Exploring Philosophical Dimensions in Wong Kar-wai's Filmography

Abstract

The Auteur theory is a theory that says directors serve as the primary creative force behind films, shaping their narratives and imbuing them with their personal philosophies. This paper delves into the cinematic filmography of Wong Kar-wai, a renowned Hong Kong film director known for his exploration of philosophical themes within the context of Asian society. Through examinations of his films, this study investigates the subtle interplay between Wong’s directorial vision and the philosophical underpinning embedded within each film. Including themes that are controversial in Asian society in the past, such as Queer and marriage affairs, prevalent in Wong Kar-wai’s every work, this research explores the cultural and societal implications of these issues within the Asian community. Despite the evolution of the film industry, Wong’s commitment to infusing his films with thought-provoking philosophical perspectives remains evident, and his movies are absolutely fascinating and worth studying. By analyzing five different Wong Kar-wai films, Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, Happy Together, Fallen Angels, and Days of Being Wild, through the lens of auteur theory, this study aims to explore the intricate relationship between the director’s ideology and the thematic elements present in his cinematic works. Furthermore, the author explored the cultural and societal issues and implications within the Asian community beyond Wong Kar-wai’s and found how the social and cultural situations have affected the film style of Wong Kar-wai in this research.