Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Marmysz
Publisher:   Edinburgh University Press
Imprint:   Edinburgh University Press
Weight:   0.351kg
ISBN:  

9781474431712

ISBN 10:   1474431712
Pages:   240
Publication Date:   07 August 2019
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Introduction: Plato's Nightmare Part I: Encounters Introduction Chapter 1: Scotland as a Site of Nihilistic Sacrifice Chapter 2: The Myth of Scotland as Nowhere in Particular Chapter 3: Monstrous Masses: The Human Body as Raw Material Part II: Confrontations Introduction Chapter 4: From Night to Survival: Nihilism and the Living Dead Chapter 5: The Lure of the Mob: Cinematic Depictions of Skinhead Authenticity Chapter 6: Cultural Change and Nihilism in the Rollerball Films Part III: Overcomings Introduction Chapter 7: The Abject Self: Apocalyptic Consequences of Self-Discovery in Fight Club Chapter 8: Rooting for the Fascists in Avatar Chapter 9: Yukio Mishima and the Return to the Body Bibliography Filmography

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

Author Information

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

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions