Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema
A Sartrean Perspective
By: Jean-Pierre Boulé, Enda McCaffrey
About This Book
At the heart of this volume is the assertion that Sartrean existentialism, most prominent in the 1940s, particularly in France, is still relevant as a way of interpreting the world today. Film, by reflecting philosophical concerns in the actions and choices of characters, continues and extends a tradition in which art exemplifies the understanding of existentialist philosophy. In a scholarly yet accessible style, the contributors exploit the rich interplay between Sartre’s philosophy, plays and novels, and a number of contemporary films including No Country for Old Men, Lost in Translation and The Truman Show, with film-makers including the Dardenne brothers, Michael Haneke, and Mike Leigh. This volume will be of interest to students who are coming to Sartre’s work for the first time and to those who would like to read films within an existentialist perspective.
AI Overview
"Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema: A Sartrean Perspective" is a book edited by Jean-Pierre Boulé and Enda McCaffrey, focusing on the intersection of existentialist philosophy and contemporary cinema. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Existentialism and Cinema: The book explores how existentialist philosophical concepts, particularly those of Jean-Paul Sartre, are reflected in contemporary cinema. It examines how filmmakers use existentialist themes to explore human existence, freedom, and responsibility.
- Sartrean Philosophy: The editors delve into Sartre's ideas on human consciousness, the concept of "bad faith," and the notion of "being-for-itself," and how these concepts are represented in modern films.
- Film Analysis: The book includes detailed analyses of various films that embody existentialist principles. These analyses help readers understand how filmmakers translate philosophical ideas into cinematic narratives.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a single narrative plot but rather a collection of essays and analyses. Each chapter or section focuses on a specific film or group of films that exemplify existentialist themes. The editors and contributors examine the ways in which these films reflect and critique existentialist philosophy, providing insights into the human condition.
Critical Reception
- Academic Reviews: The book has received positive reviews from academic circles. For example, Lucy Bolton from Queen Mary, University of London, praised the book for its insightful analysis of how Sartrean philosophy is applied in contemporary cinema, highlighting its relevance to film studies.
- Availability: The book is available in hardcover and paperback formats, with an e-book version also available. The paperback edition is priced at $29.95, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
Additional Information
- Publication Details: The book was published in 2012 by Berghahn Books, with a total of 224 pages including a bibliography and index.
- Editorial Team: The editorial team consists of Jean-Pierre Boulé and Enda McCaffrey, both of whom are recognized scholars in the fields of philosophy and film studies.
In summary, "Existentialism and Contemporary Cinema: A Sartrean Perspective" offers a rich exploration of how existentialist philosophy intersects with contemporary cinema, providing a nuanced understanding of human existence through the lens of film analysis.