The film does not present a very deep or even an entirely accurate understanding of Spinoza's philosophy. But presenting Spinoza as "the Apostle of Reason," weeping, cringing, screaming, and feebly coughing blood as tuberculous saps his life away, makes for interesting viewing.
As he implores all those around him to think rationally and live honestly, the irrational fanaticism of his society grows more violent, more deceptive, and ever less sane.
As you watch (it's only 52 mins long) pay special attention to the angry mob and Spinoza's reaction to their ways.
Here's the film:
The window for it is quite misleading, I had expected it to be in a different language, then again, it'd make no sense to have subtitles for the language that it is in.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!