The Nature of Existence

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.

I studied comparative religion in college. I can honestly say this is the most thought-provoking and entertaining film on religion and existence that I have ever watched. A film with this level of intelligence and insight does not come around very often, so I would certainly suggest making time to see it during its limited run in the theaters - if it's playing anywhere near you. I got lucky , since the director was doing a screening at my school. I just saw the website and it's actually interactive! I loved that the director included many different religions such as Islam,Christianity, Satanists, Buddhists- everyone. He also included Richard Dawkins and some Pagan-types as well. I think this film will inspire more filmmakers to go out and create important and thoughtful films.

"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 went to a small screening with a bunch of spiritually minded people to see "nature of existence." It's not the kind of gathering I usually find myself in...but went because I was a fan of Roger Nygard's first film, Trekkies.

I was not disappointed. First of all, the spiritually minded group, with the exception of one lady with an ax to grind, TOTALLY rose to the challenge of a movie that is PROFOUNDLY INTERESTING SPIRITUALLY and very funny at the same time.

This is as engaging an hour and a half as you could spend. And what makes the movie work for me...and what's really unique among documentaries of this type is this one is not condescending in the least...and Roger Nygard, who appears in his own movie isn't smug about any of these experiences. If you showed this film in your high school class you'd be everyone's favorite teacher.

I never thought you could make this stuff interesting...and human. But this movie does. I'm actually thinking of buying a copy.

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!)