The Social Network + Power

David Fincher’s film The Social Network delves into the origins of Facebook and the intricate interplay of power, ambition, and ethics. Through an exploration of Mark Zuckerberg’s ascent to becoming the youngest self-made tech billionaire of the (post)modern era, let us look to the perspectives of Stephen Hicks critiques on power dynamics along with Niccolò Machiavelli’s view on authority and finally to Immanuel Kant’s moral principles.
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Mulholland Drive + Illusion

Mulholland Drive is considered, by many, to be David Lynch’s masterpiece. Jean Baudrillard, a prominent postmodern philosopher seems to be one who agrees with this sentiment. Baudrillard recounted this favorable opinion in his iconoclastic book, The Conspiracy of Art. This comment actually was a brief counterpoint as to why The Matrix was a...
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Blue Ruin + Resentment

Jeremy Saulnier’s film Blue Ruin offers a gritty, unflinching look at the consequences of seeking revenge. It is an anti-revenge, revenge tale that delves into the mind of its character, Dwight Evans, as he grapples with the complexity of resentment. Between two families the film explores themes including the cycle of violence and the futility of seeking retribution.
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Pulp Fiction + Redemption

Pulp Fiction, by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avery came out of the 1994 Cannes Film Festival as a controversial yet clear winner of the Golden Palm with its style and complex storytelling. Beyond its surface appeal, to which it has in spades, lies a profound exploration of redemption and the rush of catharsis which inevitability follows. Pulp Fiction takes us on a journey through concepts such as Aristotle’s idea of catharsis and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s perspective on redemption revealing the moral layers within the narrative.
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Psycho + Dualism

In the film Psycho, by Alfred Hitchcock, we are not just led through a tale of suspense and terror, we are immersed in a profound exploration of human psychology. The chilling events that take place at the motel and the deep character study of Norman Bates offers a platform to delve into the interplay between the visceral violence and our unconscious minds. A theme deeply rooted in the psychological concept of duality. By examining Norman Bates’ complex persona through the perspectives of Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalytics and Carl Jung’s study of archetypes we can uncover the layers of this dual identity.
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Paterson + Beauty

Jim Jarmusch’s movie Paterson is an understated masterpiece that uncovers remarkable beauty in the simplicity of life. The story revolves around the experiences of Paterson, a bus driver and poet living in Paterson, New Jersey. While the film may appear uneventful on the surface it is this quietness that holds its charm. For those who appreciate reflecting on life through cinema, Paterson provides a thoughtful exploration reminiscent of the philosophies of Henri Lefebvre and Martin Heidegger.
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The Big Lebowski + Taoism

The Big Lebowski as a Zen Philosopher
There are few characters who embody a laid-back philosophical vibe as effortlessly, as Jeffrey Lebowski, affectionately known as "The Dude." The cult favorite film The Big Lebowski by the Coen Brothers is renowned for its story and unique humor. Yet beneath its surface lies a connection to the Zen and Taoist philosophy.
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Rashomon + Truth

Few movies explore the realms of human nature and morality as skillfully as Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon. This cinematic masterpiece not only captivates with its storyline but also prompts us to tackle the intricacies of truth and the limitations of human perception. For the audience, Rashomon presents a tapestry of themes that strike a chord with our perpetual struggle between truth, humanity, and optimism.
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