Top Favorite Film Archives - Deep Focus Philosophy

Postmodernism

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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Existentialism

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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Metaphysics

The Big Lebowski + Taoism

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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Epistemology

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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