MovieChat Forums > A Serious Man (2009) Discussion > Jewish Guilt or Nihilism?

Jewish Guilt or Nihilism?


Can't decide which this movie is really about. Would be great to hear from hebrews and fellow nihilists.

its seems obvious to pick the so-called "jewish guilt" as the theme. Without larry's guilt he could have solved each of the individual problems he was faced with in the movie. Especially financial burdens like paying for sy's funeral.

However, i am not Jewish, so i know nothing of what its like to be Jewish.
The nihilism shines through HEAVILY on this film. Hashem and the rabbis never help larry. No one in his family cares about him. The only time he feels free is on drugs, screwing his neighbor. The ending screams "there is no point to your trivial existence or problems".

It'd be interesting to see if Joel and Ethan have renounced their faith, as this movie really makes judaism appear ugly - kindda like Woody Allen's movies.

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