So we discussed a llittle bit of Plato's Allegory of the Cave, which he used in The Republic (his most famous philosophical work and a book I had to read as a freshman in college - which I was not ready for and should reread when I get some time this summer). The Allegory fits for so many things, as seen in the illustrated handout on Plato's ideas that I gave to you - it can be about how mankind learns, and it can be about how humans perceive the material world (in the cave) vs. in the idealistic world (the realm of the Forms). But today, it can be used or wielded as a criticism of the dramatic tendency of people to live in the worlds they choose to see on their screeens. The video above is a different one than the one we saw in class (that is located in Schoology if you need a refresher) and also how the Allegory has been used in popular culture recently (feel free to reference the stuff in this video for Connection to the Real World Discussion #2 due next Thursday night).
So I was initially drawn to Free Guy because I am a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds and his work, but as I initially watched the movie, I started thinking that the movie could be the screenwriter's and director's takes on the Allegory of the Cave (and truthfully, I wanted to find an alternative to the two movies that I have been rotating for the past ten years to illustrate the Allegory - The Matrix and Source Code). Yes, it is a subversive satire about our online world that many of us dabble in or visit on a regular basis and all of the people who profit or comment on it. Is it a critique of corporate capitalism and the fawning belief in our tech wonder bois as represented by Antwan? Absolutely. Does the movie use the stereotype of the Black Best Friend as shown in Buddy, the bank security guard? Unfortunately. Is the film a celebration or warning about the potentials of AI? Debatable. Is it a perfect fit for the Allegory? Yes, but maybe no too.
So, after we finish watching the movie, I would like you to analyze the following with specific references to the movie AND the Allegory:
1. In what ways (minimum of 2) does any aspect of Free Guy fit the Allegory of the Cave? How close of a fit are your examples and why? Provide specifics.
2. In what ways (minimum of 2) does any aspect of Free Guy NOT fit the Allegory of the Cave? Why do your examples not fit the Allegory? Provide specifics.
Minimum 400 words total for your answers. Due Monday night, April 10th by midnight.
(If you missed Free Guy or a portion of it, the film is available on Disney+ and HBO Max).
Articles:
Every Philosophical Construct Free Guy Tackles With Video Games - https://www.cbr.com/free-guy-philosophy-explained/
The Philosophy of Free Guy: https://erickimphotography.com/blog/2021/11/25/the-philosophy-of-free-guy-film-2021/
The Irony of Movies About Taking Charge of Your Life: https://www.vox.com/22617231/free-guy-review-reynolds-truman-show
Are We Living in a Simulation? Look to Free Guy, not the Matrix: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/are-we-living-in-a-simulation-look-to-free-guy-not-the-matrix-for-answers-says-david-chalmers-1.6393525
Free Guy Wants to Help You Escape the Simulation: https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2021/08/ryan-reynolds-shawn-levy-free-guy-simulation
