The Nature of Existence

This is a smörgåsbord of various belief sets. It's entertaining and funny. There are some very quotable quotes and some that are rather less so. It's very rapid fire which I did have a problem with – I prefer more of an interview style. But the pay-off is the wide diversity of religions presented. He travels the U.S. in search of answers and continues this in China and India (which is a real blast!). He does drop by briefly in Jerusalem and Italy to pick up a few tidbits.

I will probably watch it again at a later date for some more insights, because there are so many prophets, soothsayers, preachers, gurus spouting there little pearls of wisdom that I may indeed get a revelation (but I doubt it!)

The Nature of Existence is great documentary film-making. It is exhaustive in its scope, presented in a very objective manner and leaves the viewer wanting more.

Mr. Nygard does not delve into each philosophy in great detail as he is constrained by the length of a feature film. He does, however, give enough depth that you can begin to understand the basis of the religions he covers. His interviews give a very personal and individual viewpoint that really set a sort of indelible imprint which you take away with you and are likely to think of days after.

At no time does he minimize or ridicule these belief systems, and with at least a couple that would be very easy to do. You get the sense he is on a journey and is genuinely interested in hearing what people have to say. Most importantly, the Nature of Existence brings to light certain commonalities of religions, showing that if people would actually take a little time to learn and understand what their fellow neighbors on this planet believe there might be more tolerance of each other.

I saw a special screening of this film last night in Professor Richard Brown's Film 101 Class. Professor Brown introduced Roger Nygard as ,"…a film maker , artist and storyteller…a unique talent…one who is important to listen to." I must say that Professor Brown was indeed correct. This film turned out to be quite an ambitious attempt to give insight to the question of why we exist. The questions that Nygard tackles are too numerous to mention, but he did say that they were all listed on the film's website. When first reading the questions, it's easy to understand how people might think that this is an extremely heavy and serious film. Although the questions & answers show incredible depth & insight – many of the answers are extremely and surprisingly funny ! I genuinely had some of the biggest laughs that I've had in a long time. I really hope that this film does well in the theaters and has an extended run in all the cities that it's playing in. This type of film is really the kind of film that should be experienced with a group of your best friends, followed by a visit to the local diner . Order lots of coffee to prep yourself for some of the most stimulating & engaging conversations that you've had in long time.

"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more;" - William Shakespeare

Well, "The Nature of Existence (2010 documentary)" is quite befuddling and that it is not a dissertation on existence as much is a survey on obscure and flamboyant religions. Two-thirds of this presentation could probably have been cut out unless of course those just having to be the two thirds that you were looking for. I suspect that the presenter Roger Nygard was using this documentary as a way to pay for his vacation.

The drawback in this presentation like many today is that it is a sound bite snippet format as we bounce back and forth between different people in various locations with different agendas as they get to speak one sentence at a time versus one person in one location with one agenda completing one thought.

I was particularly interested in the interview with the Paiute Tribe. As a kid, I was always fascinated by Native American creation stories.

I do not mean to make this presentation appear flippant; if you pay attention to some of the questions and answers you may find some insights into "the nature of existence."

I loved this film. I took my mother , who is a staunch Catholic and it was a good way to introduce her to the fact that there are many paths to Spirituality. Why are we Here? Why do we exist? How were we created? This movie tackles the array of possibilities that attempt to give answers to those questions. I personally feel that it's all answered in the end of the film. However, I saw it with my mom & she came up with a totally different answer - that she adamantly feels that the movie totally supports! There are not many documentaries that can do this - that can really appeal to people with totally opposing viewpoints. I guess this is one of them. So, I highly recommend it to everyone and then have dinner afterward & hash it all out!!