Cinematic Nihilism : : Encounters, Confrontations, Overcomings / / John Marmysz.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter Edinburgh University Press Complete eBook-Package 2017
• VerfasserIn: Marmysz, John,
• Place / Publishing House: Edinburgh : : Edinburgh University Press, , [2022]; ©2017
• Year of Publication: 2022
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (224 p.) :; 18 B/W illustrations

Explores the ways in which nihilism is encountered, confronted, and overcome in contemporary filmExposing 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.Read John Marmysz's discussion of Cinematic Nihilism on the Page 99 Test blogKey FeaturesA clear and thorough treatment of the history, meanings and controversies involved in debates about nihilismA unique and fresh perspective on the ways that nihilism can be a positive phenomenon that acts as a spur to human reflection and creativityOriginal 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 othersCombines philosophical depth with readable style"

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- List of Figures -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction: Plato’s Nightmare -- Part I Encounters -- Introduction -- 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 -- 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 -- 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