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Philosophical Perspective on Cinema

Pedro Blas González

The main premise of Philosophical Perspective on Cinema is simple: Can a visual medium such as cinema put in greater perspective diverse aspects of human experience? Films are usually sorted by genres, but by applying metaphysical/existential categories to cinema, the author enables readers to reflect on the nature and essence of existence by making life appear less transparent to itself. Undoubtedly, the connection between sensual reality and philosophical reflection is often glossed over when the emphasis is placed on theoretical abstractions, and not life itself. While this work is a reflection on the philosophy of existence, the author embraces a practical approach to the metaphysical/existential foundation of human existence.

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Lexington Books
Pages: 190 • Trim: 6½ x 9
978-1-66690-622-6 • Hardback • May 2022 • $105.00 • (£81.00)
978-1-66690-624-0 • Paperback • December 2024 • $39.99 • (£30.00)
978-1-66690-623-3 • eBook • May 2022 • $38.00 • (£30.00)
Series: Politics, Literature, & Film
Subjects: Political Science / General, Performing Arts / Film / General, Philosophy / Political

Pedro Blas González is professor of philosophy at Barry University.

Introduction: Metaphysical/Existential Reflection Seeking Qualitative Essences in Cinema

Chapter 1: 2001: An Existential Odyssey

Chapter 2: Andrei Tarkovsky: Truth Endorsed by Life

Chapter 3: Fahrenheit 451: A Brave New World for the New Man

Chapter 4: Citizen Kane: Biography and the Unfinished Sentence

Chapter 5: Treasure of the Sierra Madre, or Socrates in the Desert

Chapter 6: Jean Pierre Melville: Encounters with Conscience

Chapter 7: Seven Thieves: Making the World Gasp

Chapter 8: Curse of the Demon: Of Evil, Myth and Reason

Chapter 9: The Uninvited and Dead of Night: The Ominous Other

Chapter 10: Jacques Tati: Last Bastion of Innocence in Modernity

Conclusion

González intends his approach to divert attention from what most broadly gains attention in escapist contemporary movies: intense visual displays and astounding special effects. González endorses more meaningful cinema that avoids being seduced by the sensual and ascends rather to the “metaphysical/existential” essence of human existence. Genuinely humanistic cinema thus aspires to elucidate spiritual transcendence. Analysis of these pinpointed films builds on detailed synopses, which show how a visual narrative can deliver transcendent meaning and ennoble humanity. This book will interest those in theology and religious studies as well as film students. Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers.


— Choice Reviews


Philosophical Perspective on Cinema is an original contribution to our understanding of the role of film in advancing the philosophical and existential perspective on life. In this wide-ranging analysis of major films, the author engages in a highly thoughtful discussion of the philosophical nature of film.


— Jeffrey Folks, formerly of Doshisha University


This accessible and deeply philosophical examination of iconic films is a welcome addition to the bibliography on the intersection between film and humanistic disciplines.


— Darío Fernández-Morera, Northwestern University


Philosophical Perspective on Cinema

Cover Image
Hardback
Paperback
eBook
Summary
Summary
  • The main premise of Philosophical Perspective on Cinema is simple: Can a visual medium such as cinema put in greater perspective diverse aspects of human experience? Films are usually sorted by genres, but by applying metaphysical/existential categories to cinema, the author enables readers to reflect on the nature and essence of existence by making life appear less transparent to itself. Undoubtedly, the connection between sensual reality and philosophical reflection is often glossed over when the emphasis is placed on theoretical abstractions, and not life itself. While this work is a reflection on the philosophy of existence, the author embraces a practical approach to the metaphysical/existential foundation of human existence.

Details
Details
  • Lexington Books
    Pages: 190 • Trim: 6½ x 9
    978-1-66690-622-6 • Hardback • May 2022 • $105.00 • (£81.00)
    978-1-66690-624-0 • Paperback • December 2024 • $39.99 • (£30.00)
    978-1-66690-623-3 • eBook • May 2022 • $38.00 • (£30.00)
    Series: Politics, Literature, & Film
    Subjects: Political Science / General, Performing Arts / Film / General, Philosophy / Political
Author
Author
  • Pedro Blas González is professor of philosophy at Barry University.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
  • Introduction: Metaphysical/Existential Reflection Seeking Qualitative Essences in Cinema

    Chapter 1: 2001: An Existential Odyssey

    Chapter 2: Andrei Tarkovsky: Truth Endorsed by Life

    Chapter 3: Fahrenheit 451: A Brave New World for the New Man

    Chapter 4: Citizen Kane: Biography and the Unfinished Sentence

    Chapter 5: Treasure of the Sierra Madre, or Socrates in the Desert

    Chapter 6: Jean Pierre Melville: Encounters with Conscience

    Chapter 7: Seven Thieves: Making the World Gasp

    Chapter 8: Curse of the Demon: Of Evil, Myth and Reason

    Chapter 9: The Uninvited and Dead of Night: The Ominous Other

    Chapter 10: Jacques Tati: Last Bastion of Innocence in Modernity

    Conclusion

Reviews
Reviews
  • González intends his approach to divert attention from what most broadly gains attention in escapist contemporary movies: intense visual displays and astounding special effects. González endorses more meaningful cinema that avoids being seduced by the sensual and ascends rather to the “metaphysical/existential” essence of human existence. Genuinely humanistic cinema thus aspires to elucidate spiritual transcendence. Analysis of these pinpointed films builds on detailed synopses, which show how a visual narrative can deliver transcendent meaning and ennoble humanity. This book will interest those in theology and religious studies as well as film students. Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers.


    — Choice Reviews


    Philosophical Perspective on Cinema is an original contribution to our understanding of the role of film in advancing the philosophical and existential perspective on life. In this wide-ranging analysis of major films, the author engages in a highly thoughtful discussion of the philosophical nature of film.


    — Jeffrey Folks, formerly of Doshisha University


    This accessible and deeply philosophical examination of iconic films is a welcome addition to the bibliography on the intersection between film and humanistic disciplines.


    — Darío Fernández-Morera, Northwestern University


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