Nate:
I think it is right that nihilism can be thought of as falling on a continuum between an overly "serious" adherence to absolute values, on the one hand, and the complete abandonment of absolute values, on the other. In this sense, nihilism is a middle ground between two extremes.
One of the problems I have with De Beauvoir's characterization of the nihilist, however, is that she still thinks of the nihilist in negative terms. I, however, think of nihilism as a kind of moderate, reasonable position. As human beings, we are forever aspiring toward goals and ideals that will never be complete. Yet this is precisely what opens up the possibility for unending activity and infinite human progress.
I am going to have to watch some of the films that you mention, as I haven't seen any of them. However, I would imagine that the 1st of Beauvoir's responses is illustrated in any film that deals with religious or political devotion. Triumph of the Will, for example, is a prime example of over seriousness, both on the part of the characters in the film and on the part of the film-maker.
The Believer, another nazi-themed film, is what I would consider an extremely nihilistic piece of work. The main character is a Jewish Nazi. His entire life is lived as an irresolvable contradiction, yet he continues to struggle and strive toward what he takes to be the ideals that define both Judaism and Nazism. In the end, there is no possible, final resolution of this conflict, and when he dies he finds himself still struggling in the afterlife. His rabbi is there to greet him with the message that there is no rest, even in heaven!
There is a strange nobility about the main character in The Believer. Although he is a fascist, at least he takes his beliefs “seriously.” He truly understands, and is concerned with living, the ideals of both Judaism and Nazism. He is more of an authentic Nazi than his Nazi friends, and he is more of an authentic Jew than his Jewish friends. Despite this, he will never have a chance to rest contented with his life. His contradictions must tear him apart, and his passionate energy is especially astounding because of the inevitability of his doom. He is caught in a state of nihilism, certainly, but there is something admirable about his devotion to the unattainable.
As you might imagine, the director of The Believer took a lot of flak for this film, especially because he himself is Jewish.
--John Marmysz
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