Cinematic Nihilism: Encounters, Confrontations, Overcomings

Description

Explores the ways in which nihilism is encountered, confronted, and overcome in contemporary film Exposing and illustrating how an ongoing engagement with nihilistic alienation may contribute to, rather than detract from, the value of life, Cinematic Nihilism both challenges and builds upon past scholarship that has scrutinised nihilism in the media, but which has generally over-emphasised its negative and destructive aspects. Through case studies of popular films, including Prometheus, The Dark Knight Rises, Dawn of the Dead and The Human Centipede, and with chapters on Scotland’s cinematic portrayal as both a site of ‘nihilistic sacrifice’ and as ‘nowhere in particular’, this book presents a necessary corrective, re-emphasising the constructive potential of cinematic nihilism and casting it as a phenomenon that need not be overcome. Key Features - A clear and thorough treatment of the history, meanings and controversies involved in debates about nihilism - A unique and fresh perspective on the ways that nihilism can be a positive phenomenon that acts as a spur to human reflection and creativity - Original in-depth analyses of a variety of international films including: Breaking the Waves, NEDs, The Human Centipede, Nymphomaniac, Under the Skin, George Romero’s Dead films, Romper Stomper, Avatar, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters, among many others - Combines philosophical depth with readable style Cinematic Nihilism Copyright Acknowledgements Figures Contents Introduction: Plato’s Nightmare Part I Encounters Introduction: Encounters 1 Scotland as a Site of Nihilistic Sacrifice 2 The Myth of Scotland as Nowhere in Particular 3 Monstrous Masses: The Human Body as Raw Material Part II Confrontations Introduction: Confrontations 4 From Night to Survival: Nihilism and the Living Dead 5 The Lure of the Mob: Cinematic Depictions of Skinhead Authenticity 6 Cultural Change and Nihilism in the Rollerball Films Part III Overcomings Introduction: Overcomings 7 The Abject Self: Apocalyptic Consequences of Self-Discovery in Fight Club 8 Rooting for the Fascists in Avatar 9 Yukio Mishima and the Return to the Body Bibliography Filmography Index