sincerity in Art
Creating a masterpiece demands the artist's complete sincerity with their material.
In Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory" (1957), the director's unwavering commitment to portraying the brutality and injustice of war results in a powerful and emotionally resonant film that proves the importance of artistic integrity.
The Manifestation of Ideas through Images
In art, ideas manifest solely through the images that embody them, reflecting the artist's deliberate engagement with reality influenced by their personal worldview. The director's unique perspective on the human condition can be conveyed without relying on explicit commentary.
Yasujirō Ozu's "Tokyo Story" (1953) beautifully captures the changing dynamics of a Japanese family through carefully composed shots and subtle performances.
The Role of Political and Social Protest in Art
Political and social protest play a big role in art, but explicit expression of political inspiration is discouraged.
Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" (1941) critiques the corrupting influence of power and wealth through the rise and fall of its titular character, with the film's innovative cinematography and storytelling techniques serving as a subtle yet effective means of conveying its message.
Embracing Imperfections in Masterpieces
Acknowledging that every masterpiece has its imperfections, these are viewed as integral to the artist's unique perspective. The unconventional narrative structure and experimental techniques employed in "Citizen Kane" contribute to its status as a groundbreaking work of art, with these so-called lapses reflecting Welles' distinctive vision and adding to the film's overall greatness.
A Conduit for Spiritual and Existential Revelations
Art transcends mere aesthetic appreciation, acting as a conduit for deeper spiritual and existential revelations. The films mentioned above, from Fellini's exploration of existential crisis in "La Dolce Vita" to Ozu's meditation on family and generational change in "Tokyo Story," demonstrate art's capacity to encourage personal and subjective engagement with beauty and truth, challenging individuals to reflect on their existence and mortality.
View art as a deeply spiritual and existential endeavor, crucial in the journey towards understanding and expressing life's absolute truths. As artists continue to create works that probe the depths of the human experience, we must approach art with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the profound questions it poses, allowing ourselves to be transformed by its revelatory power.