An Encounter with Simone Weil 2010
Distributed by Line Street Productions, 232 Third Street, Unit A200, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Produced by Julia Haslett
Directed by Julia Haslett
DVD, color, 85 min.
College - General Adult
Ethics, History, Philosophy
Date Entered: 04/05/2012
Reviewed by Alexander Rolfe, Technical Services Librarian, George Fox University, Newberg, ORThis is an idiosyncratic look at Simone Weil. The extremely personal nature of it makes it less suitable for classroom use, and to some degree mars the film. To the extent that it’s a documentary about Julia Haslett and her family, it’s unassailable. To the extent that it’s a documentary about Weil, it suffers from the interpolation of current political activism as well as Haslett’s personal life. While my heart goes out to the Haslett family in their suffering, it’s not clear to me what her brother’s anxiety has to do with Simone Weil. The film also unnecessarily antagonizes those who differ politically from Haslett, yet wish to learn about Weil.
This is too bad, because the material concerning Weil is good. The salient points of her life and thought come through well, and Haslett has gone to considerable work to locate and interview people who knew her. Although one could wish its attention remained focused on Weil, this documentary remains a fruitful and thought-provoking introduction to this remarkable person.
Recommended