The Absurd Hero in Contemporary Cinema: A Re-examination of Existential Anguish through the Lens of Camus, Dostoevsky, and Kafka

This paper explores absurdism in contemporary cinema, examining the films Fight Club (1999) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) through the lens of Albert Camus’ philosophy and its resonances with the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Franz Kafka. The paper draws parallels between the protagonists in these films and the protagonists in the authors’ literature, drawing an analysis of how contemporary cinema continues to grapple with themes of meaninglessness, rebellion, and the search for authenticity in an increasingly absurd world. The paper also explores how these characters echo the Dostoevskian themes of existential angst, the search for identity, the allure of transgression, and the Kafkaesque motifs of alienation, bureaucracy, and the struggle against overwhelming forces. By examining these films within the broader context of absurdist philosophy and literature, the paper aims to shed light on the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary society. It argues that despite the temporal and cultural differences, the films’ exploration of absurdity resonates with audiences today, offering insights into the human condition and the ongoing search for meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.