In the quest to understand the depths of human nature and perception, intertwining Friedrich Nietzsche’s profound philosophical views on dreams with contemporary cinematic narratives, such as Kristoffer Borgli’s film Dream Scenario (2023), offers a uniquely enlightening perspective.

Nietzsche’s exploration of dreams in works like The Birth of Tragedy (1872) provides a rich philosophical framework that goes beyond mere academic inquiry; it delves into the essence of human experience, emotion, and subconscious desires. When these philosophical tenets are applied to the realm of contemporary cinema, a new dimension of understanding emerges, one that bridges the gap between 19th-century philosophy and 21st-century artistic expression.

Usefulness of the Film-Philosophical Framework

The usefulness of this connection lies in its ability to enrich our comprehension of both mediums — philosophy and film. Nietzsche’s insights into the nature of dreams, with their complex interplay of the Apollonian and Dionysian elements, offer a lens through which we can critically analyse and interpret modern cinematic works. Borgli’s Dream Scenario, when viewed through this Nietzschean lens, transforms from a mere cinematic production into a profound exploration of the human psyche, echoing the timeless questions Nietzsche posed about the nature of reality, perception, and the subconscious.

This synthesis of Nietzschean philosophy and cinematic art not only enhances our appreciation of both but also challenges us to rethink the way we understand our own nature, the media we consume, and the world around us. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Nietzsche’s thought and its profound impact on contemporary cultural discourse.

Nietzschean Philosophical Foundations: A Deep Dive

Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, as masterfully expounded in The Birth of Tragedy (1872), introduces a dichotomy that profoundly elucidates the intricate tapestry of the human condition. The Apollonian, embodying logic, order, and rationality, represents attributes of the conscious mind and its structured perception of reality.

Conversely, the Dionysian signifies chaos, emotion, and primal instinct – facets resonating deeply with the subconscious and its manifestations in art, music, and dreams. Nietzsche’s intellectual journey expands further in works such as Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883) and Beyond Good and Evil (1886), where he delves into the complexities of human morality, the subjective nature of experience, and the ever-evolving societal norms. His philosophical framework actively challenges traditional values, inviting us to question the very essence of our existence and providing a valuable lens through which we can critically examine the evolving nature of human identity and societal perceptions.

Plot Unveiled: The Dreamy Odyssey of Paul Matthews

In Dream Scenario, the spellbinding transformation of Paul Matthews, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, unfolds before our eyes, leading him from the realms of an ordinary individual to that of a universally recognised and eventually feared figure. This narrative progression within the film masterfully aligns with Nietzsche’s themes of personal transformation and the profound influence of societal perceptions. As we delve deeper into the plot, we find ourselves immersed in a captivating exploration of this journey, a journey that emphasizes the fluidity and often capricious nature of fame and public opinion.

As the film commences, we witness Paul Matthews reveling in the newfound attention and celebrity status bestowed upon him, basking in the warm glow of admiration emanating from his mysterious omnipresence in people’s dreams. This initial euphoria that washes over him perfectly parallels the Apollonian aspects of Nietzsche’s philosophy, where structured and rational elements hold sway, guiding Paul through a seemingly idyllic period of his life.

However, as the plot unfolds and the nature of these dreams takes an unexpected turn, painting Paul in a negative light, we witness the public perception surrounding him undergo a dramatic and tumultuous shift. Here, the Dionysian aspects of Nietzsche’s philosophy take center stage – chaos, emotion, and primal instinct surge to the forefront.

The film’s narrative metamorphoses into a powerful commentary that poignantly underscores the fickle nature of societal acceptance and the volatile dynamics of fame. In this unpredictable odyssey, the character of Paul Matthews, brought to life by Nicolas Cage’s exceptional portrayal, becomes a mirror reflecting Nietzsche’s critiques of societal constructs, inviting us to explore the very essence of our existence through the lens of cinema.

Cinematic Brilliance: The Visual Language of Nietzschean Philosophy

Dream Scenario stands as a cinematic triumph not only in its narrative but also in its impeccable cinematography, which serves as a masterful reflection of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical ideas. The film ingeniously employs visual storytelling techniques to bring Nietzsche’s Apollonian and Dionysian elements to life within the human experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of these cinematographic techniques and their profound connection to Nietzschean philosophy.

Camera Work: Capturing the Dichotomy

The camera work in Dream Scenario operates as a potent tool for conveying the intricate interplay between Nietzsche’s Apollonian and Dionysian elements. When Paul Matthews enjoys his newfound fame and the initial euphoria that accompanies it, the camera captures his world with a sense of precision and order. Shots are framed meticulously, and the camera movements are controlled, emphasizing the structured aspects of life. These cinematographic choices mirror the Apollonian aspect, highlighting rationality and order. The audience is immersed in a visually organized and coherent world, much like the conscious mind’s structured perception of reality.

However, as the film’s narrative takes a darker turn, the camera work undergoes a transformation in tandem. The cinematography becomes more erratic and unpredictable, mirroring the chaos and emotional turbulence of the Dionysian realm. The camera may employ unconventional angles, swift movements, and disorienting close-ups, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability and unease. This visual shift serves as a direct reflection of the emotional undercurrents of the subconscious, where primal instincts and chaos reign supreme.

Lighting: Shaping the Narrative

In Dream Scenario lighting plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and aligning it with Nietzschean philosophy. When Paul’s life is in its Apollonian phase, the lighting tends to be balanced, controlled, and even, accentuating the rational and structured aspects of his existence. The scenes are often well-lit, with a sense of clarity and order.

Nevertheless, as the film navigates the Dionysian territories of chaos and emotional tumult, the lighting becomes more dynamic and expressive. Harsh contrasts between light and shadow may be employed to create a sense of inner turmoil. Low-key lighting techniques intensify the emotional depth of the scenes, emphasizing the chaotic undercurrents of the subconscious mind. The use of lighting in Dream Scenario thus becomes a powerful tool in visually conveying the philosophical duality at the heart of Nietzsche’s ideas.

Nicolas Cage: A Meta-Cinematic Stunner

The selection of Nicolas Cage for the pivotal role of Paul Matthews in Dream Scenario adds an extraordinary layer of complexity and intrigue to the film’s meta-cinematic landscape. Cage, celebrated for his diverse and often enigmatic performances across genres, brings to the character an unparalleled depth that resonates with the very essence of Nietzsche’s philosophy. This casting choice, far from being arbitrary, operates as a deliberate and ingenious strategy that enriches the film on multiple levels.

What makes Cage’s casting particularly intriguing is his real-life status as a famous and often enigmatic figure in Hollywood. Cage’s own persona, characterised by eccentric roles, intriguing public appearances, and a certain aura of mystique, contributes to the meta-cinematic richness of Dream Scenario. We are invited to draw parallels between Cage’s own career and that of Paul Matthews, blurring the lines between the actor and the character in a mesmerising dance of reality and fiction.

Introducing Nicolas Cage as a oneiric figure in Dream Scenario adds a layer of interpretive depth. Cage, with his intense and unconventional acting, becomes a living symbol of the Dionysian aspect. His presence in the film likely challenges the audience’s perceptions, echoing Nietzsche’s idea in Twilight of the Idols (1889) that life is more of an artistic process than a rational one. Cage’s portrayal of various characters embodies the unpredictability and emotional intensity that Nietzsche associates with the Dionysian spirit.

A Meta-Cinematic Mirror: Reflecting on Celebrity

Furthermore, Dream Scenario leverages Cage’s presence in the film to create a profound meta-commentary on the nature of celebrity in the modern world. Viewers are prompted to actively reflect on their perceptions of celebrities and the increasingly blurred boundaries between the roles actors play on-screen and their real-life personas. The film invites us to question the constructs of fame and public image, echoing Nietzsche’s exploration of societal perceptions and the construction of identity.

Cage’s portrayal of Paul Matthews goes beyond conventional acting; it becomes a meta-commentary on his own career and the enigmatic nature of fame. In this nuanced performance, he mirrors Nietzsche’s ideas about the fluidity of societal constructs and the challenges of maintaining a stable identity in a world where perceptions can be reshaped at a moment’s notice. Cage’s multifaceted presence in Dream Scenario underscores the depth of meaning woven into the film’s narrative fabric.

Advertising in Dreams

In the context of meta-cinematic aspects in Dream Scenario, the addition of marketing and advertising elements within this dreamscape is particularly intriguing. In our modern world, marketing strategies often aim to tap into the Dionysian aspect of our nature — our desires, emotions, and impulses.

What is more, the inclusion of dream marketing or advertising in the film can be seen as an extension of the Dionysian influence, where the line between desire and manipulation is blurred. This inclusion reflects Nietzsche’s ideas about the power of external forces in shaping our subconscious desires, demonstrating how our modern Dionysian impulses are often guided and influenced by commercial interests.

Digital Era and Identity: The Impact of Fame and Public Perception

In Borgli’s film, the narrative brilliantly navigates the complex terrain of the digital era, shedding light on the profound impact of fame and public perception in this rapidly evolving landscape. Just as I delved into the film Sick of Myself (2022) by Borgli in my previous article, Dream Scenario also ventures into a reality deeply intertwined with the complexities of social media.

The film serves as a mirror to the modern phenomenon where digital platforms have the power to elevate or dismantle public figures at an astonishing pace. Paul Matthews, the film’s central character, becomes a poignant embodiment of this digital age dilemma.

Moreover, as Paul’s life takes a roller-coaster ride through the corridors of fame, Dream Scenario meticulously portrays the fluctuation of his public image, oscillating between adoration and disdain with the swiftness that only the digital era can afford. This oscillation is a reflection of Nietzsche’s piercing critique of herd mentality, where societal values and norms can change overnight, driven by the collective opinions propagated on social media platforms. The film captures the arbitrariness of public opinion, emphasizing how it can be shaped by the whims of the digital crowd.

Digital Media: Shaping Public Perception

Furthermore, Dream Scenario presents a nuanced commentary on how digital media shapes public perception. The film illustrates how the digital landscape has become a formidable arena where narratives can be crafted, manipulated, and distorted with unprecedented ease. Paul’s journey serves as a case study of the precarious nature of fame in the digital age, where one’s identity can be reshaped and redefined in the blink of an eye. This exploration aligns profoundly with Nietzsche’s philosophical ideas, as it underscores the ever-changing and often illusory nature of societal acceptance.

In this digital dreamscape, Nietzsche’s philosophy finds resonance in the way Dream Scenario illuminates the fluidity of identity and the formidable challenges of maintaining a stable sense of self. The film highlights the fragile nature of fame and identity in a world where perception can be shaped and reshaped by the ever-present digital lens. Through its narrative creativity, Dream Scenario invites viewers to contemplate the profound implications of the digital era on personal identity and the capricious dynamics of public perception.

The Dream Narrative: Blurring Reality and Imagination

Dream Scenario employs a dream narrative as a powerful device to blur the lines between reality and imagination, creating a thematic and philosophical depth that resonates with Nietzsche’s profound exploration of the human psyche. In the film, dreams become a metaphorical space where the boundaries of reality become malleable, and the constructs of fame and identity are profoundly challenged.

Paul’s journey through the dreams of others symbolically explores the intricate facets of the human condition. As the film delves into the Dionysian aspects of the psyche, it showcases how dreams can reveal the unfiltered desires and fears that lie beneath the surface of conscious awareness. In these dreamscapes, the film invites viewers to confront the often illusory nature of societal acceptance and the intricate interplay between personal identity and public perception.

The dream narrative serves as a visual and thematic canvas for the exploration of Nietzschean ideas, particularly his emphasis on the fluidity of human experience and the subjective nature of reality. It encourages viewers to question the boundaries between reality and illusion, inviting them to consider how the subconscious mind shapes our perceptions and identities.

Conclusion: Nietzsche’s Resounding Echo in the Digital Dreamscape

In Dream Scenario, Nietzsche’s philosophical legacy resounds with profound relevance in the context of the digital dreamscape. The film emerges not only as a contemporary reflection of Nietzschean philosophy but also as a cinematic masterpiece that challenges conventional boundaries. Its portrayal of Paul’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall in the public eye, its incisive commentary on the impact of the digital era on identity, and its exploration of the dream narrative all offer a poignant examination of modern life through a Nietzschean lens.

The film ultimately suggests that fame, public perception, and even reality itself can be distorted and shaped in unprecedented ways in the age of digital media. It firmly resonates with Nietzsche’s timeless critique of societal constructs and the fluid nature of identity. Dream Scenario invites viewers on a cinematic journey into the depths of the human condition, urging them to confront the chaotic and rational aspects within themselves.

Through this comprehensive exploration, the film not only enriches our understanding of philosophy and cinema but also provides a reflective mirror on contemporary experiences and realities in the digital age. It underscores the enduring relevance of Nietzsche’s thought in modern societal discourse, inviting viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of reality, identity, and the ever-shifting sands of fame in the digital dreamscape of the 21st century. In Dream Scenario Nietzsche’s echo resounds, challenging us to embrace the fluidity of human existence in a world where dreams and reality are increasingly intertwined.

References:

Nietzsche, F. (1872). The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music (S. Whiteside, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1872).

Nietzsche, F. (1883). Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None (A. Del Caro, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1883).

Nietzsche, F. (1886). Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future (J. Norman, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1886)

Nietzsche, F. (1882). The Gay Science: With a Prelude in Rhymes and an Appendix of Songs (J. Nauckhoff, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1882).

Nietzsche, F. (1889). Twilight of the Idols, or, How to Philosophize with a Hammer (R. Polt, Trans.). Hackett Publishing Company. (Original work published 1889).

Nietzsche, F. (1878). Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits (R. J. Hollingdale, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1878).