The Ister

Described by the great Bernard Stiegler as the most political movie he had ever seen, and by Jean-Luc Nancy as the first really philosophical movie he had seen (admittedly both philosophers appear in the film). Also listed by Robert Koehler (Variety) as the 2nd best theatrical release in the United States in 2006. I am powerless to resist the temptation to give it a score. Five of the seven interviewees have since died (as has Werner Hamacher, who made a significant contribution to a DVD extra).

Great documentary that uses Heidegger as an entry point to reflect on technology, time, memory, culture, and the meaning of human existence. There is perhaps too much to absorb in one sitting, but the carefully selected images greatly help the viewer along the way, complementing and clarifying the dialogue at relevant moments, while being appropriately suggestive in others. Stiegler's fascinating ruminations on technology and time are definitely the highlight.

A great philosophical odyssey by our fellow djross. At times poetic and experimental, at times contemplative and prosaic, Ister can be taken as a road-movie guided by Nancy, Lacoue-Labarthe and Stiegler reading Heidegger reading Hölderlin. I especially liked the critical attitude the narration takes against the German philosophy's utopic appropriation of the Greeks, who probably never existed as they were imagined by the Germans. Great tempo as well, which lets you take time and contemplate.

In paradise emerged a snake. It disrupted conserved harmony. To God, and to Adam and Eve, it meant disaster. To the fellow snakes, it meant the universe. The snake, or the criminal: using contrived means, advocating technology, advocating disruption, but also holy: able to enter paradise, symbolizes a return to the fall, at the same time a moment of birth, and rebirth. The saint, a holy criminal, is the snake interacting with paradise; in its downfall, like a river, bringing life where none was.

Had the privilege to finish it in probably the most incredible environment (thanks to coincidences), after having watched the first half five years ago. Existentially touching by putting the audience at the center of questioning the adoption of the past, and the failure and (technical and social) conditions of adoption. Careful arrangement and management of scenes produces subtle and intriguing resonance between images and the narrative. Should definitely watch it at least six times more.

Wonderful movie that elegantly exposes the legacy of Heidegger. A must-see.

"Is it fair to say that the language of philosophy is more or less writ in the manner of Final Jeopardy?" - Eric Henderson

A great documentary, one shot of which can now only seem like it is foretelling the death of the great Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe three or four years later.