Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

5-2013

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Humanities

Committee Chair

Gibson, John

Author's Keywords

Filmosophy; Friedrich Nietzsche; Film as philosophy; Jean-Luc Godard

Subject

Philosophy in motion pictures; Motion pictures--Philosophy; Motion pictures--Aesthetics; Godard, Jean Luc, 1930---Criticism and interpretation; Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900--Influence

Abstract

Though film is different from journal articles and philosophy books, in this thesis, I argue that film can be philosophy by examining several arguments against film as philosophy. I also argue that film is a particularly valuable medium for philosophy because of its ability to evoke emotions. I use two examples, both films of Jean-Luc Godard, in order to demonstrate the way in which film can be philosophy. I argue that Godard’s Alphaville is philosophy in that it builds upon Nietzsche’s critique of modernity by affirming several elements of Nietzsche’s critique and extending the negative effects of modernity to the loss of true love. I further demonstrate that Godard’s Pierrot le fou is philosophy in that it builds upon Nietzsche’s conception of reality. Both of these films as well as the original arguments as presented by Nietzsche confirm that film can be philosophy.

Download

Share

COinS