Educational Media Reviews Online

This video, in French with English subtitles, is a highly personal interview and exploration of Jacques Derrida, one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. Derrida is followed around his home, in the classroom, and on his travels as he speaks about his suffering, challenges, and questions that have conditioned his thought since his childhood in Algeria. The video is woven around excerpts of Derrida's book, Circumfession, which deals with a number of disparate themes such as religion, sexuality, hospitality, and the place of the subject in philosophy. Throughout the entire book, Derrida's overriding thread is responsibility. Footage of places of Derrida's childhood, photos of his life there, and images of Spain are displayed throughout. Filmmaker Safaa Fathy's stated goal is to show the links between Derrida's life and his work.

The film is a unique and intensely personal examination of Derrida himself, and of the development of his personal philosophy which has influenced many other twentieth century philosophers. Highly recommended for high school to college students in the areas of philosophy, twentieth century studies, and psychology.