Still

I watched Donnie Darko. Oh, and before that I watched the last half of the Matrix Reloaded. Though initially I didn't put them together, how coincidental it was that they were pretty darn related.

I find these "destiny" or "alternate universe" movies intriguing. But while I feel that some of them are well-executed and entertaining, not many of them truly reflect my own beliefs.

What I find interesting is that we indulge in this concept of choice. But what does choice truly mean? To me, choice is defined by a person's character as opposed to the present circumstances. However, does this definition only support the idea of destiny? For example, in the Matrix Reloaded, the Architect gives Neo the choice between, simply put, what he wants and what is right, already knowing that he will choose the former. And though that was overly generalized, I believe it highlights the point that with a certain character, one will consistently make choices which are aligned with that character. And one might argue that one's character is always changing, but it evolves in a direction that is guided by one's present character. Put this way, we are nothing more than a uniquely programmed software designed differently for each person. But this is not to be confused with predetermination because that says the circumstances have already been decided. Whereas what I am possibly saying is that we can never foresee the future circumstances but our character has already decided how we will make our choices. So are we merely pawns to this nonhuman force called circumstance? Does my definition of choice contradict itself? Does choice really exist?