González intends his approach to divert attention from what most broadly gains attention in escapist contemporary movies: intense visual displays and astounding special effects. González endorses more meaningful cinema that avoids being seduced by the sensual and ascends rather to the “metaphysical/existential” essence of human existence. Genuinely humanistic cinema thus aspires to elucidate spiritual transcendence. Analysis of these pinpointed films builds on detailed synopses, which show how a visual narrative can deliver transcendent meaning and ennoble humanity. This book will interest those in theology and religious studies as well as film students. Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; general readers.

Choice Reviews

Philosophical Perspective on Cinema is an original contribution to our understanding of the role of film in advancing the philosophical and existential perspective on life. In this wide-ranging analysis of major films, the author engages in a highly thoughtful discussion of the philosophical nature of film.

Jeffrey Folks, formerly of Doshisha University

This accessible and deeply philosophical examination of iconic films is a welcome addition to the bibliography on the intersection between film and humanistic disciplines.

Darío Fernández-Morera, Northwestern University