New doc ponders ‘The Nature of Existence’
Roger Nygard’s new documentary, The Nature of Existence, is a cursory look at religion and the human soul through the eyes of various academics, religious leaders, skeptical scientists and average believers. Although the totality of the film never moves beyond the questioning stage, there is an appreciable wholesomeness to the cinematic affair. Nygard is a great conversationalist who, with the use of crafty editing, is able to cut right to the chase. He shows no bias with his subjects and simply wants to know more.
His editorial net is cast far and wide. He talks with esteemed professors at Ivy League schools and Oxford University, and also chats with a man who is a self-avowed confrontational evangelist. Ravi Shankar makes an appearance, as does the late director of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Irvin Kershner. There are so many subjects, and they are all treated with so much respect, that their individual messages are often reduced to mere soundbytes. It’s frustrating, especially on the topics that deserve further depth, yet it works for the film. The very idea of inspecting the nature of existence is an impossible task. So Nygard approaches the topic with a dedication to short-attention-span curiosity.
The film is scattered across many religious beliefs and involves a prolonged sequence where the director visits some of the holiest shrines in the world. To help categorize the different sections of the 94-minute visual thesis, Nygard breaks the discussions into simple chapter headings. From “Happiness” “God” to “Soul,” just about all of the major topics are discussed. Some receive introspective and interesting answers (mostly from the academics and religious leaders who live and breathe these questions on a daily basis), while the more personal accounts stray toward the eccentric.
It’s fun to watch a form of evangelism known as Ultimate Christian Wrestling, but I’m not sure if it proves anything about the nature of existence. The same could be said about a few voices who seem to appear as obligatory oddities. Yet there is still no denying that Nygard treats everyone with a kind respect — and, in this way, he keeps the debate over a hot-button issue commendably and astoundingly peaceful and civil. There are a few subjects who exert their will onto others (one preacher goes around college campuses decrying the sins of “vagina lickers”), but, for the most part, there is a respect among everyone featured in the film. The director, who doesn’t divulge his own beliefs, seems to side with the need for interfaith discussion.
The mechanics and visuals of the documentary are well managed. Although the film is essentially a series of taped conversations, Nygard uses his exotic locations to their fullest effect and often cuts into the overarching plot to offer a few humorous asides.
Although the subject matter is a world away from his other successful documentaries, Trekkies and Trekkies 2, there is a shared theme of exploration without disruption or disparagement. Nygard is simply not interested in making fun of his subject’s obvious eccentricities. He enjoys their company, asks his questions, tries to take whatever he can from his encounters, and then goes on his way. The rubric results in films that are somewhat glossed-over testaments, yet always endearing and mostly entertaining.
I’m not sure what the nature of existence is after watching The Nature of Existence. But sometimes the quest is more important than the goal.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
