Martin Scorsese’s Hugo (2011) is an
intriguing story based on vocational functionalism, which in turn is based on
deism. In other words, the film essentially applies an early modern theological
"argument from design" to a pillar of modern society: one’s
profession. In this regard, the film is not just a kids’ movie. The visual
"3D" feature is not where the real depth of the film is located. The
story achieves its fullness beyond the visuals in having several levels around
a core philosophy, which serves as the story's core meaning. For this reason, Hugo has the potential
to become a classic. In this essay, I explore the philosophy that lies at the
basis of the film's story. I begin with deism and tie it to functionalism.
The full essay is at "Hugo."
