Cinematic Nihilism - by John Marmysz (Paperback)

About the Book

Through case studies of popular films, including Prometheus, The Dark Knight Rises, Dawn of the Dead and The Human Centipede, this book re-emphasises the constructive potential of cinematic nihilism.

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

Cinematic Nihilism: Encounters, Confrontations, Overcomings By John Marmysz 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. John Marmysz teaches philosophy at the College of Marin in Kentfield, California.

Review Quotes

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

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"

About the Author

John Marmysz teaches philosophy at the College of Marin in Kentfield, California.