THE ATHEIST EXISTENTIALISM OF SARTRE IN THE NOUVELLE VAGUE

Abstract

This article aims to analyze two French films from the cinematic movement known as Nouvelle Vague, artistic mediums that are interpreted as expressions of human existence. This analysis is guided by the existentialist philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, specifically his work Existentialism is a Humanism, published in 1946, where he discusses concepts related to a philosophy of existence, placing freedom and individual responsibility at the center of human life. For the French philosopher, human existence precedes essence, meaning that humans are capable and free to determine and create their essence, bearing complete responsibility for their lives. According to Sartre, humans are free to make their choices and define the meaning of their lives; therefore, responsibility rests solely on them, leaving no one else to blame but themselves. The article employs Sartrean existentialism as a hermeneutic key to explore the richness of the Nouvelle Vague’s cinematic narrative. Furthermore, it includes an analysis of Sartrean atheism through the existential perspective presented in the mentioned films.