What is a Nihilist?

The idea of nihilism in film is certainly a field in which there is plenty of criticism. History has a tendency to imply that nihilism is a problem. And that albeit ambiguous, there are potential negative and positive aspects of nihilism in film and television. The meaning behind Nihilism in film, to represent behind-the-scenes phenomenon. But what is a Nihilist?

The idea of Nihilism in fiction is represented by an assertion of meaningless and pointless despair. The use of nihilism in modern movies has certainly caused some retrospective insight and cause for attention.

Characters in nihilistic situations reject moral principles. As well as all religious beliefs. As they believe life to be meaningless, pointless. Just that of existence in which there is no real social order. 

What is a Nihilist?

A nihilist is one which follows the philosophy of complete opposition toward the generally acceptable aspects of life that are widely accepted to be true by most of humanity. Nihilist’s hold completely different positions to those of most of society in terms of humanity.

They strongly believe that life is meaningless, pointless, and that knowledge is impossible to the extent that human values are baseless.

The term nihilist is often used to reference a character from a film that is in a mood of great despair and in which they negate any religious principles. Nihilism is not just about religion though.

The nihilist deals with existential nihilism in which there is no intrinsic value, meaning or purpose in life. 

Nihilism in Film and Television

The impact of nihilism and the nihilist characters in films or on television have largely been viewed as a negative force.

Although philosophies and worldviews holding to nihilism unequivocally find it to be a negative phenomenon. There are said to be both active and passive strains of nihilism.

These strains are said to play out in motion pictures through the films and television that we sometimes watch. Often treating the nihilistic view as off topic although insightful. 

A Rejection

While a typical function show would depict human condition in various interesting and potentially thought provoking ways, a nihilist will reject life, calling it a mere travesty and rejecting human experience.

The nihilist repudiates life experience and the conditions in which humans generally agree to the idea or premise of growth.  

In films, a nihilist is often one which has preponderance ideas, gives no value to life and may even have grossly immoral actions. They do it all in the name of fun, but who are they?