Perfect Days: Philosophical Analysis

Summary

In 'Perfect Days' by Vim Venders, the film explores the meditative life of a Japanese toilet cleaner, challenging traditional notions of heroism. The protagonist's noble dedication to his unappreciated work and his monk-like existence reflect a deeper spiritual energy invested in everyday tasks. The movie delves into themes of class, reality creation, and the joy of analog culture, advocating for presence and appreciation of the moment. It's a poignant portrayal of life's repetitiveness and the pursuit of happiness, suggesting that embracing our 'symptom'—the daily tasks that define us—can lead to a sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Takeaways

• 🎬 'Perfect Days' by Vim Venders is a film that explores the philosophical depth of everyday life through the eyes of a Japanese toilet cleaner.
• 🌅 The film suggests that each day is a new beginning, offering opportunities for joy and fulfillment, akin to Schopenhauer's concept of daily rebirth.
• 🧹 The protagonist, a toilet cleaner, is portrayed as a noble figure due to his dedication and commitment to his undervalued work.
• 👁 The character's invisibility in society reflects on class differences and the different spheres of existence within the same world.
• 📚 The film emphasizes the importance of minimalism and the joy found in analog culture, such as listening to music on cassettes and reading physical books.
• 🛀 The protagonist's meticulous care for his living space and himself is depicted as a spiritual practice, paralleling the life of a monk or saint.
• 🏰 The public toilets, commissioned for the Olympics, are portrayed as temples, symbolizing the sacredness of everyday spaces and acts.
• 📷 The film does not advocate for analog culture over digital media but highlights the value of paying attention to and experiencing the world around us.
• 🚴‍♀️ The mantra 'now is now, and next time is next time' from the film underscores the importance of living in the present moment.
• 🔄 The concept of 'surplus enjoyment' is introduced, where the joy in life comes from repetitive actions and attention to detail.
• 🌉 The film concludes with an optimistic view of life, suggesting that embracing our daily 'symptoms' or routines can lead to happiness and a sense of perfection in ordinary days.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the film 'Perfect Days' by Vim Venders?

The central theme of 'Perfect Days' is the idea that every day represents a little birth and an opportunity to experience joy, as well as a little death when we sleep, reflecting on the concept of eternal recurrence and the pursuit of a full and rich existence.

How does the film depict the main character's occupation?

The main character is a Japanese toilet cleaner, portrayed in a noble and monk-like manner, despite his occupation being considered lowly. His dedication to his work, which goes largely unappreciated, is highlighted as a key participatory mechanism of public life.

What philosophical concept does the film reflect on regarding the character's daily routine?

The film reflects on the concept of 'eternal recurrence', suggesting that every day is an opportunity to live a full and rich existence, and the idea of 'surplus enjoyment', which is the enjoyment derived from repetitive actions and attention to detail.

How does the film explore the idea of different worlds within the same society?

The film explores the idea of different worlds within society through the character's interactions with a homeless person who appears to be in his own fantasy world, and through the character's dialogue that suggests people exist in different spheres of participation and existence.

What is the significance of the character's relationship with his sister in the film?

The character's relationship with his wealthy sister serves as a reflection on class differences and the inability to communicate across these differences, symbolized by their failed attempts to connect and understand each other's worlds.

How does the film approach the topic of analog culture versus digital media?

The film does not suggest that analog culture is inherently better than digital media. Instead, it shows both as means of accessing and experiencing the world in a deeper way, emphasizing the importance of attention and presence in the moment.

What is the role of the public toilets in the film's narrative?

The public toilets, particularly those commissioned for the Olympics, serve as a central location in the film. They are depicted as a kind of temple and a sacred site, symbolizing the character's commitment to his work and his role in facilitating public life.

What is the significance of the character's meticulous care for his living space?

The character's meticulous care for his living space, including cleaning and tending to plants, reflects his monk-like or saint-like existence and his commitment to living a life of perfect habit and repetition.

How does the film depict the character's relationship with time?

The film depicts the character's relationship with time as a repetitive blur, where he exists outside of time and his life becomes a series of repetitive actions. This is highlighted by the mantra 'now is now and next time is next time', emphasizing the importance of being in the present.

What is the philosophical undercurrent regarding happiness in the film?

The philosophical undercurrent regarding happiness in the film is that it comes from identifying with and embracing one's 'symptom', which is the thing one is bound to do each day. Happiness is found in the realization that every day, despite its challenges, can be perfect in its own way.

How does the film end, and what does it suggest about the character's journey?

The film ends on an optimistic note, with the character riding into the sunset like a hero in a Western, contemplating the futility of existence but also the joy and childlike happiness that comes from the realization that every day is, in some way, perfect.