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Cinematic Nihilism
Encounters, Confrontations, Overcomings
by John Marmysz
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Book Presentation:
Explores the ways in which nihilism is encountered, confronted, and overcome in contemporary film
Exposing and illustrating how an ongoing engagement with nihilistic alienation may contribute to, rather than detract from, the value of life, Cinematic Nihilism both challenges and builds upon past scholarship that has scrutinised nihilism in the media, but which has generally over-emphasised its negative and destructive aspects. Through case studies of popular films, including Prometheus, The Dark Knight Rises, Dawn of the Dead and The Human Centipede, and with chapters on Scotland’s cinematic portrayal as both a site of ‘nihilistic sacrifice’ and as ‘nowhere in particular’, this book presents a necessary corrective, re-emphasising the constructive potential of cinematic nihilism and casting it as a phenomenon that need not be overcome.
Key Features
• A clear and thorough treatment of the history, meanings and controversies involved in debates about nihilism
• A unique and fresh perspective on the ways that nihilism can be a positive phenomenon that acts as a spur to human reflection and creativity
• Original in-depth analyses of a variety of international films including: Breaking the Waves, NEDs, The Human Centipede, Nymphomaniac, Under the Skin, George Romero’s Dead films, Romper Stomper, Avatar, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, among many others
• Combines philosophical depth with readable style
About the Author:
John Marmysz teaches philosophy at the College of Marin in Kentfield, California.
Press Reviews:
Cinematic Nihilism is essential reading for film-philosophy scholars or anyone wishing to explore how a nihilistic approach creates positive potential for activity and achievement.'– Daniel O'Brien, University of Glasgow, Film-Philosophy
Going back to Plato, Kant, Nietzsche and Heidegger, Marmysz traces a philosophical genealogy of nihilism, and discusses the way film is always essentially nihilistic, and frequently thematically nihilistic. The range of case studies is interesting, as Marmysz considers works that have received a great deal of attention alongside works and trends that have gotten short shrift. So there are chapters on Yukio Mishima, Skinhead Films, and Scottish Cinema, as well as interesting re-reads of Romero’s zombie trilogy, Videodrome, Fight Club, Human Centipede and so on. Thought provoking and rich, Cinematic Nihilism reintroduces philosophy into film criticism in a language that is at once accessible and comprehensive.'– Professor Joan Hawkins, Indiana University
Going back to Plato, Kant, Nietzsche and Heidegger, Marmysz traces a philosophical genealogy of nihilism, and discusses the way film is always essentially nihilistic, and frequently thematically nihilistic. The range of case studies is interesting, as Marmysz considers works that have received a great deal of attention alongside works and trends that have gotten short shrift. So there are chapters on Yukio Mishima, Skinhead Films, and Scottish Cinema, as well as interesting re-reads of Romero’s zombie trilogy, Videodrome, Fight Club, Human Centipede and so on. Thought provoking and rich, Cinematic Nihilism reintroduces philosophy into film criticism in a language that is at once accessible and comprehensive.'– Professor Joan Hawkins, Indiana University
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