Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained: Reflections of the Absurd and Theatre of the Absurd

In the exploration of the Philosophy of the Absurd, two iconic films, Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, are often considered as shining examples that illustrate the core themes of this philosophical movement. Through their narrative structures, characters, and dialogues, these films offer a profound reflection on the meaningless chaos and existential dilemmas of the human condition. This article delves into the connection between these films and the concepts found within the Theatre of the Absurd.

Themes of Absurdism

Randomness and Chaos

Pulp Fiction is a masterclass in the randomness of life, with its non-linear narrative structure presenting a series of seemingly disconnected yet interconnected stories. This narrative style reflects the absurdist idea that life is chaotic and devoid of inherent meaning. Characters find themselves in bizarre and unpredictable situations, highlighting the absurdity of their existence. The film's disjointed storyline and characters' daily confrontations with inexplicable events underscore the chaotic nature of the world, making it a prime example of a film that captures the essence of the absurd.

Django Unchained, on the other hand, embraces the extreme violence and exaggerated portrayal of slavery and racism, which can be viewed as a commentary on the irrationality of these societal issues. The film's dark humor and unapologetic exploration of historical absurdity reflect how societal structures and events can be so disconnected from reality that they become almost surreal and absurd. This portrayal of absurdity inherent in a world that perpetuates injustice adds depth to the film's narrative, illustrating the irrationality and chaos of society.

Existential Dilemmas

Both films explore characters facing existential crises and moral ambiguity. In Pulp Fiction, characters like Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield exhibit traits of the absurd hero. They navigate a world devoid of clear morals, often engaging in philosophical conversations about life and death. Their journey highlights the absurd notion of seeking meaning in a meaningless world, where the characters' attempts to make sense of life are continuously thwarted by the chaotic and unpredictable events they encounter.

Django Unchained delves into existential dilemmas through its anti-hero Django. As a freed slave, Django's quest for vengeance is a pursuit of meaning and justice in a society where freedom and justice are nonexistent. The absurdity of Django's journey pinpoints the struggle against an oppressive system that denies individuals their dignity and agency. His choice to seek freedom and empowerment reflects the existential dilemma of choosing one's own meaning in a highly absurd and oppressive reality.

Dialogue and Humor

Both films feature sharp, witty dialogue that often veers into the absurd. The conversations in Pulp Fiction frequently strike a balance between triviality and prophecy, echoing the Theatre of the Absurd's use of language to highlight the futility of communication in a chaotic world. Although the dialogue can be nonsensical or trivial at times, it serves to humanize the characters and underscore the absurdity of their situations.

Django Unchained employs humor to reflect the absurdity of the societal structures it critiques. The film's use of comedy in the face of the tragic and oppressive realities of slavery is a prime example of how it uses humor to navigate the absurdity of its subject matter.

Conclusion

The Philosophy of the Absurd proposes two main perspectives on reality: one is that the world is a meaningless place where humans try to construct meaning, and the other is that we can choose our own meaning for things. Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained both masterfully approach these two views. In Pulp Fiction, the characters are consistently grappling with the meaning of life, but their efforts are ultimately futile, highlighting the absurdity of life's chaotic and unfathomable nature.

In Django Unchained, the film presents a more hopeful perspective. Character Django, despite being a slave, chooses to seek freedom and empowerment, demonstrating that one can find meaning and purpose in the midst of absurdity. Django's journey is a powerful commentary on the potential for human agency and resistance in the face of oppressive structures.

The absurdity of Django Unchained is also period-specific. A black man riding a horse alongside a white man during the era of slavery would have been seen as absurd. From a modern perspective, it might seem less absurd, but in the context of history, it was an element that was quite in contrast and reflective of the absurdity and inhumanity of the time.