Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema

The book "Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema: A Sartrean Perspective" is edited by Jean-Pierre Boulé and Enda McCaffrey. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

1. Existentialism in Cinema: The book explores how existentialist philosophy, particularly as influenced by Jean-Paul Sartre, is reflected in contemporary cinema. It examines how films reflect existentialist ideas about human freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life.

2. Sartrean Philosophy: The book delves into the specific perspective of Sartrean existentialism, analyzing how Sartre's concepts such as "bad faith" and "being-for-itself" are represented in modern films.

3. Film Analysis: The editors provide detailed analyses of various films, demonstrating how these movies embody existentialist principles. This includes discussions on the characters' choices, their relationships with others, and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional narrative plot but rather a collection of essays and analyses. Each chapter focuses on a different film or group of films, examining their alignment with Sartrean existentialism. The chapters are likely structured around specific themes or motifs in Sartre's philosophy and how they are reflected in contemporary cinema.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's publication by Berghahn Books suggests a scholarly and academic approach, which is often well-received in academic circles. The book's focus on a specific philosophical perspective (Sartrean existentialism) and its application to contemporary cinema likely appeals to scholars in both film studies and philosophy.

Critical Reception Indicators:

• Publication by Berghahn Books: Known for publishing high-quality academic works, Berghahn Books suggests that the book is well-researched and rigorously edited.
• Availability in Various Formats: The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats, indicating its potential appeal to a wide range of readers, from scholars to enthusiasts of existentialist philosophy and film studies.

For a more detailed understanding, readers may need to refer to the table of contents or specific chapters of the book, which are likely available on the publisher's website or through academic databases like JSTOR.