Derrida (2002)

Documentary about French philosopher (and author of deconstructionism) Jacques Derrida, who sparked fierce debate throughout American academia.

Directors:

Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering

Stars:

Jacques Derrida, Marguerite Derrida, René Major

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview:
Jacques Derrida	...	Himself
Marguerite Derrida	...	Herself
René Major	...	Himself
Chantal Major	...	Herself
Avital Ronell	...	Herself
René Derrida	...	Himself
Eddie Yeghiayan	...	Himself

Storyline

Documentary about French philosopher (and author of deconstructionism) Jacques Derrida, who sparked fierce debate throughout American academia.

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Plot Keywords:

author | philosopher | literary | interview | philosophy | 

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Taglines:

What if someone came along who changed not the way you think about everything, but everything about the way you think?

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Jane Doe films [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

31 January 2003 (UK)

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$11,473 (USA) (25 October 2002)

Gross:

$156,450 (USA) (14 February 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jane Doe Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Read about him before watching the film.

This film is a demonstration of deconstructionist thought first; and its subject happens to be the "father of deconstructionism." Once you get over this situation, it's a somewhat charming film, a sort of video fugue. The film presents an important theme early on, when Derrida quotes Heidegger (quite fittingly because much of Derrida's writings are based upon Heidegger's philosophy) about Aristotle's life: he was born, he thought, and he died. And the rest is pure anecdote. This is pretty much all this film says about Derrida. Listening to the commentary on the deleted opening scene in the extras on the DVD is quite helpful, and can give you an idea if you want to continue to watch. I liked how much this film touches on the issues of celebrity, privacy, and media saturated culture, without focusing on a mega-pop celebrity. I'd have liked to have been more succinct, but this forum requires ten lines. Too bad.