engleski

Film and Philosophy: Can the Marriage Work?

Stanley Cavell’s legacy is marked by his insightful analyses of the philosophical engagements of film, i.e. of the way in which philosophical issues, particularly those related to epistemological and moral concerns that shape human predicament, feature in films. He is thus an early forefather of philosophers who recognize the power of film to seriously engage with philosophy, and thus to influence audience's reflection on and understanding of these issues. While I share sympathies for such an approach, here I explore two features inherent in film that interfere with the way in which philosophical issues resonate with the audience, thus making it questionable the extent to which film and philosophy can really come together. Features that concern me relate to a genre to which a film belongs, and the choice of characters and actors who embody them, particularly in the case of ‘star personae.’ Presentation of particular philosophical problem depends on the established genre conventions which govern plot development and choice of characters and their actions. It is therefore expected that comedy and tragedy will differ significantly in their approach to philosophical problems, primarily by creating different emotional atmosphere through which the audience contemplates on the issues presented. In addition, a choice of actors might determine how the audience reacts, as the assessment of the philosophical problem, or solution (when the film offers one) might be shaped by viewers’ sympathy or antipathy for a particular character or overall (dis)like for the actors, rather than by objective assessment of the issue itself. To exemplify my point, I draw on films such as A few good Men and Never Let Me Go which should help us determine the educational role of films, and deepen our understanding of both, film and philosophy.

Cavell, film, philosophy, ethics

nije evidentirano