The Framework

So that I'll have a clear idea of all the images that I'll be using, I think I'll give a summery of the book chapter by chapter, giving special mention to the content that will stand out when portrayed visually, i.e things such as religious iconography, popular culture references or other bits of history.

I am putting these prominent icons in italics as these will in effect be the potential framework for my final sequence. Also, so that I don't have to mention them over and over again, I should add that in every chapter there are references to numerous popular Philosophers and academics; definitely images that can be used.

Intro

The question "what is the meaning of life" is rather vague and has multiple meanings. In order to fully understand the answer we must understand the question, otherwise we get answers like "42".

1. Looking for the blueprint.

Starting with a quote from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. This chapter deals with how our lives may or may not have meaning due to a predetermined purpose. This uses various arguments containing God and creationism, The Big Bang, DNA, Post-it notes, Frankenstein's Monster, Hindu iconography, Father Christmas and Coca-Cola.

2. Living life forwards.

This chapter deals with defining one's life through one's goals. This chapter makes references to The Wild West, donkeys with carrots suspended before them, University Graduation, big business and the life associated with it.

3. More things in heaven and earth.

In this chapter we consider God again and possibility that god and the afterlife exist and their implications. This chapter doesn't use many examples that havn't been mentioned before apart from a Shakespeare quote at the beginning, small references to the Dodo and Martians.

4. Here to help.

The quote at the beginning of this chapter comes from motivational speaker Zig-Ziglar and this chapter deals simply with altruism. Icons of need and aid feature a lot amongst others with reference to homeless people, Mother Teresa, The Nazis, the second Iraq war and Rain Man (film)

5. The greater good.

Starting with Neil Armstrong's famous quote this chapter deals with the supposed importance of advancing the human race. Memorable images go along the lines of utopian humanity, Stalin, George Orwell's Animal Farm and the film Antz.

6. As long as you're happy.

As the title might suggest this chapter address the simple fact that if one is simply happy then that is all the meaning one's life needs. This chapter doesn't have much in the way of memorable imagery however I particularly like the concept of the contented pig. There are also references to The Matrix, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, magazines that portray unrealistic realities that people aspire to (women's magazine's e.t.c).

7. Becoming a contender.

This chapter is similar to the second chapter in that it is future focused however this chapter focuses more on personal success and achievements. The chapter starts with a quote from On the Waterfront featuring Marlon Brando and then gives a similar example from the film It's a Wonderful Life. There are also references to achievements with strong imagery such as winning the World Cup and winning the Nobel Prize. One slightly different idea I've had is to animate some rather overly cliched self help titles.

8. Carpe Diem.

As the title might suggest this chapter is about making the most of every day and living it as if it is your last. This chapter uses images such as The film Dead Poet's Society, Kate Bush, Thomas Barnardo and makes general references to Hedonism.

9. Loose your self.

This chapter begins with a quote from a song by Funkadelic; "free your mind and your ass will follow" which is in fact the name of the song. This chapter is all about loosing the ego and references 60s Psychedelia and Buddhism.

10. The threat of meaninglessness.

The penultimate possible meaning put forward is that life has no meaning at all. The cartoon Snoopy is referenced briefly as well as the English National Opera.

11. Of which reason knows nothing.

This final chapter addresses how reason could be inadequate for determining the meaning of life. It references Gestapo officers, Ozzy Osbourne and this may seem a little general but I feel I can make use of it Love.

Conclusion.

This really just ties things up rather than giving the reader a definite answer. I suppose it's just there for the sake of it, it's only 3 pages long! It does reference Monty Python's Meaning of Life though.