Existentialists are often accused of being dour pessimists who are obsessed with death.  Of course, they then laugh heartily, saying that it is not them but society that is obsessed with death, attaching far more significance that it deserves.  Existentialists see death as merely the over-hyped end of a relatively meaningless life.

A recent movie called The Broken Circle Breakdown has been described an existential triumph.  It is not!  It is instead a heartbreaking story of how the relationship between a husband and wife is traumatized by the death of a beautiful five-year-old daughter.  Except for the overuse of flashbacks, it is an excellent well-made, well-acted, memorable movie, but not an enjoyable movie.  Don’t watch it to learn about existentialism.  Watch it only if you’re in need of a good cry!

A more existential film is a documentary entitled Consider the Conversation, which costs about $30 on Amazon, but is nonetheless required viewing.  It is a dispassionate but very sensitive discussion on a subject that is difficult to discuss.  I am convinced that it is easier and less emotionally traumatic to die, if there has been some honest discussion about it.  But, it is difficult to get such a discussion started.  This film can really help.  I am giving my copy to a client who just entered into hospice care.