I watched this movie immediately after taking a course on the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. I was interested in seeing how Nietzsche's philosophy was depicted, and how the man was portrayed. I was not disappointed, as I thought the movie was very fair and accurately showed Nietzsche's philosophical mindset.
Nietzsche actually has been called one of history's greatest psychologists because of his insight into "the will to power." This is contrasted with psychoanalysis' and Freud's "pleasure principle." The movie shows a very interesting depiction of the early years of the development of psychoanalysis, when Breuer and Freud first start dealing with the hysteria of Anna O., using catharsis as a healing mechanism for mental illness. Nietzsche's own loneliness and emotional-physical pain demonstrate his human side. Nevertheless, Nietzsche, in spite of his precarious mental health, helps the good Dr. Breuer to realize his own values of living life on this good earth through sharing his own brilliant philosophy. Although usually antagonistic to one another, the protagonists representing philosophy and psychology meet to produce a very profound and poignant friendship in the end.
The movie weaves together different musical themes from that era, such as the scene with Nietzsche's conducting Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," [1870] and the movie's beginning with Strauss's "Blue Danube." [1866] Since the movie is set sometime in the year 1882, the music is very appropriate.
This movie brings "ideas" to life. Some people might prefer an action or adventure movie, or prefer actors to speak with an English accent, but I think they are missing the point! This movie is not intended to entertain as much as it is intended to teach! The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche gets high marks for showing us that we should be passionate about this life! The one reviewer who remarked that he thought his life had changed in watching this movie is exactly why this movie was made in the first place!
I was impressed with Armand Assante's acting a very difficult role. Ben Cross does a fine job in acting as the 19th century man. The women's characters are not at all that well developed, it is true, and even Lou Salome's character seems rather one-dimensional. Perhaps this could be seen as a metaphor for the state of women at that time. All in all, however, I was edified for having watched a very satisfying portrayal of the ideas and the humanity of one of mankind's greatest geniuses.
Nietzsche actually has been called one of history's greatest psychologists because of his insight into "the will to power." This is contrasted with psychoanalysis' and Freud's "pleasure principle." The movie shows a very interesting depiction of the early years of the development of psychoanalysis, when Breuer and Freud first start dealing with the hysteria of Anna O., using catharsis as a healing mechanism for mental illness. Nietzsche's own loneliness and emotional-physical pain demonstrate his human side. Nevertheless, Nietzsche, in spite of his precarious mental health, helps the good Dr. Breuer to realize his own values of living life on this good earth through sharing his own brilliant philosophy. Although usually antagonistic to one another, the protagonists representing philosophy and psychology meet to produce a very profound and poignant friendship in the end.
The movie weaves together different musical themes from that era, such as the scene with Nietzsche's conducting Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," [1870] and the movie's beginning with Strauss's "Blue Danube." [1866] Since the movie is set sometime in the year 1882, the music is very appropriate.
This movie brings "ideas" to life. Some people might prefer an action or adventure movie, or prefer actors to speak with an English accent, but I think they are missing the point! This movie is not intended to entertain as much as it is intended to teach! The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche gets high marks for showing us that we should be passionate about this life! The one reviewer who remarked that he thought his life had changed in watching this movie is exactly why this movie was made in the first place!
I was impressed with Armand Assante's acting a very difficult role. Ben Cross does a fine job in acting as the 19th century man. The women's characters are not at all that well developed, it is true, and even Lou Salome's character seems rather one-dimensional. Perhaps this could be seen as a metaphor for the state of women at that time. All in all, however, I was edified for having watched a very satisfying portrayal of the ideas and the humanity of one of mankind's greatest geniuses.