Film as Philosophy: Essays in Cinema after Wittgenstein and Cavell

by Jerry Goodenough (Editor), Rupert J. Read (Editor)

A series of essays on film and philosophy whose authors - philosophers or film studies experts - write on a wide variety of classic Hollywood comedies, war films, Eastern European art films, science fiction, showing how film and watching it can not only illuminate philosophy but, in an important sense, be doing philosophy. The book is crowned with an interview with Wittgensteinian philosopher Stanley Cavell, discussing his interests in philosophy and in film and how they can come together.

Genres: Philosophy, Film

228 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2005

Reviews

[Paul]

I really enjoyed this, particularly the chapters on the Alien films and The Thin Red Line - lots to chew on and some great new ways to think about thinking about film. I have to admit the interview at the end got a bit too academic for me, but I know my limits!

[James Kinsley]

Unsurprisingly heavy going in parts, it does benefit from having a range of authors, some being more readable than others. Knowing your philosophy is essential (and I'll admit, mine is a little rusty), and knowing the films very beneficial (I passed over a few essays where the film meant nothing to me). That said, an interesting look at movies, Stephen Muhall's essay on the Alien movies being a highlight (not least of all because this approach sidesteps worshipping Cameron at the expense of Fincher and Jeunet).

[Rose]

It was really interesting, and unlike a lot of books relating to pop culture and philosophy, it didn't ignore the medium being talked about (the articles actually discussed camera work and acting e.t.c.). Because I haven't seen all of the films talked about in the book, I think I probably missed out on some things, so I'll come back and reread sections when I've seen more films. Even the articles that were about unfamiliar things made interesting points, however - I just couldn't engage with them as much because I was having to make guesses about what they were referring to.