Finding Ourselves at the Movies

Abstract

This book argues that philosophy must take up the fundamental concerns of love, death, justice, knowledge, and faith as they are found in contemporary culture. It demonstrates how this can be achieved by turning to popular film. The book discusses such well-known movies as Forrest Gump (1994), The American President (1995), The Matrix (1999), Memento (2000), The History of Violence (2005), Gran Torino (2008), The Dark Knight (2008), The Road (2009), and Avatar (2009). It explores the powerful archetypes covered in these films and assesses the hold they have upon us. The book's inquiry proceeds in two parts. First, it uses film to explore the nature of action and interpretation, arguing that narrative is the critical concept for understanding both. Second, it explores the narratives of politics, family, and faith as they appear in popular films. It engages with genres as diverse as romantic comedy, slasher film, and pornography, and explores the social imaginary through which we create and maintain a meaningful world. It finds in popular films a new setting for a philosophical inquiry into the timeless themes of sacrifice, innocence, rebirth, law, and love.