Terrence Malick and the Examined Life

"Terrence Malick is a 'philosopher as much as a movie director,' according to this erudite study of the Tree of Life filmmaker’s intellectual influences...Woessner’s careful analysis enlightens and convinces. Malick devotees should consider this essential reading." ~Publishers Weekly

"Terrence Malick finally has the interpreter he deserves in Martin Woessner, whose deep knowledge of modern philosophy and film history is evident on every page of this remarkable book. Woessner shows us how and why Malick turned to filmmaking to explore the moral and theological questions most mid-century academic philosophers had abandoned. In explaining how Malick ‘does philosophy’ through film, he demonstrates how to do intellectual history through the study of cinematic form. His book takes us to the wonder of Malick’s lifelong quest for meaning and communion with nature and the cosmos." ~Casey Nelson Blake, Columbia University

"Martin Woessner’s exploration of Terrence Malick and his work is profound, illuminating, and a delight to read. He puts this extraordinary philosopher-filmmaker in conversation with his contemporaries and understands him—not just in terms of film and philosophy—but within the wider intellectual and artistic context of his time. A fascinating book!" ~Sarah Bakewell, author of Humanly Possible: 700 years of Humanist Freethinking, Inquiry, and Hope

"Martin Woessner’s marvelous book on Terrence Malick sheds new light on the question of film and philosophy. Featuring fascinating accounts of Malick’s journey from philosopher to filmmaker, and contextualizing his films against the background of the emerging ‘New Hollywood’ generation, he shows convincingly how Malick’s work—from Badlands to A Hidden Life—can be understood as offering cinematic reflections on a philosophically examined life. A richly satisfying and compelling contribution to contemporary film-philosophy that is also a pleasure to read." ~Robert Sinnerbrink, author of Terrence Malick: Filmmaker and Philosopher