Paul Schrader Explores Guilt and Philosophy in New Film
Director Paul Schrader’s latest movie examines a college professor’s moral crisis through the lens of Spinozist philosophy and personal guilt. The project continues Schrader’s signature thematic focus on childhood trauma and the struggle for redemption.
Source Diversity
Source Diversity
Moderate (42/100)Sources
‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Paul Schrader Wrestles with Sin and Spinoza in His Latest Tortured-Man Drama
Another man, another room, another vile past deed in need of expiation. On the one hand you could accuse writer-director Paul Schrader of retreading old ground with his latest unadorned exploration of guilt, transgression and the intellectual work that a sinner must do in order to seek redemption for his sins. On the other hand, […]
By Jessica Kiang
Read full article →‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Paul Schrader Does Some Deep — and Discomfiting — Thinking About a College Professor’s Guilt
Jack Huston, Sofia Boutella, and Daniel Zavatto star in the octogenarian’s new feature, a morally complex study of past sin affecting present life.
By Richard Lawson
Read full article →
