Decadence: The Meaninglessness of Modern Life
Decadence: The Meaninglessness of Modern Life is a six-part television documentary series commissioned by SBS Independent and produced by Fork Films. The series is hosted by Pria Viswalingam, who is best known for his work on the travel show A fork in the road. Decadence was originally broadcast on the Special Broadcasting Service of Australia in 2006 in the form of six, thirty-minute-long episodes. It was rescreened again in 2007 as part of the SBS season on globalisation. The series examines the decadence and meaninglessness of modern, western life. It is also poses the question: If we live in such a great and prosperous world, and we are living longer, better, and healthier than before, why are we so unhappy?. There are interviews with many prominent experts and leaders in their fields throughout the series.
Season 1
6 episodes
- 1. MoneyPart one examines the growing greed of society and the 80's ideal that greed is good. It also looks at the growing disparity between rich and poor.MA 15+CC25minDec 6, 2006
- 2. SexPria interviews New South Wales Police Commissioner Ken Moroney about the extent to which many cases of rape have become particularly violent and gruesome, and asks why sex crimes are growing in number in society. The link between violent pornography and sex crimes is also examined in this episode. A Medical ethicist Dr. Amin Abboud notes that sex has been trivialized and needs to be placed back into the context of emotional connections and intimacy and that sex should be rediscovered as part of love. In an interview, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach says that modern relationships collapse when people lose interest in the sex and that sex has become the sole measure and importance in a relationship.MA 15+CC25minDec 13, 2006
- 3. DemocracyThe nature of modern democracy is examined in this episode and the question "Do we really live in a democratic world any more?" is asked. The erosion of democracy, media control and the use of public money for advertising is looked at.MA 15+CC25minDec 20, 2006
- 4. EducationThe continuing undervaluing of an education in the West is considered. The lack of funding for primary and secondary education is also looked at. There is discussion about the transformation of universities from great learning places into businesses competing for students' money, who only want a fast-tracked easy course into a high -paying job.MA 15+CC25minDec 27, 2006
- 5. FamilyThe modern western family is looked at , as is what really is a family in the west. The gradual decline in the importance placed on families and the disintegration of the idea of a family and people preferring isolation is looked at.MA 15+CC25minJan 3, 2007
- 6. GodThe nature of religion and religion in the West is looked at. The growing number of irreligious people in Western countries is considered and it is asked whether this has any effect on our happiness or morals.MA 15+CC25minJan 10, 2007
Decadence: The Meaninglessness of Modern Life
Decadence: The Meaninglessness of Modern Life is a six-part television documentary series commissioned by SBS Independent and produced by Fork Films. The series is hosted by Pria Viswalingam, who is best known for his work on the travel show A fork in the road. Decadence was originally broadcast on the Special Broadcasting Service of Australia in 2006 in the form of six, thirty-minute-long episodes. It was rescreened again in 2007 as part of the SBS season on globalisation. The series examines the decadence and meaninglessness of modern, western life. It is also poses the question: If we live in such a great and prosperous world, and we are living longer, better, and healthier than before, why are we so unhappy?. There are interviews with many prominent experts and leaders in their fields throughout the series.
Maturity rating
MA 15+Check the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.