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Lacanian philosopher and cultural theorist Slavoj Žižek has been described as ‘the Elvis of cultural theory’, a misleading though at times strangely apposite title for the one-time Slovenian presidential candidate whose prodigious output includes some 50 volumes including works on Hitchcock and David Lynch.

Astra Taylor’s documentary follows its subject as he gives sell-out lectures both in the US and in Argentina, signing autographs, visiting his publisher, playing with his young son’s toys, shopping for DVDs, discussing the nature of philosophy whilst tucked up in bed, and even making an appearance on an American talk show whose silver-haired presenter proclaims of Žižek’s The Puppet and the Dwarf (2003),‘this is the most complicated book I’ve ever tried to read!’

Interspersed with animated intertitles expounding on aspects of Žižek’s theory, the film features a wonderful score by Jeremy Barnes from New Mexico outfit A Hawk and a Hacksaw and is an illuminating, entertaining glimpse into the whirlwind life of a philosopher whose declared aim is to bring philosophical thinking to the general public.

 

Pasquale Iannone on 31st March 2008
View all 52 of Pasquale Iannone's reviews