The Filmmaker's Philosopher

Traces the influence of Soviet philosopher Merab Mamardashvili on a generation of Soviet and Russian filmmakers The first study of Mamardashvili's significant influence on cinema, culture and philosophy in Russia Offers a compelling analysis of contemporary Russian filmmakers, including Alexander Sokurov, Andrey Zvyagintsev and Alexei Balabanov Provides a carefully researched study of Mamardashvili's philosophy and intellectual biography, written for scholars from all disciplines Known as the 'Georgian Socrates' of Soviet philosophy, Merab Mamardashvili was a defining personality of the late-Soviet intelligentsia. In the 1970s and 1980s, he taught required courses in philosophy at Russia's two leading film schools, helping to educate a generation of internationally prolific directors. Exploring Mamardashvili's extensive philosophical output, as well as a range of recent Russian films, Alyssa DeBlasio reveals the intellectual affinities amongst directors of the Mamardashvili generation - including Alexander Sokurov, Andrey Zvyagintsev and Alexei Balabanov. This multidisciplinary study offers an innovative way to think about film, philosophy and the philosophical potential of the moving image.