Jim's Reviews - Jarman's Wittgenstein
Jarman's next to last film, Wittgenstein is a witty, visually lush, and probing portrait of one of the most influential philosopher of the twentieth century. While unlocking the secrets of linguistics, logic, mathematics and philosophy of mind — and paving the way for artificial intelligence — Ludwig was more likely to be found tapping his toes to Carmen Miranda musicals than lucubrating about Aristotle. This landmark film biography achieves the seemingly impossible: in just over an hour, it dramatizes all of the major turning points in the eccentric philosopher's life (including his opening up as a gay man, in the arms of a handsome philosophy student), elucidates the main points of his abstruse philosophy, and is often hilariously funny. Yet it's genuinely moving too, as we come to understand the man (or is it über-nerd?) better than he seems to understand himself. The film has been praised by people who knew the philosopher, and by his biographer, Ray Monk. At the 1993 Berlin International Film Festival, it won the Teddy Award for Best Picture. Wittgenstein is a very special film. So rather than worry about not having done enough 'homework' on the subject, just sit back, relax, laugh, maybe cry a little. And don't be surprised if you find yourself haunted by its images, emotions and ideas, for long afterwards. Read more
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2608378371506756422
