1899 & Meaning of Life

A Review by Magicthreadworks: Exploring the Quest for Meaning

Antje Friese knows something profound, and she is leaving no stone unturned to help us discover it. All three of her projects so far—Who Am I?, Dark, and now 1899—explore similar themes. At their core, they delve into the quest for self-discovery and the meaning of life. If you really think about it, this theme is increasingly prevalent in modern pop culture. The opening scene of every episode of 1899 gave me serious “Westworld” vibes. Earlier this year, Everything Everywhere All at Once also tackled similar philosophical questions.

What fascinates me is how suddenly the meaning of life has captured the public's imagination. Why are films like Captain Fantastic, Into the Wild, and even They Live suddenly everyone's favorites? These stories reveal something profound, even if viewers struggle to pinpoint exactly what that is.

The Role of Mental Illness in Storytelling

The trope of mental illness has traditionally been used to encourage us to think beyond societal norms and confront the reality of our world. Films like 12 Monkeys and Fight Club were pioneers in this genre. Aldous Huxley, in his book The Doors of Perception, writes about how the human mind connects to every living and non-living being. Yet, there’s a control valve in our minds that limits our access to this vast potential.

For someone with schizophrenia, this valve is slightly loose, allowing them to access corners of their mind that are usually off-limits. This can provide a clearer grasp of reality, even if only temporarily.

Tools for Reflection: Mental Illness, Time Travel, and AI

Mental illness, time travel, and even artificial intelligence serve as tools for meditation, helping us realize the major conflicts in human life. As Dark summarized, or as Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha pointed out, the root of these conflicts often lies in “attachment.”

All these stories share a common thread: their central conflict revolves around attachment—whether it’s love, status, fame, or even the search for purpose. The resolution often comes when the protagonist undergoes internal growth, realizing that they are trapped in loops of their own making. It’s like the monkey in the box, holding onto the treat. The only way to break free is to let go.

The Cultural Shift Towards Self-Discovery

Why is this shift happening now? Perhaps we are all yearning for deeper connections and understanding in an increasingly chaotic world. The stories we tell reflect our collective consciousness. They resonate with our struggles, our hopes, and our fears.

In this age of information overload, we crave meaning. We want to understand our place in the universe. Films and literature that explore these themes provide a mirror, reflecting our innermost thoughts and feelings. They invite us to ponder our existence and challenge us to seek answers.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

As we navigate through life, we are constantly searching for meaning. The works of Antje Friese and others remind us that this journey is universal. We are not alone in our quest for understanding.

So, what do you think? Are we all just trying to make sense of our existence? I believe we are. And that’s what makes these stories so powerful. They resonate with our shared human experience, encouraging us to explore the depths of our own minds and hearts.

In the end, perhaps the answer lies not in finding definitive meaning but in embracing the journey itself. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?

---wix---