Songs, movies, books about loneliness?

Question

I'm doing research for an artistic project on the topic of loneliness. Not necessarily the "my girlfriend left me and I can't stand it" kind of loneliness, but more of an overall, deep, existential kind of loneliness. I'm wondering if anyone can suggest songs, movies, or books about loneliness that would possibly offer insight in my research. Thank you.

Answer 1

There are several that might work depending on your perspective. The classic novel might be Camus' "The Stranger" where the central character is so isolated he seems beyond lonely. In music, the theme song to MASH, "Suicide Is Painless," is a good example of teen age angst. The words were written by the composer's 16 year old son. More recently, David Gray's most recent CD is all about loneliness of various kinds; the song "Life in Slow Motion" would be my pick. In terms of movies, there are several: "Lost in Translation," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and others who have central characters who are isolated for one reason or another. In poetry, the classic example by far would be T. S. Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock."

Answer 2

Hmm...all right:

Songs:
Elanor Rigby by The Beatles
Lack of Color by Death Cab for Cutie
Army corps of Architects by Death Cab for Cutie

Movies:
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
One hour photo

Books:
The Longest Weekend
Flowers in the Attic

Good luck, thats all I could think of.

Answer 3

Eleanor Rigby

Answer 4

Gilbert O'Sullivan - Alone Again (Naturally)

Answer 5

a comedic drama about loneliness is the movie "sideways".

Answer 6

"Alone Again....Naturally" By Gilbert O'Sullivan

The movie, "Magnolia"

Answer 7

any book by Osamu Dazai