Binx The Movie-Going Existentialist

1. I think Binx's philosophy is most inline with existentialism. Existentialism was a 20th century philosophical movement which embraced diverse doctrines but concentrated on the analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without certain knowledge of what is right and wrong. An Important quote that for me was on page 109 Binx, claims that he "Believes in the freedom and sacredness of the individual." Another fact that makes me believe this is how Binx does not align himself with any major religion. Through out the book he says that he is not religious. One example on page 14, Binx talks about how he does not want to say that a god exists or that he doesn't but that in America there is "not a single percentage point for a seeker". Binx, like a true existentialist is more concerned with his journey then if there is a supernatural power. Another thing that makes Binx an existentialist in my eyes is how he is always searching for the right way of life. Since Binx returned home from the Korean War he has dated different women, become a successful broker and attended a lot of movies but he never really feels alive. He has never found the purpose that he had as a lieutenant in the Army. His new battle he does not find himself fighting for mortality but fighting to avoid the malaise. He continues on his search with not much care for an uncomprehending god, or the rest of the world but he continues to look with in himself and his life to make things better.

2. I think that since Binx's combat experiences in The Korean War he can no longer relate to the normal civilian life that he has returned to in Louisiana. After having a job where his life and the life of his solders was on the line he just doesn't feel alive anymore being a successful businessman in Gentilly. However, Binx does find a life in the movies. He compares his experiences and explains his life through the events in movies. Movie's were obviously something Binx enjoyed prior to his enlistment. We all enjoy movies. However, to a person who is not satisfied with reality will look for fullfilment else where and this is where Binx has found it.