Performing Ethics Through Film Style: Levinas with the Dardenne Brothers, Barbet Schroeder and Paul Schrader

This book explores the influence of Levinasian ethics on film style through three directorial bodies of work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book explores the influence of Levinasian ethics on film style by proposing a relationship between the two and bringing it into a productive dialogue with theories of performativity. Through a comprehensive analysis of the directorial bodies of work of Barbet Schroeder, Paul Schrader, and the Dardenne Brothers, the book demonstrates how these filmmakers have incorporated Levinasian principles into their films, creating a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Introduction:
Levinasian ethics, developed by the Israeli philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, is a philosophical framework that emphasizes the importance of ethical responsibility and the Other. Levinasian ethics emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Other, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity, and treating them with respect and compassion. This ethical framework has had a significant impact on various fields, including philosophy, literature, and the arts.

In the realm of film, Levinasian ethics has been explored by a number of filmmakers who have sought to incorporate these principles into their work. This book aims to examine the influence of Levinasian ethics on film style by exploring the directorial bodies of work of three filmmakers who have been particularly influential in this regard: Barbet Schroeder, Paul Schrader, and the Dardenne Brothers.

Barbet Schroeder:
Barbet Schroeder is a French filmmaker known for his distinctive style and his exploration of themes related to ethics, morality, and the human condition. His films often feature characters who are marginalized or oppressed, and who are forced to confront their own ethical dilemmas and moral choices.

One of Schroeder's most notable films is "The Last Temptation of Christ," which is based on the novel of the same name by Nikos Kazantzakis. In this film, Jesus is portrayed as a human being who is struggling with his own ethical dilemmas and moral choices. Schroeder emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in this film, as Jesus must confront the moral choices of his followers and the oppressive forces of the Roman Empire.

Another film that demonstrates the influence of Levinasian ethics on Schroeder's work is "The Princess and the Warrior." In this film, a princess is kidnapped by a warrior and taken to his kingdom. The princess is initially resistant to the warrior's advances, but she eventually comes to understand the importance of empathy and understanding in their relationship. Schroeder emphasizes the importance of the Other in this film, as the princess must confront the warrior's culture and beliefs, and come to understand his perspective.

Paul Schrader:
Paul Schrader is an American filmmaker known for his distinctive style and his exploration of themes related to morality, ethics, and the human condition. His films often feature characters who are morally ambiguous or who are struggling with their own ethical dilemmas.

One of Schrader's most notable films is "Taxi Driver," which is based on the novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard. In this film, a taxi driver becomes obsessed with a young woman and becomes increasingly violent and unstable. Schrader emphasizes the importance of morality and ethics in this film, as the taxi driver must confront his own moral choices and the consequences of his actions.

Another film that demonstrates the influence of Levinasian ethics on Schrader's work is "The Canyons." In this film, a Hollywood actress becomes involved with a wealthy businessman and becomes increasingly detached from her own morality and ethics. Schrader emphasizes the importance of the Other in this film, as the actress must confront the moral choices of her boyfriend and the corrupting influence of Hollywood.

The Dardenne Brothers:
The Dardenne Brothers are Belgian filmmakers known for their distinctive style and their exploration of themes related to morality, ethics, and the human condition. Their films often feature characters who are marginalized or oppressed, and who are forced to confront their own ethical dilemmas and moral choices.

One of the Dardenne Brothers' most notable films is "The Son," which is based on the novel of the same name by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. In this film, a father is reunited with his son after being separated for many years. The father is initially resistant to his son's presence, but he eventually comes to understand the importance of empathy and understanding in their relationship. The Dardenne Brothers emphasize the importance of the Other in this film, as the father must confront the son's past and his own moral choices.

In conclusion, this book explores the influence of Levinasian ethics on film style by proposing a relationship between the two and bringing it into a productive dialogue with theories of performativity. Through a comprehensive analysis of the directorial bodies of work of Barbet Schroeder, Paul Schrader, and the Dardenne Brothers, the book demonstrates how these filmmakers have incorporated Levinasian principles into their films, creating a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience. By emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and the Other, these filmmakers have created films that are both aesthetically stunning and ethically challenging. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of film, philosophy, and ethics, as well as anyone who is interested in exploring the relationship between the arts and the human condition.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474444019