In his Cave Allegory (Republic, c.360 BCE), Plato presents a strikingly visual account of the distinction between knowledge and belief and, in doing so, provides us with what may be considered the earliest picture-house.
In his Cave Allegory (Republic, c.360 BCE), Plato presents a strikingly visual account of the distinction between knowledge and belief and, in doing so, provides us with what may be considered the earliest picture-house.
This part-time evening course at The University of Edinburgh will begin by taking a look at Plato’s Allegory of the cave through the glazzballs of Alex in Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. There are still some places available, so if you would like to spend the next 10 weeks watching and thinking seriously about film please follow the link: https://www.course-bookings.lifelong.ed.ac.uk/courses/PH/philosophy-and-religion/PH024/thinking-through-film/
We’re huge fans of Greek weird-wave director Yorgos Lanthimos here at Filmosophy, and have been since the Dogtooth days. Looking forward immensely to The Lobster opening this weekend.
Filmosophy returns for a fifth season of original and thought-provoking films. This season will focus on the theme of ‘regeneration’ and is offered in association with the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine. The MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine is a world leading research centre studying stem cells, disease and tissue repair to advance human health.
The films screened will allow an opportunity to discuss the groundbreaking research currently being undertaken at the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, the diseases studied, and associated ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells. We will seek to distinguish between science fiction and science fact, and to gain a valuable insight into the lives of those touched by the diseases and injuries that regenerative medicine aims to treat.
’Filmosophy’ is a series of philosophical film screenings and related events curated by James Mooney of The University of Edinburgh’s Office of Lifelong Learning in association with the Edinburgh Filmhouse cinema. Previous seasons have focused on issues ranging from the appearance/ reality distinction to the doppelgänger and have featured films including Dogtooth, Moon, Pontypool, and Time Crimes.
The fifth season of Filmosophy will return in the Autumn/ Winter of 2015 and will focus on the theme of ‘regeneration’. This season will be offered in association with the Centre for Regenerative Medicine. The MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) is a world leading research centre studying stem cells, disease and tissue repair to advance human health.
The films screened will allow an opportunity to discuss the groundbreaking research currently being undertaken at CRM, the diseases they study, and associated ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells. We will seek to distinguish between science fiction and science fact, and to gain a valuable insight into the lives of those touched by the diseases and injuries that regenerative medicine aims to treat.
Some potential titles are: Blade Runner (Scott 1982); I Am Breathing (Davie, McKinnon 2013); Gattaca (Niccol 1997); Never Let Me Go (Romanek 2010); Rust and Bone (Audiard 2012).
Each film will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by a range of post-screening events, featuring scientists from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and other invited speakers. The season will also incorporate artwork by Hamer Dodds, who is the artist in residence for CRM and who has been highly influential in setting up this exciting initiative.
At this point, you can get involved by suggesting relevant films which you would like to see screened and/ or themes you would like to see addressed. You can do this by commenting below or by engaging on Facebook, Twitter, or Ello.
Korean writer-director Kim Ki-duk captures raw realities about modern life while telling a genuinely touching romance using virtually no dialogue.
Tae-suk (Jae Hee) is a young man who takes up residence in homes that sit empty while the occupants are on holiday. He cleans, does the laundry, indulges in subtle practical jokes, then moves on. This pattern changes drastically when he takes up residence in the upscale home of Min-kyu and Sun-hwa, a hothead, golf-obsessed businessman and his battered trophy-wife.
Filmosophy returns for a fourth season of original and thought-provoking films. This season focuses on the distinction between appearance and reality. Each film provides a unique perspective on this philosophical problem, using the notions of sight and blindness as powerful metaphors. Questions addressed include: What is the ultimate nature of reality? How do we gain knowledge of the world around us? What, if anything, can we know for certain? In addition, the nature of film itself – as a medium that trades in appearances and yet is intimately connected to reality – will be explored. Tue 24 February, 6.15pm: Pi (Darren Aronofsky 1998) Tue 24 March, 6.00pm: Proof (Jocelyn Moorhouse 1991) Tue 21 April, 6.00pm: 3-Iron (Kim Ki-duk 2004) Each screening will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by an opportunity to discuss the philosophical issues raised in an informal and accessible manner. The screenings will be introduced and discussion sessions hosted by James Mooney (Lecturer in Film and Philosophy and Open Studies Course Organiser at The University of Edinburgh). http://www.filmhousecinema.com/seasons/filmosophy-feb15/
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s stunning Intacto – now showing on Mubi
https://mubi.com/films/intacto
An introduction to philosophy through the medium of film. Using a diverse range of films, we will explore some of the most interesting issues in philosophy. In doing so, we will learn what film can contribute to philosophy, and how philosophy can contribute to our enjoyment and understanding of film.
For more information, and to enrol online click here.
“Film is 24 lies per second at the service of truth, or at the service of the attempt to find the truth.”
Photography is truth. The cinema is truth twenty-four times per second.