Cinema and Its Discontents

Explore the intricate relationship between cinema and philosophy in "Cinema and Its Discontents" by Zachariah Rush. Published by McFarland & Co Inc in 2016, this thought-provoking paperback spans 212 pages, delving into the evolution of dialectical thought from the time of Plato to Jung. Rush skillfully examines the development of iconic characters throughout a century of filmmaking, analyzing over two dozen cinematic figures, including Chaplin's Tramp and Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver." Each character is portrayed as a product of dialectical tensions—caught between life and death, conflicting desires, and moral dilemmas. This book invites readers to reflect on how these characters navigate their identities amidst external influences, making it a must-read for film enthusiasts and scholars alike. Discover the philosophical underpinnings of cinema and how they shape our understanding of character and narrative in this engaging exploration.