Irrational Man

" Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom."

In this movie Woody Allen follows a circular narration through which he examines the human limits, considering morality. Through Kantian references and other philosophical waves he tries to uncover the core of the psyche.

Allen explores the elusive ways a purpose forms our desires and vice versa. It highlights the importance of establishing a personal value system and having a constant.

The film demonstrates how dysfunctional social institutions can affect mentally an individual. More specifically, in the kafkauesque circumstance of a failing justice system people driven by a strong sense of morality can end up feeling trapped in an unfair world. The despair triggered by this feeling is so powerful that can alter the fundamentals of this value system. That’s exactly what the director is refers to as irrationality.

There are plenty of real life examples of people who felt too betrayed from the institutions. The well-known English philosopher Virginia Woolf struggled to protect her peace of mind in the hard times of WW1 and the authoritarian regimes in Europe leading to WW2. She tried to guard herself from the global turmoil but ended developing serious mental health problems. Other important figures like T.S. Eliot, Franz Kafka, Edvard Munch and many more were deeply traumatized to their core by the political schemes of their times.

The lack of meritocracy, the immorality of the governors, the dispersed sense of injustice, oppressive policies and political instability in general are just some of the dangers lurking in developed societies.

Following the director’s view on the topic, through his unique intriguing way, we become witnesses of such a socio-political event. Quietly observing from a distance, we have the opportunity to experience the thrilling atmosphere, process and internalize the character’s actions and acknowledge the consequences he has to face.