The Message Behind Climax (2018)

Climax is a 2018 French horror-drama film directed and written by Argentine filmmaker Gaspar Noé. The movie is a harrowing depiction of a group of dancers who gather for a party that soon descends into a nightmare of drugs, violence, and paranoia. The film is a visceral experience that is both disturbing and captivating, leaving audiences with much to think about. At its core, Climax is a philosophical exploration of the nature of humanity, the nature of reality, and the consequences of our actions.

One of the most striking philosophical messages of the film is the idea that human beings are fundamentally unpredictable. Throughout the movie, the dancers display a range of emotions and behaviours that are both exhilarating and terrifying. They are full of joy, love, and passion but also capable of violence, cruelty, and depravity. Noé seems to suggest that human beings are not inherently good or evil but rather that we are all capable of both. This idea is supported by the film's structure, which is deliberately disorienting and chaotic, mirroring the unpredictable nature of human behaviour.

Another key philosophical message of the film is that reality is subjective and can be easily distorted. The dancers in Climax are all under the influence of LSD, which causes them to experience hallucinations and lose their grip on reality. As the party devolves into chaos, the characters begin to see things that aren't there and hear voices that aren't real. This blurring of reality and fiction highlights the fragility of our perception of the world around us. Noé seems to be suggesting that the way we perceive reality is always subjective and influenced by our own biases, desires, and fears.

A related philosophical theme in the film is that our actions have consequences and that we must be aware of our choices’ impact on others. Throughout the movie, the characters make decisions that lead to disastrous outcomes. They engage in casual sex, use drugs, and engage in violent behaviour, all without fully considering the impact of their actions. The consequences of their behaviour are horrific, leading to death, injury, and madness. Noé seems to suggest that we must be mindful of our actions and consider their impact on ourselves and others.

Overall, Climax is a deeply philosophical film that raises important questions about the nature of humanity, reality, and the consequences of our actions. Noé's exploration of these themes is both profound and disturbing, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the credits roll. The film challenges us to question our assumptions about the world and consider the consequences of our behaviour. In a time when so much of our reality seems distorted and uncertain, Climax is a powerful reminder of the fragility of our perceptions and the importance of mindful, responsible action.