SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
PART 4
PHILOSOPHY FILMS AND VIDEO SUGGESTIONS
Here are descriptions of some philosophy films that you
might find useful to change the pace of your classroom
activities or as out-of-class material to use as paper or essay
I have put together a list that includes lesser-known and older
films because I believe that it is vital for all students, but
especially for philosophy students, to learn to appreciate and
attend to more than just what is easily, immediately, and
familiarly accessible ( relevant ). The last thing we, as
philosophy teachers, want to reinforce is the demeaning
notion that today s students cannot relate to old-fashioned
As far as time issues go, I suggest showing a few key scenes
from movies (which is easy to do with videos available on
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
Finally, you will note that some films are recommended for
Movies List Numbered and Alphabetized
For your convenience, I am including an enumerated,
alphabetized list of 112 films with chapter suggestions and
chapter-by-chapter listings of more complete descriptions and
my rationale for each item and cross-references to other
chapters. These are merely possibilities and barely touch upon
the enormous range of videos that can be added as
seasonings to your course. Enjoy or ignore as you wish.
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey Chapter 16
4. Alexander the Great Chapter 6
6. Analytic Philosophy Chapter 17
8. Apartment for Peggy Introduction
10. Babette s Feast Chapter 14
12. Becket Chapter 11
14. Bruce Almighty Chapter 8
16. Butterfly and the Diving Bell, The
Chapter 15
18. Charly Chapter 12
20. Citizen Kane Chapter 4
22. Clockwork Orange, A Chapter 15
23. Columbo Chapter 4
25. Crimes and Misdemeanors Chapter 3
27. Defending Your Life Chapter 6
28. Disputation: A Theological Debate
Between Christians and Jews, The
Chapter 8
30. Doll s House, A Chapter 18
32. Eleni Chapter 11
34. Emperor s Club, The Chapters 4, 6, 12, 18
36. Faithkeeper, The Chapter 1
38. Ferris Bueller s Day Off Chapter 3
40. First World, The Chapters 2, 5
42. Fountainhead, The Chapter 16
44. Galileo Overview of Modern Themes,
Chapter 9
46. Gladiator Chapter 7
48. Gospel According to St. Matthew, The
Chapter 13
50. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer s Stone
Chapter 1
52. How to Succeed in Business without
Really Trying Chapter 3
55. Inherit the Wind Chapter 10
57. It s a Wonderful Life Chapter 6
59. Judgment at Nuremberg Chapter 11
61. Kingdom of Heaven, The Chapter 8
63. Local Hero Chapter 13
65. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the
Ring Introduction
67. Love and Death Chapter 14
69. Malcolm X Chapter 18
71. Matrix, The Chapters 5, 9
73. Modern Times Chapter 13
75. My Name Is Bill W Chapter 15
77. Night and Fog Chapters 8, 10, 16, 17, 18
79. One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest
Chapter 14
81. Paper Chase, The Chapters 4, 12, 18
83. Plato s Apology: The Life and Teachings
of Socrates Chapter 4
85. Razor s Edge, The Chapters 2, 8
87. Rope Chapter 16
134
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
88. Schindler s List Chapter 11
90. Secret of My Success, The Chapter 3
92. Shadows and Fog Chapter 14
94. Søren Kierkegaard Chapter 14
96. Spirit and Nature Chapter 1
98. Swimmer, The Chapter 14
100. Thelma and Louise Chapter 18
102. Things to Come Chapter 18
104. Waking Life Chapters 5, 9
106. Weapons of the Spirit Chapters 8, 18
108. Who ll Stop the Rain? Chapters 7, 16
109. Wild River Chapter 12
111. Wind and the Lion, The Chapters 7, 16
112. Wittgenstein Chapter 17
Chapter-by-Chapter Film Suggestions
Introduction: Philosophy and the Search for Wisdom
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
135
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Apartment for Peggy (1948, 98 minutes): Romantic comedy
about a World War II vet going to college on the GI Bill and
the problems that ensue when his wife starts an informal
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, 178
minutes) and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer s Stone (2001,
152 minutes): Gandolf and Dumbledore provide more
opportunities to discuss common concepts of the wise man or
Star Wars (1977, 121 minutes) and The Empire Strikes Back
(1980, 124 minutes): Star Wars s Obi-Wan Kenobi is what
might be called a new-age wise man, and Empire s Yoda
isn t even human, but both characters represent entertaining
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
Overview of Classical Themes
Troy (2004, 163 minutes, 196 minutes for the director s cut):
Interesting, truncated treatment of Homer s Iliad with
impressive performances by Brian Cox (Agamemnon), Peter
OToole (Priam), and Eric Bana (Hector). The contrast
Chapter 1: The Asian Sages: Lao-tzu, Confucius, and Buddha
Buddhism: The Path to Enlightenment (1978, 35 minutes,
The Faithkeeper (Mystic Fire Video, 58 minutes): Bill Moyers
talks with Oren Lyons, the Faithkeeper and a chief of the
Little Buddha (1994, 123 minutes): This touching and
entertaining story about a little boy who might be the
reincarnation of a Tibetan monk includes scenes from
the life of Buddha. What does it mean to be the
same entity reborn into an entirely different body,
culture, and time? Can such claims be verified?
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
137
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Principles and Practice of Zen, The (Films for the Humanities
& Sciences, 100 minutes): Fascinating look at the rigors faced
by a student priest of the Zen school of Buddhism.
The Razor s Edge (1984, 128 minutes): Bill Murray s version
of the story of a young man s spiritual quest. This movie was
Chapter 2: The Presocratic Sophos
The First World (1990, 53 minutes, Insight Media): Highly
acclaimed examination of the relationship between
Pythagoras s theory of numbers and Plato s philosophy; also
explores the subsequent influences of these two philosophies
in art, science, and politics. Also appropriate for Chapter 6.
Soul (1993, three 50-minute videos, Insight Media): This BBC
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
138
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Chapter 3: The Sophist: Protagoras
Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989, 104 minutes): Woody
Allen s sly take on modernity provides an entertaining
prompt for discussing the ring of Gyges as well as challenging
us to justify ethics without God
Ferris Bueller s Day Off (1986, 103 minutes): An amoral look
at an amoral character. Makes deceit, cleverness, and
persuasive skill ends-in-themselves. Raises important
The Ring of Gyges (1978, 30 minutes, Insight Media): A
modern-day version of Plato s parable and discussion of the
possibility of objective moral standards.
The Secret of My Success (1987, 110 minutes) and How to
Succeed in Business without Really Trying (1967, 121
Wall Street (1987, 124 minutes): The Charlie Sheen character
must choose between bourgeois capitalist values and his
Chapter 4: The Wise Man: Socrates
Barefoot in Athens (1960, 76 minutes, Films for the
Humanities & Sciences): Maxwell Anderson s tragic comedy
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
139
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
The Chosen (1981, 108 minutes): Rod Steiger s performance
as a Hasidic rabbi is superb. Great example of an archetype of
wisdom and interesting interplay between the rabbi and his
Citizen Kane (1941, 119 minutes): Often ranked as the finest
American movie, Orson Welles s portrait of a ruthless,
damaged business tycoon raises a slew of philosophical
questions: Can we ever truly know ourselves? Is childhood
destiny? Is money a source of happiness or a trap?
Columbo (just about any early episode): What if Socrates
were a bumbling, just-one-more-question detective? Peter
The Emperor s Club (2002, 108 minutes): A classics instructor
tries to teach a defiant, privileged student about virtue and
character. What constitutes great teaching? Would Socrates
survive in a modern school? What is the relationship between
formal education and life? And can virtue be taught in
school? Also useful for Chapter 6 regarding eudaimonia,
Chapter 12 regarding Mill s notions of education, and Chapter
18.
History Boys (2006, 112 minutes): Rollicking story of eight
boys who choose to spend an extra term in school preparing
for entrance exams to England s finest universities, even
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
140
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
The Paper Chase (1973, 111 minutes): John Houseman s
portrayal of Professor Kingsfield is a tour de force example of
Plato s Apology: The Life and Teachings of Socrates (1962,
30 minutes, Insight Media): A basic assessment of Socrates
Chapter 5: The Philosopher-King: Plato
Animal Farm (1955, 72 minutes): Animated version of George
Orwell s timely political fable in which the animals overthrow
the cruel farmer only to impose a tyranny of their own based
Dark City (1998, 111 minutes): This less-well-known film
raises many of the same philosophical questions as The
The First World (1990, 53 minutes, Insight Media): Highly
acclaimed examination of the relationship between
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
141
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Greek Fire (1989, 25 minutes, Insight Media): An exploration
of Plato s Allegory of the Cave, rule by a philosopher-king,
and the death of Socrates.
The Matrix (1999, 136 minutes): This violent virtual reality
special effects extravaganza manages to raise a number of
Waking Life (2001, 100 minutes): A man floats in and out of
philosophical discussions about reality in this animated story.
Chapter 6: The Naturalist: Aristotle
Alexander the Great (1956, 136 minutes): Very interesting
biopic that captures the look and (occasionally) some of the
feel of Alexander (Richard Burton) and his more primitive
father Philip (Fredric March). Some stirring images of
The Chosen (1981, 108 minutes): Rod Steiger s performance
as a Hasidic rabbi is superb. Great example of an archetype of
wisdom and interesting interplay between the rabbi and his
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
142
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Defending Your Life (1991, 112 minutes): After being killed
in an automobile accident, comedian Albert Brooks spends
four days in Judgment City, trying to prove that he overcame
fear and lived life to the fullest. If he can t, he must return to
Earth. If he can successfully defend his life, he gets to go on
to a higher level. Light comedy raises issue of eudaimonia
versus playing it safe.
The Emperor s Club (2002, 108 minutes): Can virtue be
taught in school? A prep school teacher does his best to do
History Boys (2006, 112 minutes): Rollicking story of eight
boys who choose to spend an extra term in school preparing
for entrance exams to England s finest universities, even
though some of them are not typical candidates for
It s a Wonderful Life (1946, 129 minutes): Frank Capra s four-
star movie makes the case that our entelechy may be a form of
fate and that we may have moments of despair about having
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
143
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Jerry Maguire (1996, 139 minutes): What happens when a
man who was once willing to do anything to make money
begins to doubt the value of how he has been living? This
warm, witty comedy raises Marxian and existential questions
about what matters, about selling out, and about human
relationships. Also appropriate for Chapter 13.
Troy (2004, 163 minutes, 196 minutes for the director s cut):
Interesting, truncated treatment of Homer s Iliad with
impressive performances by Brian Cox (Agamemnon), Peter
OToole (Priam), and Eric Bana (Hector). The contrast
Chapter 7: The Stoics: Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius
Emperor and Slave: Philosophy of Roman Stoicism (1965,
29 minutes, Insight Media): Brief examination of stoicism
through the teachings of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.
Gladiator (2000, 155 minutes): Not much philosophy here, but
a cameo appearance by Richard Harris (who also played
Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer s Stone) as Marcus
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
144
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
In Love and War (1987, 100 minutes): James Woods plays
Commander James Bond Stockdale as a POW during the
Oscar Wilde (1959, 96 minutes): Fine biography of a real-life
hedonist. Wilde (1997, 118 minutes) is a more contemporary
take on Oscar Wilde s fall, as is to be expected, and is more
direct regarding Wilde s homosexuality and struggles to be
himself in Victorian England. Both films deal with the
struggle to live authentically and with self-deception,
amorality, and social prejudice. Wilde is both perpetrator and
victim. His story also works well with discussions of
Nietzsche s overman (Chapter 16), since Wilde considered
himself above conventional morality. Does genius excuse
excess? Does the deliberate pursuit of pleasure always lead to
pain?
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945, 110 minutes): Hurd
Hatfield epitomizes the kind of amoral hedonist that is often
Who ll Stop the Rain? (1978, 125 minutes): This
Nietzschean film is also an excellent presentation of a
popular notion of the stoic. On the surface, this is a movie
about drug smuggling, friendship, and betrayal. On closer
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
The Wind and the Lion (1975, 119 minutes): Sean Connery
Chapter 8: The Scholar: Thomas Aquinas
Bedazzled (1967, 105 minutes): Very interesting and
intelligent dark comedy about the struggle between God and
Satan (Peter Cook) for the soul of nebbishy Stanley (Dudley
Bruce Almighty (2003, 101 minutes): Jim Carrey plays a nice
guy who is put in the position of playing God literally
after he complains once too often about God (played by
The Disputation: A Theological Debate between Christians
The Kingdom of Heaven (2005, 194 minutes): Compelling
146
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
18).
Oh, God! (1977, 98 minutes): A comedy that s right, a
comedy about the problem of evil and God s relationship to
this world. Off-putting to some for its lighthearted
(sacrilegious?) treatment of God (played by George Burns),
this film nonetheless raises thoughtful questions and offers
answers that raise even more questions.
The Razor s Edge (1984, 128 minutes): Bill Murray s version
of the story of a young man s spiritual quest. This movie was
almost universally panned, yet it has moments of great
power. If nothing else, it is recommended as a rare attempt to
take a serious look at the search for faith and spiritual
awakening. (The 1946 Tyrone Power version is good but
probably too dated for many of today s students then, again,
being taught to appreciate art from other times is a valuable
lesson.) Also good for Chapter 1.
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
147
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Weapons of the Spirit (1989, PBS, 90 minutes): Pierre
Sauvage s film about the French Protestant village of Le
Overview of Modern Themes
Galileo (1975, 145 minutes) and Luther (1973, 112 minutes):
These two films produced by the American Film Theater are
Chapter 9: The Rationalist: René Descartes
Dark City (1998, 111 minutes): This less-well-known film
raises many of the same philosophical questions as The
Matrix. Some see it as more humane than The Matrix, but
that is for your students to ponder. Also useful for Chapter 5.
Galileo (1975, 145 minutes) and Luther (1973, 112 minutes):
These two films produced by the American Film Theater are
The Matrix (1999, 136 minutes): This violent virtual reality
special effects extravaganza manages to raise a number of
SOCCIO ARCHETYPES OF WISDOM
148
Last printed 3/14/2023 11:35:00 AM
Waking Life (2001, 100 minutes): A man floats in and out of
philosophical discussions about reality in this animated
Chapter 10: The Skeptic: David Hume
12 Monkeys (1996, 129 minutes): Terry Gilliam film about a
man traveling between a dystopian future and the past, where
he tries to discover what went wrong. Is he imagining
everything? How can he and others verify his assertions?
Candide (1960, 90 minutes): This updated version of
Voltaire s satire has Candide touring Nazi prison camps and
Inherit the Wind (1960, 128 minutes): This dramatization of
the so-called Scopes Monkey Trial fictionalizes the historic
clash between Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan