Metaphysics and the Moving Image: Paradise Exposed

The film inherits metaphysics from the ancient tradition of Western thought and gives birth to a new absolute value, a secular re-enchantment of the world, or 'the world in its own image.' This revelation is vital to the art of film to enlighten and enthrall.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Metaphysics and the Moving Image delves into the fascinating relationship between film and metaphysics, the ancient Western tradition of thought. This exploration takes place at a crucial juncture when philosophy aimed to transcend metaphysics. As the age of metaphysics draws to a close with the Nietzschean "death of God" crisis of nihilism, the emergence of film heralds a transformative shift. It brings forth a new absolute value, a secular re-enchantment of the world, or 'the world in its own image.' Film revolutionizes the metaphysical paradigm by shifting it from rational speculation through concepts to mechanical revelation through images and sounds. This profound revelation is essential for the art of film to illuminate and captivate audiences.

In this exploration, the author examines how film inherits the metaphysical tradition and why it does so at a time when philosophy sought to transcend it. The film emerges as a medium that possesses its own set of metaphysical principles and questions. The author delves into the philosophical implications of film, exploring how it offers a unique perspective on the world and challenges traditional philosophical frameworks.

One of the central themes of the book is the idea of "the world in its own image." The author argues that film, as a visual and auditory medium, has the capacity to create a subjective representation of the world that reflects the viewer's own experiences and perceptions. This subjective world, created through the manipulation of images and sounds, can be seen as a manifestation of the metaphysical concept of "the world as an image."

The author also explores the relationship between film and the concept of time. Film, as a medium that captures and preserves moments in time, has the ability to manipulate and distort time. The author examines how film can create illusions of time, such as slow-motion or time-lapse, and how these illusions can affect the viewer's perception of the world.

Another important theme in the book is the idea of revelation. The author argues that film has the capacity to reveal hidden aspects of the world and to offer a new perspective on the human condition. Through the use of imagery, sound, and narrative, film can evoke emotions and provoke thought, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The author also examines the role of the filmmaker in creating metaphysical meaning in film. The filmmaker is seen as a mediator between the world and the viewer, responsible for shaping the narrative and creating the visual and auditory elements that convey metaphysical ideas. The author explores how filmmakers use symbolism, metaphor, and narrative structure to create meaning and to communicate philosophical ideas to the audience.

In conclusion, Metaphysics and the Moving Image offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between film and metaphysics. Through its examination of the metaphysical principles of film, the emergence of a new absolute value, the secular re-enchantment of the world, the manipulation of time, the concept of revelation, and the role of the filmmaker, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the power of film to illuminate and captivate audiences.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 240 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474493901