Fragile Happiness (2001)

The 21st century seems to be one of inexhaustible wealth but how great are our changes of happiness in this new golden century? The Hague, seat of Dutch government, has always been a city in which wealth and poverty have co-existed. In the city centre, around the New Church, one finds gleaming office buildings, modern theatres and the city hall but close by is the working class area and the red light district. A few hundred yards from the New Church is the statue of the Spinoza, the 17th century Dutch philosopher, who rejected the acquisition of riches in favour of the pursuit of higher ideals. In Fragile Happiness we look at our opulent society through the perspective of this philosopher who was ahead of his time. Spinoza’s present neighbours are each in their own ways, in pursuit of happiness. We follow Jan – the street sweeper, Nancy — the dancer, Peter — the manager, and Arie — the pimp. We pay a visit to an art-loving couple, Mr and Mrs Nystad, meet the ex-millionaire Hans and Nur, the refugee from Somalia. They all cross and re-cross each other’s paths in the daily bustle between the New Church and Spinoza’s statue.