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Critical Thinking , Movie About Miami Jackson's Chess Champs, Available for Download

Actors Will Hochman, Jeffry Batista, and John Leguizamo (left to right) shoot Critical Thinking in Miami.

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In the press materials for “Critical Thinking,” producer Carla Berkowitz drops this line about her reaction to reading the true story that inspired the film: “The image and story was haunting and I felt like I had a quantum shift in my perception of chess and who plays it.” The who in question are five Miami-area Black and Latino men who, along with their teacher, Mr. Martinez, brought back to their underprivileged Florida neighborhood the U.S. National Chess Championship. This happened in 1998. The film chronicles the loving camaraderie of the players and the events leading up to their victory.

In that same press release, acclaimed writer and actor John Leguizamo , who plays Martinez and also directs, states that he wanted to make this film because there were very few representations of Latin people on-screen when he was growing up. He also mentioned that the book The Bell Curve harmfully depicted people of color as being mentally inferior due to our genetics. I wondered if, like me, Leguizamo grew up in an environment where the Black and brown people he knew played chess, so that it wouldn’t seem unusual nor an anomaly that they did. Because Berkowitz’s statement really made me consider what exactly the standard issue chess player was supposed to look like.

Chess has appeared in a lot of movies, from Boaz Yakin ’s “ Fresh ” to Steven Zaillian ’s “Searching for Bobby Fisher” to 2016’s superb Mira Nair film, “ Queen of Katwe .” I even remember it being prevalent in a crappy Gary Coleman TV movie about a smart Black kid. The game always carries the same symbolic qualifier: the person who plays it has a mental capacity for strategy and is intelligent. Chess is often employed to teach life lessons in these movies, to the point where it has become a cliché that just so happens to be used differently depending on who’s playing it. This difference is something that I admit often sticks in my craw, so I found myself wrestling a bit with this movie even though it seemed to be addressing my concern.

Unlike Zaillian’s film, which I guess answers my question of what a “standard issue” chess player is supposed to look like, the protagonists in the other films I’ve mentioned, and in “Critical Thinking,” are people of color whose economical circumstances are far from ideal. This tends to be the model when minorities are seen playing chess in films, which bends the cinematic chess player cliché toward making the ability to play the game the audience’s reason to offer empathy. Sure, they’re broke, probably in crime-ridden areas and may even do a crime or two, but see, they’re smart, so it’s OK to feel for them! This line of thinking has to do with who stereotypically plays chess and who does not.

Leguizamo’s Mr. Martinez speaks to this early in “Critical Thinking” by asking why chess is never associated with brown people despite a Latin man playing a major role in its evolution. “Why don’t you think we know about him?” he asks the students in his critical thinking class before delivering a great, pointed monologue that speaks about how history is taught in schools. The script by Dito Montiel has some sharp commentary about the education system, from what gets funded to the over-reliance on test scores to the differences between Martinez’s inner city school and the posh preppy institutions who fall victim to our heroes on the tournament circuit. There’s a bit more bite than you may be expecting, and the writing is just prickly enough to balance out the moments when the film dives headfirst into its tropes. And there are numerous tropes to swim in; not only is this a sports movie, it’s also an entry in the “Beloved Teacher” genre.

Our chess champion team is comprised of Sedrick Roundtree ( Corwin C. Tuggles ), Ito Paniagua (Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), Gil Luna ( Will Hochman ), Rodelay Medina (Angel Curiel) and later, Marcel Martinez ( Jeffry Batista ) who joins the team after dispensing a hustler’s ass-whipping in a speed chess match. Their dialogue is peppered with the language the PG-13 won’t allow but realism will. Martinez is often telling them “watch your mouth” in his class, even if, in his less guarded moments, he’s prone to occasional profanity. Leguizamo gets good performances from each of them, especially in moments where you really feel the bond between teammates, both in the tournaments and in the streets. When they tell each other that they’ve got each other’s backs, there’s a real emotional pull that emanates straight from the actors.

Though this is an inspirational movie, Leguizamo and Montiel never sugarcoat the dangers of the environment their characters inhabit. The potential for violence, temporary homelessness, crime, and police harassment are always hovering in the margins, sometimes even invading the safe space of Martinez’s class or the school. An early sequence that shockingly ends in violence shows how good Leguizamo is at quickly establishing the audience’s tie to a character. When Rivera (Dre C) is thrown into critical thinking class after a disciplinary problem (“my class is not detention!” Martinez yells at frenemy Principal Kesler [ Rachel Bay Jones ]), he immediately runs afoul of Ito. Rivera’s lack of response is due to Spanish being his primary language, which may also have something to do with the infraction that got him sent to this class. Martinez talks to him in Spanish, lectures Ito and all seems well.

Rivera is then brutally assassinated in broad daylight after accidentally bumping into another person on the street. The film is barely 15 minutes old when this happens, but it immediately establishes that “Critical Thinking” has no plans of abandoning reality for its feel-good message. That sense of realism extends to the way the characters bond with, rib, and defend each other. Additionally, Leguizamo plays Martinez as someone who understands the temptations and frustrations of his students’ world. He challenges them to do for themselves because he knows all too well that the system has no intention of lending a helping hand.

Like Nair does in “Queen of Katwe,” Leguizamo also blatantly refuses to impose on poverty any notions of shame or requests for pity. “Chess is the great equalizer,” Martinez tells his team as they navigate snooty tournament heads and appearances against challengers from much posher ‘hoods. Even when things get expectedly dire for some of the characters, “Critical Thinking” remains focused on the characters’ response to the situation, never once stripping them of their dignity for cheap emotional manipulation.

Of all the team members, Sedrick has the most detailed arc. He has a girlfriend, Chanayah ( Zora Casebere ), who is supportive and tougher than she looks, and a father ( Michael Kenneth Williams ) whose sole job here is to fill that chess movie trope of the angry guy who uses chess as a means of brutal domination. Williams is an always welcome presence, but I could have done without him. Still, there is one very good moment where he shows some growth, and his son makes a snide comment that he silently acknowledges as being right.

The chess scenes are good even if you know nothing about chess. I’ve been playing since I was five, so of course I wanted more detailed representations than Leguizamo provides. I found his classroom lessons and the team’s banter about moves fascinating, and every time I was given a good look at a chessboard, I got closer to the screen to investigate. And yet, despite its acknowledgement of my aforementioned issues, I still felt a little itchy watching “Critical Thinking.” I am always game for a movie that makes me reckon with my personal feelings and biases, and I’m glad this one exists because representation will always speak volumes. If nothing else, “Critical Thinking” reminds you what a chess player can look like.

Odie Henderson

Odie "Odienator" Henderson has spent over 33 years working in Information Technology. He runs the blogs Big Media Vandalism and Tales of Odienary Madness. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Film credits.

Critical Thinking (2020)

117 minutes

John Leguizamo as Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones as Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams as Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles as Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Ito Paniagua

Angel Bismark Curiel as Rodelay Medina

Will Hochman as Gil Luna

Jeffry Batista as Marcel Martinez

Zora Casebere as Chanayah

John Leguizamo
Dito Montiel

Cinematographer

Zach Zamboni
Jamie Kirkpatrick
Chris Hajian

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Critical thinking, common sense media reviewers.

Underdog chess team defies odds but plays into stereotypes.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against t

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose su

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot a

Occasional kissing.

Frequent use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and "ass

Adults get drunk. Underage characters smoke cigare

Positive Messages

Positive themes of teamwork and defiance against the odds are prevalent. While it exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it fails to fully portray its teen characters' humanity, contributing to problematic stereotypes.

Positive Role Models

Main characters are depicted as underdogs whose success goes against everyone's expectations. Some show determination, but most play into stereotypes associated with Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- i.e., unmotivated, unintelligent jokesters. That makes it seem like their success is because of some paradoxical talent instead of their strength of character. Failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Violence & Scariness

Frequent gun use. One character is abruptly shot and killed. Another character is punched and strangled to death. Parents emotionally abuse children.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Frequent use of the words "f--k," "s--t," and "ass."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults get drunk. Underage characters smoke cigarettes. Drug dealing.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Critical Thinking is a fact-based drama about a high school chess team from an underserved community that defies the odds to make it to the U.S. National Chess Championship. Directed by and starring John Leguizamo , the movie has frequent swearing ("f--k," "s--t," etc.), underage cigarette smoking, drug dealing, punching, strangling, and gun violence that results in death. Parents emotionally abuse children. While positive themes of teamwork and overcoming challenges are prevalent, the movie's Black and Latinx teens are stereotypically depicted as unintelligent with little work ethic and their success as an anomaly. Rachel Bay Jones and Michael Kenneth Williams co-star. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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What's the Story?

In CRITICAL THINKING, teacher Mr. T ( John Leguizamo ) oversees an unofficial detention hall at Miami Jackson Senior High School, where students are sent if they're deemed troublesome. Mr. T seizes the opportunity to start a chess team, all while navigating limited resources, a school with little faith in his students' abilities, and the stressors of his students' turbulent personal lives. When the team starts to succeed, the students come up with creative fundraisers to pay for travel and lodging at their competitions. But none of this is easy. One teen faces pressures at home from an emotionally abusive father who resents his son's talents. Another is pulled into dealing drugs to make ends meet. All the while, Mr. T is the loving, encouraging adult they crave.

Is It Any Good?

This drama is the classic story of an underdog team overcoming the odds and making it all the way; unfortunately, it falls back on stereotypical characterizations to tell its tale. The Miami Jackson team seems to be in this position because its members -- Black and Latinx teens from under-resourced communities -- have historically underestimated identities. The film plays on the biases that are often held about these identities by depicting the teens as shiftless and unfocused. They're careless in their fundraising efforts, they try to pass notes during tournaments, and they use the threat of physical violence to intimidate their opponents.

Their chess skills are an afterthought, making their success feel like an anomaly. And it certainly doesn't help that a White teen joins the team as they gain momentum and becomes their shining star -- teaching the other kids new chess moves and giving them vocabulary lessons. He's the only teen character whose background, personal life, and stressors aren't explored. So while Critical Thinking is diverse in its casting and exposes some of the broken systems in public education, it misses the mark in humanizing its characters. The failure to see these kids' humanity contributes to their stereotyping, on-screen and off.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how Critical Thinking handles stereotypes and biases. Can media offer positive representations while still promoting stereotypical characterizations?

What does Critical Thinking teach viewers about student engagement and the importance of teaching things in a fun way?

What role does teamwork play in Critical Thinking ? Why is it an important character strength ?

Movie Details

In theaters : September 4, 2020
On DVD or streaming : September 4, 2020
Cast : John Leguizamo , Rachel Bay Jones , Michael Kenneth Williams
Director : John Leguizamo
Inclusion Information : Latino directors, Latino actors, Female actors
Studio : Vertical Entertainment
Genre : Drama
Topics : High School
Character Strengths : Teamwork
Run time : 117 minutes
MPAA rating : NR
Last updated : February 19, 2023

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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: All the Right Moves

John Leguizamo directs and stars in this warmhearted drama about underprivileged teenagers who enter a national chess championship.

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By Jeannette Catsoulis

Whether championing math, poetry, or just how to be a decent human being , the inspirational teacher is as familiar to movie audiences as the class stoner. “Critical Thinking” does little to detach itself from genre cliché; yet this heartfelt drama about a rough-and-tumble group of high-schoolers who claw their way to a national chess tournament has a sweetness that softens its flaws.

Based on a true story and set in an underserved Miami neighborhood in 1998, the movie drops us into the boisterous classroom of Mr. Martinez (played by the director, John Leguizamo).

“Chess is the great equalizer,” he tells his multiethnic students, using the game to teach his critical thinking elective — with a side of racial history discouraged by his school board. The principal (Rachel Bay Jones) might treat his classroom like a dumping ground for miscreants, but Martinez, assisted by wigs and funny accents, explains complicated chess moves with a deftness that cuts through their indifference.

With goals as modest as the lives of its characters, “Critical Thinking” follows the predictable arc of the underdog drama as the chess team overcomes troubled home situations and other setbacks on the road to a Beverly Hills-set finale. Slow and straightforward, the movie knows that a chess match is hardly a barnburner; but its lively young performers and their eventual triumph are easy to warm to. Drugs and gangs might beckon — and immigration officers hover just outside the frame — but they’re no match for the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. And Mr. Martinez’s pep talks.

Critical Thinking Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 57 minutes. Watch through virtual cinemas, or rent or buy on iTunes , Google Play and other streaming platforms and pay TV operators.

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‘Critical Thinking’ Review: John Leguizamo’s Inspirational High-School Chess Drama

The true story of the Miami Jackson High chess team — five brainy wizards from the inner city — is told in a rousing but conventional way.

By Owen Gleiberman

Owen Gleiberman

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“ Critical Thinking ” is one of those up-from-the-streets high-school competition movies where just mentioning the true story it’s based on kind of gives the game away. Set in 1998, it’s about the five chess wizards from Miami Jackson High who became the first inner-city chess team to win the National Championship. Boom! But, of course, it’s how they got there that matters, and even if this movie weren’t based on a true story, you’d know more or less know where it’s going. “Critical Thinking” has some appealing young actors, and it’s been directed, by John Leguizamo (who costars as the film’s tough-saint teacher), in a way that gives them the space to clown around and then get serious. It’s still, in the end, a bit of a connect-the-inspirational-dots movie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be inspired.

Leguizamo plays Mario Martinez, who teaches an elective class in chess at Miami Jackson, where his students call him “Mr. T.” They’re a rowdy, bellicose, street-smart bunch, hard to control in class, so at first we think we’re seeing one of those movies, like “Stand and Deliver” or “To Sir, with Love,” about a captivatingly square gadfly instructor who shows a bunch of underprivileged kids how to transcend the expectations (or lack thereof) that have been thrust upon them.

In a way, “Critical Thinking” is one of those movies, though with a crucial caveat: The basic training — the intellectual whipping into shape — has all happened before the drama even starts. Martinez, in his thankless underpaid plaid-shirts-off-the-rack way, is beloved by his students, and he has taught them well; they’re chess players who’ve got the game in their blood. (It’s the only thing that gets them to settle down .) Leguizamo, who spent a number of his early one-man stage shows sketching in (often quite brilliantly) the lives of young people from a similar background, knows how to create scenes that bubble with spontaneity. And he himself plays Martinez with an effusive, slightly weary middle-aged demeanor that’s touching, because what he nails is the unabashed corniness of certain great high-school teachers — their willingness to put on a show for their kids, to turn the life of the mind into energized nerd theater.

At one point, using the magnetic chess board at the front of the class, he plays out a chess match authored (and recorded) by Paul Morphy in 1858, and he makes it sound as exciting as something on Roblox. He employs silly accents (Southern, French, Austrian) and puts on wigs and fake beards to enact the game, and he draws the kids into it, challenging them in his geek-with-cool-slang way (“Why is it a wack move, Sedrick? Don’t just talk to me, man, show me!”).

It’s one of the only scenes where we actually witness the mechanics of chess, and while that’s always a challenge for a chess drama (there’s only so much it can lure the lay audience into the heady intricacies of the game), I wish the students’ connection with chess were less of a given, and a little less abstract. Watching “Critical Thinking,” you’d never even know that the art of chess is rooted in thinking several moves ahead. Yet Leguizamo stages the matches with percussive power, the kids pounding their time clocks even as their eyes burrow into the board like lasers.

Much of the film’s appeal lies in the way it revels in chess as a pure symbol of leveling the playing field of opportunity. As Mr. T explains, chess is “the great equalizer.” It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are, what Ivy League college or prison you’re in: The elemental nature of the game shears away everything but intellectual ability. So in a drama like “Critical Thinking,” where five students (four Latinx and one African-American) bust out of a high school with limited resources to attend a series of tournaments, there’s a democracy-in-action, anyone-can-win-in-America spirit.

The actors are terrific; the roles, as written, less so. Leguizamo is working from a script, by Dito Montiel, that walks the line between lived-in experience and overboiled cliché. Sedrick is played by Corwin Tuggles, who has a great pensive face, and he lends conviction to the character’s struggles at home. But it still feels like a contrivance that his father (Michael Kenneth Williams), an angry curmudgeon who treats his son’s chess victories as if they were beneath contempt, is also…the guy who plays chess with him every day! The other pivotal character is the canny hothead Ito (Jorge Lendeborg Jr,.), who begins to moonlight as a drug dealer, and though it’s not that we don’t buy it, it plays out like one of those obligatory flirtation-with-delinquency subplots from the 1980s.

There’s also a newly arrived immigrant from Cuba who joins the class — a sleek prodigy named Marcel (Jeffrey Batista), who can play (and win) four simultaneous games with his eyes closed. Always good to have someone like that on your team! As likable an actor as Leguizamo is, “Critical Thinking” never generates the teacher/student face-off intensity that “Stand and Deliver” did. The issue of how the team members fund their trips, with Martinez having to win over a skeptical principal (Rachel Bay Jones), creates some tension along the sidelines, yet once these kids start to win their tournaments it seems like they can do no wrong. The picture is pleasant enough, but watching it you’re always one or two moves ahead.

Production: A Vertical Entertainment release of a Chaplin/Berkowitz production, in association with NRSP, Cinema Veritas. Producers: Scott Rosenfelt, Jason Mandl. Executive producers: Harvey R. Chaplin, Carla Berkowitz, Emilio Estefan Jr.
Crew: Director: John Leguizamo. Screenplay: Dito Montiel. Camera: Zach Zambone. Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick. Music: Chris Hajian.
With: John Leguizamo, Corwin Tuggles, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Will Hochman, Angel Curiel, Jeffrey Batista, Michael Kenneth Williams, Rachel Bay Jones, Zora Casebere.

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John Leguizamo On Why It Was So Important To Make Critical Thinking - Exclusive

Seventeen years after making his directorial debut with the HBO original movie Undefeated , acclaimed actor John Leguizamo is back behind the camera for his first turn as a feature film director with Critical Thinking – the true-life story of how a group of Black and Latino high schoolers in the late 1990s had their lives transformed by competitive chess.

Set in 1998, the film chronicles the tragedy and triumphs of the members of the Miami Jackson High School chess team — Sedrick Roundtree (Corwin C. Tuggles), Ito Paniagua (Jorge Leneborg Jr.), Rodelay Medina (Angel Bismark Curiel), Gil Luna (Will Hochman) and Marcel Martinez (Jeffry Batista) — as they defy the odds in their bid to become first inner-city chess team to ever win the U.S. National Chess Championship.

Leguizamo also stars in Critical Thinking in the pivotal supporting role of Mario Martinez, a teacher who started the high school's elective chess course and a coach of the Miami Jackson chess team. He recently spoke with Looper about the film in an exclusive interview, revealing why making the film was so important to him.

Establishing identity, writing your own history

Critical Thinking examines several socially relevant themes, as Coach Martinez impresses upon his players that the competition will also give them the opportunity to establish their own identity. With the lack of stories of minority groups in the history books, the coach believes chess — which he dubs "the great equalizer" — will not only give the players a chance to discover their identity, but also offer an opportunity to make their own history in the process.

As empowering as the story is in Critical Thinking , it still took 22 years before it was made into a movie — a fact that sadly didn't take Leguizamo by surprise.

"That's kind of part of a problem in the industry — Latin exclusion — because why was this movie so hard to make? It was really well-written by Dito Montiel, and I pitched it around, but the studios and streamers just don't see the value of Latin stories," Leguizamo said. "That's why I had to do it independently. They were telling me [with their] Hollywood wisdom, 'Latin people don't want to see Latin people' and 'Latin people don't want to see feel good movies' — all this BS — and you're like, 'Come on, man.' We're the largest ethnic group in America, we're 25 percent of the U.S. box office, but with less than three percent of the faces in front of the camera and way less behind it, and less than one percent of the stories. And then you see where the problem is. The problem is the studios, because there are no Latin executives, they don't see our stories as valuable."

Putting his money where his (Mambo) Mouth is

In an odd sort of way, the plight for Leguizamo to get Critical Thinking made and the odds the chess players faced in the film made mirrored his own struggles to find his identity in Hollywood. Before landing roles in such features as Casualties of War , Super Mario Bros. , Moulin Rouge! , the Ice Age films, and John Wick and its first sequel; and such TV series and miniseries such as ER , Bloodline , Waco and When They See Us , Leguizamo said he was only rarely offered roles. And when he was offered roles, they were often wrought with stereotypes, like drug dealers and other seedy characters.

As a result, Leguizamo decided to create his own identity with the 1991 one-man stage show Mambo Mouth – the production that the actor-playwright calls a huge "turning point."

"The coin dropped in — the proverbial coin — and it was the 'a-ha!' moment. I realized I didn't see myself represented anywhere and I couldn't identify. There were no stories that were about me or my people, and I felt like I needed to do something to acknowledge that," Leguizamo said. "So, I wrote Mambo Mouth and then, 'Boom!' Critics loved it, white audiences and Black audiences loved it, and Latino audiences found me. And when Latin audiences found me, that was the turning point because we found each other."

Leguizamo said the moment proved to be a major accomplishment personally – Mambo Mouth served as a springboard to other one-man show including John Leguizamo: Ghetto Klown and John Leguizamo: Latin History for Morons – and he realized he could use the value of the show's success to encourage others to do the same.

"Now I could create for them and they could come and support me, and then it became sort of a nurturing spawning ground for a lot of future writers and creators and performers," Leguizamo said. "I'm glad to be a part of that revolutionary moment."

While there have been failures and rejections along the way, Leguizamo uses the adversity to grow as a performer and a filmmaker: "It makes you strong. It forges you." He added with a smile, "As an actor, I've been rejected my whole entire life. Luckily, my growing up prepared me for Hollywood — or Holly-wouldn't."

Critical Thinking debuts on video on demand on Friday, September 4.

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Critical Thinking

Where to watch.

Watch Critical Thinking with a subscription on Netflix, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.

What to Know

Strategic in delivering all the feels, Critical Thinking is a good old-fashioned underdog story that marks a winning directorial debut for John Leguizamo.

Critics Reviews

Audience reviews, cast & crew.

John Leguizamo

Mario Martinez

Rachel Bay Jones

Principal Kestel

Michael Kenneth Williams

Mr. Roundtree

Corwin C. Tuggles

Sedrick Roundtree

Jorge Lendeborg

Ito Paniagua

The Hollywood Outsider – Film and Television Podcast | Reviews An award-winning film and television podcast for the fan in all of us

Critical Thinking | SXSW 2020 Film Review

Amanda M. Sink March 22, 2020

The intellectual sport of chess teaches patience, the importance of rational thinking, consequences, and how to re-strategize when an obstacle presents itself. Pair that with a passionate teacher whose faith in his students’ abilities is unwavering and you get the true story behind Critical Thinking .

Mario Martinez ( John Leguizamo ) is a Cuban-American instructor at a Miami high school in the 90’s with a classroom full of students whose behavior is often less than acceptable. But those students are enduring a battle much stronger on the streets at home. These disadvantaged minorities are pushed to the wayside by the school system that only seems to care about the kids who already have what they need to succeed.

Recognizing this failure, and after losing a kid to the street war zone, Mr. Martinez resists. Nothing will keep him from helping his students find a way out of war, drugs, and death. For Martinez, that means chess. He uses this to group them together and find solace in a skillful craft that they can feel accomplished in. As the film progresses, Martinez’s students must face the duel both at home and in the game of chess, if they want to make it to Nationals.

Martinez is the teacher we all wish we could have had, remember having, or aspire to be, because of the level of impact he has on his students and the lengths to which he will go for them to reach their full potential. He doesn’t make excuses for them, even the ones who have to work third shift all night and come into class late. It may seem harsh but the reality is that life doesn’t give you breaks when you want or need them. Leguizamo perfectly encapsulates the essence of Martinez in his performance.

Outside of Leguizamo, the cast is filled to the brim with talent. Young actors that do more than just fill screen time, but make you care about their character’s story. Jorge Lendeborg Jr. plays “Ito”, the struggling youth who works every night to help pay the bills. Lendeborg’s take is one that resonates deeply with those who understand the turmoil he’s enduring. Despite his fits of anger and picking fights, it’s clear Ito is a smart kid.

The other stand out casting comes from the Roundtree household. Sedrick Roundtree (Corwin C. Tuggles) knows all about the game of chess, seeing as he plays it with his father (Michael Kenneth Williams). The two have a close but tumultuous relationship since Sedrick’s mother passed away, and Mr. Roundtree is living in a constant state of devastation. It felt so authentic seeing Michael Kenneth Williams laying on a couch reeling through his pain, holding an image of his wife one minute, and then later becoming reactionary and aggressive when he’s having a drink.

Leguizamo’s directorial debut is overall a successful one. The story alone is intense and inspiring, and his cast stands alongside his own fabulous performance the whole way through. A lack of subtitles when another language is being spoken and a need to flesh out one character that arrives midway through are really the only downfalls of Critical Thinking .

A chronicle about surviving despite the odds and in the face of dire consequences, Critical Thinking reminds us all the importance of planning our next move.

The Hollywood Outsider Review Score

Performances - 6.5, screenplay - 6.5, production - 6.5.

A chronicle about surviving despite the odds and in face of the consequences, Critical Thinking reminds us all the importance of planning our next move.

About Amanda M. Sink

Critical Thinking (2020): Where Was the Movie Filmed?

Based on the actual events that transpired in 1998 involving the Miami Jackson High School chess team, ‘Critical Thinking’ is a 2020 biographical drama movie directed by John Leguizamo. Set in the late 90s , it follows a group of exceptional teens guided by a passionate chess coach named Mario Martinez, who believes in their potential to go all the way, despite all the ongoing hardships in each player’s life. Mr. ‘T’ Martinez considers chess not just a sport but an equalizer that is all about how you play the game with your mind, independent of where you come from.

With this ideology, the coach attempts to lead his team to victory on the battlefield of a chess tournament and make them the first inner city team to win the U.S. National Chess Championship. Alongside John Leguizamo, the movie features talented actors like Rachel Bay Jones, Michael Kenneth Williams, Corwin C. Tuggles, Angel Bismark Curiel, and Will Hochman. Moreover, the setting of the chess tournaments, the high school, and the street scenes give us a glimpse into the team’s life beyond the chess board. Naturally, it makes one wonder where ‘Critical Thinking’ was shot. Well, in that case, you might be interested in what we have to share about the same!

Critical Thinking Filming Locations

‘Critical Thinking’ was filmed entirely in Florida, specifically in Miami, Hialeah, and Hallandale Beach. As per reports, the principal photography for the chess movie commenced in November 2018 and wrapped up in 20 days or so in December of the same year. During a conversation with Third Coast Review in September 2020, director John Leguizamo was asked about his approach to shooting the chess matches and how he made it as exciting to watch as it is in the movie. He said, “That was tricky, man. Even though I love chess, it’s not the most exciting thing to watch.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Leguizamo (@johnleguizamo)

“I watched a ton of games on YouTube, and I was like, ‘Wow, how do I not make a movie that has people running out of the theater screaming how bored they were?’ So I wanted to make it like a sports movie, like a boxing movie. I approached it that way, with championships, different fights, the two opponents, and they duke it out. With my great director of photography, Zach Zamboni, we planned how we were going to do it, how we were going to make it exciting, how we were going to make those chess pieces bigger than life, how you make the moves like a punch or a flurry of punches, and we picked up those rhythms from boxing ,” Leguizamo added.

In an early September 2020 interview with SAGIndie , Leguizamo was asked if there were any difficult scenes to shoot. To this, he replied, “I gotta say, that last (chess) sequence was really brutal. And thanks to the actors, because each one had 60 moves that they had to memorize. Then I had these great consultants. Marcel Martinez, the real kid who was in that scene – now a grown man – he was there, and we studied that competition and all those moves. He would help us when the actors would forget – because it’s hard to memorize all those movies – he would yell them out, and we’d have to reshoot it.”

Furthermore, before the production team started shooting, Leguizamo demanded the cast members memorize their moves to perfection if they wanted to be in the movie and made them rehearse 12 hours every day to make them seem like professional chess players. Now, without further ado, let us take you through all the specific sites that appear in the drama movie!

Miami, Florida

Most of ‘Critical Thinking’ was lensed in Miami, a coastal metropolis in South Florida. The filming unit seemingly utilized the premise of the original Miami Jackson Senior High School at 1751 Northwest 36th Street to shoot most of the scenes set in the school. Besides that, several exterior portions of the movie were taped in and around the Liberty City and Overtown neighborhoods, both in Miami.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruben Brown (@ruben_e_a_brown)

Other Locations in Florida

Additional portions for ‘Critical Thinking’ were recorded in some other Florida cities, including Hialeah and Hallandale Beach. Specifically, during the production schedule, the cast and crew members were spotted lensing some key sequences in Hialeah Senior High School at 251 East 47th Street in Hialeah. Located in Miami-Dade County, Hialeah is the sixth-largest city in the state and the second-largest in population in the Miami metropolitan area.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Critical Thinking♟ (@criticalthinkingmovie)

Read More: Is Critical Thinking a True Story?

Best Movies for Critical Thinking: Top Picks to Challenge Your Mind

In today’s fast-paced world, movies have become an essential source of entertainment and learning, providing viewers with thought-provoking stories that challenge their intellect. One of the many subgenres of films that cater to this need is the category of movies for critical thinking. These films captivate audiences by presenting complex narratives that delve into unique philosophical concepts, moral dilemmas, and intricate character developments. A compelling critical thinking movie will often challenge perception and reality, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of humanity and the universe.

Such movies encompass a range of genres, from mind-bending dramas to thrilling science fiction. Critical thinking films often explore multi-layered philosophical themes and beliefs, offering distinct perspectives on the human condition and providing valuable insights into how we perceive the world around us. Ultimately, these movies aim to inspire audiences to think critically and question their pre-existing assumptions about life, society, and existence.

Key Takeaways

Critical thinking movies span various genres, offering complex narratives that promote intellectual engagement.
These films often explore philosophical themes and beliefs while challenging common perceptions of reality.
Through captivating stories, critical thinking movies encourage viewers to reflect on their own understanding of humanity and the universe.

Understanding Critical Thinking

Definition and importance.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment. It involves evaluating the validity of arguments, identifying biases, and considering different perspectives to make informed decisions. Critical thinking is essential in various areas of life, as it helps individuals to solve problems, make better choices, and foster deeper understanding.

The importance of critical thinking cannot be overstated. It enables critical thinkers to navigate complex situations, think creatively, and approach new challenges with confidence. It equips individuals to discern truth from falsehood, judge the credibility of sources, and differentiate between reliable and misleading information. By fostering critical thinking skills, people become more adept at reasoning, problem solving, and effective communication.

Relation with Movies

Movies can be a potent tool for promoting critical thinking. They offer diverse settings, complex characters, and intricate storylines that stimulate the mind and encourage viewers to engage with thought-provoking content. Many movies drive viewers to analyze the narrative, events, and character motivations, pushing them to exercise their critical thinking abilities.

Films like Inception and A Beautiful Mind challenge viewers to employ critical thinking by exploring complicated storylines and themes. These movies encourage audiences to deconstruct the elements of the plot, evaluate the motivations and actions of characters, and critically assess the impact of choices made within the story. By engaging with complex narratives, viewers develop a deeper understanding of the world portrayed in the film and enhance their own critical thinking skills as they explore various perspectives and theories.

Critical Thinking in Dramas

Forrest gump.

Forrest Gump is a captivating drama that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the life of its titular character, played by Tom Hanks. Set in America, the movie follows Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ, as he navigates various real-life historical events and situations. Through his innocent yet profound perspective, the film encourages viewers to critically examine themes such as acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation.

The character of Forrest Gump teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and determination, challenging the audience’s critical thinking abilities while presenting a heartfelt story. This thought-provoking movie serves as a right of passage for those seeking a deeper understanding of life’s complexities.

Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting is another remarkable drama that fosters critical thinking. The film revolves around a young, self-taught mathematics prodigy, Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon, who faces the challenges of living in a tough, working-class environment in America. The movie delves into real-life issues of identity, relationships, and personal growth while presenting an enthralling story of brilliance, vulnerability, and human connection.

As the protagonist navigates through the intricacies of life and academia, the audience is encouraged to examine their own understanding of success, potential, and self-worth. Through Will’s journey to confront his past and pursue his extraordinary talent, Good Will Hunting provides an excellent opportunity for viewers to reflect and engage their critical thinking skills.

Exploring Philosophy and Beliefs through Movies

The Matrix is a groundbreaking science fiction film that invites audiences to question their beliefs about reality. The movie centers on the character of Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, who discovers that his entire world is actually a simulated reality called the Matrix. Throughout the film, themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality are explored in a compelling narrative. As it portrays a world where nothing is what it seems, The Matrix challenges viewers to critically examine their own beliefs and assumptions about the world around them.

The Truman Show

Another film that delves into the world of illusions is The Truman Show . This unique story captures the life of Truman, an unwitting participant in a reality TV show that is, unbeknownst to him, centered around his every move. As Truman starts to unravel the truth about his artificial world, the film delves into philosophical questions about the nature of existence, the role of the media in shaping our perceptions, and the importance of personal freedom. With its thought-provoking concepts, The Truman Show encourages critical thinking in the exploration of reality and the human experience.

Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas is an ambitious film that takes viewers on a whirlwind journey through multiple time periods, exploring the interconnectedness of human lives across time and space. With its complex narrative structure and a wide range of characters, the film delves into themes of reincarnation, interconnectedness, and the impact of individual actions on the greater world. By weaving together seemingly disparate storylines, Cloud Atlas prompts viewers to contemplate the deeper connections that bind humanity together, inviting them to reflect on their own beliefs and philosophies about the nature of existence and the impact of individual choices on the world.

Movies that Challenge Perception and Reality

Inception is a groundbreaking film that delves into the world of dreams and the manipulation of the human mind. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this psychological thriller introduces us to the concept of dream-sharing and dives deep into the complexities of the subconscious. The film follows a group of skilled professionals, led by Dom Cobb (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who specialize in extracting ideas from people’s minds through shared dreaming. Inception challenges our perception of reality in unique ways, pushing the boundaries of film storytelling and leaving viewers questioning the nature of their own dreams and realities.

Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich is a quirky, surreal, and thought-provoking film directed by Spike Jonze. The story centers on a puppeteer, Craig Schwartz (played by John Cusack), who discovers a mysterious portal in his office that allows people to enter the mind of actor John Malkovich. This bizarre premise raises intriguing philosophical questions about identity, ego, and the nature of reality. As the film unfolds, the lines between the real world, the fantasy world, and the life of John Malkovich blur together, challenging our preconceived notions of perception and self-awareness.

Shutter Island

Shutter Island is a suspenseful psychological thriller directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. The film revolves around two U.S. Marshals, Teddy Daniels (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (played by Mark Ruffalo), who are sent to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from an isolated mental institution on Shutter Island. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover disturbing truths and confront the terrifying reality that their own sanity is at stake. The film is filled with twists and turns, constantly shifting the viewer’s perception of what is real and what isn’t, while exploring the complexity of human consciousness and the power of the mind.

These movies provide audiences with engaging and fascinating narratives that challenge our grasp on reality and perception. Through their thought-provoking storylines and inventive filmmaking techniques, Inception, Being John Malkovich, and Shutter Island inspire critical thinking and ignite our curiosity about the world around us.

Critical Thinking in Time and Space Movies

Predestination.

Predestination is a fascinating take on time travel, centered on the concept of a temporal agent who tries to prevent crimes before they happen. The movie keeps viewers on their toes, exploring themes of fate, free will, and identity. The protagonist’s journey through various time periods challenges the audience to think critically about the nature of time and the consequences of attempting to control it.

Interstellar

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Interstellar is a thought-provoking space odyssey that plays with complex theories of time, space, and the future of humanity. The plot follows a team of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new home for humanity as Earth is on the verge of collapse. The movie stretches the boundaries of science fiction with ideas about black holes, time dilation, and artificial intelligence. The viewer is encouraged to think critically about humanity’s role in the cosmos and the potential consequences of tampering with the fabric of time and space.

2001: A Space Odyssey

Regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction, 2001: A Space Odyssey delves deep into themes of human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The movie’s enigmatic presentation of past, present, and future leaves viewers questioning the true nature of reality and human existence. The audience is introduced to HAL 9000, an artificial intelligence system that develops a malfunction with disastrous consequences. This storyline provokes questions about the ethical development and application of AI technology, pushing the viewer to think critically about the relationship between humans and advanced technology.

Movies Encouraging Reflection on Self and Humanity

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a thought-provoking film that delves into the concept of human memory and emotions. Starring Jim Carrey, this movie portrays the desire to erase painful memories in order to move on from a failed relationship. As the story unfolds, it offers a profound look into the soul, highlighting how memories define who we are and help us grow. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and evaluate the importance of embracing both joyful and sorrowful moments in life.

Life of Pi is a visually stunning and deeply contemplative film that centers around a young man named Pi, who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger following a shipwreck. As he navigates the challenges of survival, the movie delves into themes of spirituality, faith, and the human will to live. The story provides an opportunity for viewers to examine their beliefs, question reality, and consider the role of storytelling in the perception of truth. Through Pi’s journey, Life of Pi offers insights into the complexities of human nature and encourages reflection on the evolution of our convictions and values.

Contagion is a gripping thriller that depicts the spread of a highly contagious and deadly virus. While the primary focus of the movie is on the epidemic and the race to find a cure, it offers a sobering exploration of human behavior in the face of a global crisis. The fear and panic exhibited by characters serve as a reminder of the fragility of society and the importance of cooperation and compassion in times of adversity. Examining the responses of individuals, government agencies, and the media, Contagion triggers discussions on ethics, social responsibility, and the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of chaos.

Critical Thinking in Thriller Movies

Primer is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that leaves viewers questioning the nature of time and the consequences of playing with it. The movie’s complex narrative structure and attention to scientific detail encourage critical thinking in the audience. Directed by Shane Carruth, Primer tells the story of two engineers who accidentally discover time travel and grapple with the ethical implications of their newfound power. The film challenges viewers to think critically about the role that technology plays in our lives, as well as the potential dangers and moral dilemmas associated with scientific advancement.

Memento is another example of a psychological thriller that inspires critical thinking. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film follows the story of Leonard, a man suffering from short-term memory loss, as he tries to unravel the truth about his wife’s murder. The movie is structured in such a way that it mimics Leonard’s disjointed memory, with scenes unfolding in reverse order. This unique storytelling technique engages viewers on a deeper level and promotes critical thinking by forcing them to piece together the narrative on their own. Memento also raises questions about the reliability of memory and the lengths people will go to create a sense of meaning in their lives.

V for Vendetta

V for Vendetta is a thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of political oppression, resistance, and personal freedom. Set in a dystopian future where Britain is ruled by a totalitarian regime, the film follows the mysterious anarchist ‘V’ and his quest to dismantle the fascist government. Directed by James McTeigue and featuring performances from Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, this movie challenges viewers to critically assess the role of government, the importance of individual liberties, and the true meaning of freedom.

Throughout these thriller films, notable actors such as Hugh Jackman and Brad Pitt have portrayed characters experiencing paranoia and the consequences of difficult choices. Directors like Darren Aronofsky have also contributed to the genre, crafting narratives that leave audiences questioning their understanding of reality and the human psyche. These movies prompt viewers to engage in critical thinking as they navigate intricate plotlines, consider ethical dilemmas, and grapple with philosophical questions.

Appreciating Movies as Art and Stories

Cinema has long been revered as both an art form and a means of storytelling. It provides a unique platform that combines visuals, sound, and narrative to convey powerful messages and evoke emotions. Throughout time, different genres and styles have emerged to challenge audiences’ perspectives, offering thought-provoking experiences.

One exceptional example of artistic storytelling is the film The Lion King . This animated classic transcends its medium by delivering a rich, thought-provoking tale that delves into themes like family, leadership, and the circle of life. The film’s visually stunning animation and evocative score also demonstrate how the art of cinema can elevate a story to new heights.

In recent years, the exploration of artificial intelligence in movies has sparked critical thinking and raised ethical questions. For instance, Ex Machina is a visually captivating and intelligent science fiction film that delves into the complexities of human-like AI. The movie invites viewers to ponder the implications of creating and interacting with such technology, as well as the potential consequences that may arise.

When it comes to appreciating movies as art, the attention to detail in cinematography, sound design, and character development is vital. These elements work cohesively to create an immersive experience that allows the viewer to engage with the story. For instance, beautifully shot landscapes and meticulously curated sets often transport audiences to different worlds, while carefully crafted characters elicit empathy and spark debate.

Moreover, understanding the theme or underlying message of a film further enhances the appreciation of movies as both art and story. These themes can range from societal issues such as poverty or discrimination to existential topics like the value of memories or the nature of time. By paying attention to the intent and vision of the filmmakers, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork and its significance.

In conclusion, the art of cinema offers a unique platform for telling thought-provoking stories that challenge and inspire the audience. By appreciating the artistic elements and themes present in movies, viewers can engage in critical thinking and find meaning in the stories shared on the big screen. [url=” https://www.theodysseyonline.com/movies-for-critical-thinkers “]

Educational and inspirational movies play a significant role in fostering critical thinking skills among audiences. These films challenge the viewer’s perspectives and encourage them to analyze complex situations or ideas. By stimulating intellectual curiosity, these movies serve as a valuable addition to educational resources.

Inception, for example, is a well-known critical thinking movie that involves puzzling concepts and intricate storytelling. It pushes the viewers to delve deep into their thought process and keep up with the movie’s intricate plot. Another great example is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a romantic science-fiction film that utilizes a nonlinear storyline to promote critical thinking by constantly challenging the viewers’ beliefs.

Empowering movies such as Good Will Hunting and Forrest Gump also instigate critical thinking while evoking themes of acceptance, loyalty, and appreciation. These must-watch critical thinking movies demonstrate the power of human resilience in overcoming personal and societal obstacles.

Finally, the benefits of critical thinking are not restricted to fictional movies alone. Films like Queen of Katwe, based on true stories of perseverance, showcase the value of strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging chess games .

In summary, the captivating world of movies offers a vast array of films that foster critical thinking while providing audiences with thought-provoking and gratifying experiences. Whether they are fictional stories, biographical dramas, or even documentaries, these movies effectively serve as both educational and inspirational resources in today’s world.

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20 Best Existentialist Movies That Will Make You Reevaluate Life

For a healthy dose of dread.

Movies have a kind of power that few other art forms possess. They can make you laugh, cry, bite your nails in suspense, or look away in fear. Sometimes, a few very special films can present fascinating themes of profound philosophical value that will make a reevaluation of one's way of thinking about life itself necessary. Some of these films are generally agreed to be better than the others, but their exploration of deep universal themes is always complex.

Existentialism films have been around for quite some time, exploring narratives where characters are confronted with the absurdity of existence , the burden of freedom, and the question of how to create meaning in their lives. When done right, existentialist movies like Solaris and The Truman Show can stay in the mind forever, leaving a message that leads one to live life in a different way.

20 'Like Someone in Love' (2012)

Directed by abbas kiarostami.

Iranian auteur Abbas Kiarostami 's final masterpiece, the French-Japanese production Like Someone in Love is among the most underrated examples of existentialism in film. Set in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the movie follows sociology student Akiko ( Rin Takanashi ), who is also a high-end sex worker. When she's sent to the elderly former professor Takashi ( Tadashi Okuno ), she's surprised at how he's more interested in dinner and conversation than sex.

Akiko's story may not seem like an existential one at first glance, but a closer look at Kiarostami's subtle approach to her narrative highlights the protagonist's feeling of being trapped and ashamed . Viewers are forced to watch Akiko's burden of loneliness as she struggles to reach out to her grandmother. In the end, the movie delicately examines self-discovery and identity. – Hannah Saab

Rent on Apple TV

19 'Stranger than Fiction' (2006)

Directed by marc forster.

A criminally underrated comedy film , Stranger than Fiction follows an IRS auditor named Harold Crick ( Will Ferrell ) who lives a mundane life. One day, he begins to hear a bizarre voice that seems to be narrating his life story. As he tries to uncover the source of the narration, he learns that he's a character in a book that's bound to end at some point.

While billed as a gut-busting comedy, Stranger than Fiction is also among the most dread-inducing existential movies . As Harold attempts to fight back against his predetermined fate, viewers are forced to question their own predictable daily routines and even the very concept of free will. The film is not usually commended as the extraordinary dramedy that it is, but its thought-provoking narrative definitely makes it worthy of more praise. – Hannah Saab

stranger than fiction

Rent on Amazon

18 'Melancholia' (2011)

Directed by lars von trier.

Anyone looking for a good dose of existential dread needn't look further than Melancholia . This apocalyptic film revolves around the relationship between two sisters, Justine ( Kirsten Dunst ) and Claire ( Charlotte Gainsbourg ). When a mysterious planet threatens to collide with Earth, the sisters' already strained relationship is challenged. It's far too depressing a movie for many viewers, but those able to stomach it are in for an unforgettable experience.

The movie is one of the best ever about mental illness , exploring the various reactions people can have to depression and mortality. Melancholia 's artful slow sequences evoke an almost visceral fear and understanding that death is never truly far away , but the only constant certainty in life. The film's message about acceptance and the value of connection makes the uniquely subtle sci-fi elements hit hard. – Hannah Saab

Melancholia

Two sisters find their already strained relationship challenged as a mysterious new planet threatens to collide with Earth.

Watch on Hulu

17 'Sideways' (2004)

Directed by alexander payne.

Based on Rex Pickett 's eponymous 2004 novel, Sideways is a road trip film unlike any other. It's centered on two men in their forties, Miles ( Paul Giamatti ) and Jack ( Thomas Haden Church ), who go on a wine-tasting trip to California. Along the way, audiences learn about Miles' struggles as a failed novelist and Jack's anxieties about getting married.

One of the great films where "not much happens" , most of Sideways is just two middle-aged men finding purpose and adventure in their lives through wine (just not Merlot) and sex. Their flaws, fears, desires, and need for purpose are brilliantly spliced into drunken conversations and funny mishaps on their road trip, its relatable existential themes slowly bubbling toward the surface. – Hannah Saab

16 'Anomalisa' (2015)

Directed by charlie kaufman.

Writer-director Charlie Kaufman has existentialist themes in pretty much every single one of his films, but rarely as strongly as in Anomalisa , the story of a middle-aged man called Michael ( David Thewlis ) who struggles with crossing the gap between the self and the other. In his world, everyone speaks with an identical voice ( Tom Noonan ), until a unique woman voiced by Jennifer Jason Leigh comes into his life.

A stop-motion work of art that proves animation isn't just for children , Anomalisa is full of Kaufman's typical surrealistic idiosyncrasies . It's a powerful film about loneliness, the difficulty of connecting with others, and the crushing weight of subjectivity, which audiences immediately responded to. Anomalisa thus got a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination, the only R-rated movie to ever do so.

Watch on Kanopy

15 'The Great Beauty' (2013)

Directed by paolo sorrentino.

The Great Beauty is a gorgeous art drama that follows Jep Gambardella ( Toni Servillo ), a 65-year-old seasoned journalist and theater critic who spends his days attending the social events of Rome and appreciating its beauty and history. Jep begins to have a crisis after his 65th birthday, though, and looks beyond mindless parties and mundane activities to find "the great beauty."

This award-winning movie is one of the highest-rated Italian films on IMDb . Yet, The Great Beauty is rarely cited alongside other existential films, but it should be. Jep's growing discontent with his social circle, questions about his own identity, and incredible search for meaning in the absurdity of the everyday encapsulate a version of the existential journey most people must eventually take. – Hannah Saab

Watch on Max

14 'Fight Club' (1999)

Directed by david fincher.

Fight Club is a cult classic that needs no introduction. It tells the story of an unnamed protagonist known only as the Narrator ( Edward Norton ), who lives with insomnia and depression. His life changes when the anarchic soap salesman Tyler Durden ( Brad Pitt ) talks him into starting an underground fight club with him.

While it may not be the most subtle or nuanced existentialist movie, Fight Club offers powerful commentary on consumerist culture and alienation , aided by visceral twists and turns. The message ends up becoming a question about whether "the things you own end up owning you." Coupled with an explosive ending, the movie inspires existential dread and a reevaluation of one's place in the consumerist world.

13 'Synecdoche, New York' (2008)

Charlie Kaufman's directing debut might just be his most ambitious work to date. In Synecdoche, New York , a theater director (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of the best acting performances of the 21st century ) struggles with his work and the women in his life as he tries to create a life-size replica of New York as part of his new play.

Synecdoche , no doubt one of the best existentialism movies of the 21st century, presents the heartbreak brought by failure in capturing the entire scope of life through art. Endlessly complex and analyzable, Kaufman's masterpiece shows the poignant relationship between life and death , and how inherent to human nature it is to want to leave a legacy behind. While definitely best suited for audiences that enjoy head-scratchingly bizarre films, it's a must-see for anyone who enjoys philosophical movies.

Synecdoche, New York

12 'birdman' (2014), directed by alejandro g. iñárritu.

Another one of the great examples of existentialism in pop culture, the multi-awarded modern masterpiece Birdman is a film that showcases the flaws of fame . Made to look like it's all one long unbroken shot, it's centered on Riggan Thomson ( Michael Keaton ), a Hollywood has-been known for his titular superhero role, who is now trying to prove his worth as a thespian with a Broadway play.

Frantic, stressful, and strangely relatable despite Birdman 's very specific characters , it's impossible not to feel what the protagonist does as he tries and fails to rebuild relationships, revive his career, and deal with the difficulties that come with the artist life. Of course, Riggan's perspective is unique as a faded actor, which only makes his entire ordeal more interesting. – Hannah Saab

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

11 'waking life' (2001), directed by richard linklater.

Waking Life is a mind-boggling animated film that should never be excluded when discussing existentialist movies. This experimental animated film follows the ethereal experience of an unnamed young man who meets all sorts of people on a surreal journey, each imparting important bits of knowledge from their respective fields and personal experiences.

Its stunning rotoscoped trippy visuals only serve to emphasize the heaviness, range, and depth of subjects it covers in a way that's both enthralling and easy to follow. Viewers can expect to think about topics like free will, consciousness, the value of dreams, and the meaning of life over the course of Waking Life , presented in the kind of down-to-earth way that Richard Linklater's filmography tends to be characterized by. – Hannah Saab

Waking Life

10 'wild strawberries' (1957), directed by ingmar bergman.

Swedish director Ingmar Bergman is known for sensitively and poignantly dealing with dark existentialist themes that most filmmakers don't dare to touch. Wild Strawberries , one of his best works, sees an elderly professor ( Victor Sjöström ) confront the voidness of his existence after leading a life of coldness and apathy.

The film beautifully portrays the pain of loneliness and the journey of correcting one's mistakes, as well as the implications of aging with a fascinating senior character as its protagonist . It reminds viewers about the good things in life and the importance of spiritual growth, with a kind of deep emotional relatability that only Bergman was capable of in his time .

9 'The Truman Show' (1998)

Directed by peter weir.

Everyone remembers their first existential crisis, that weird moment when they first started to wonder whether there was more to life than they originally thought. In The Truman Show , Truman Burbank (played by Jim Carrey in one of his greatest works ) has a whole other kind of crisis as he begins to discover that for his entire life, he has unknowingly been the star of a reality show.

At once a beautiful coming-of-age and an idiosyncratic dramedy, The Truman Show has two core concerns in its narrative : On the one hand, the ubiquity of surveillance in mass media and the control it holds over people's lives; on the other, a scathing existentialist satire that ponders on concepts like free will and the quest for identity. There aren't many movies that inspire viewers to wake up to new views of reality, but this one surely does.

The Truman Show

Watch on Hoopla

8 'Solaris' (1972)

Directed by andrei tarkovsky.

Andrei Tarkovsky , one of cinema's greatest poets and philosophers, dove deep into what it means to be human across his entire filmography, but rarely with as big a focus on existentialism as in Solaris . Based on Stanislaw Lem 's seminal novel of the same name, this is a sci-fi film about a psychologist sent to a space station orbiting a mysterious planet, in order to discover what's driving its crew mad.

One of Tarkovsky's most complex and thematically rich works, Solaris deals with philosophy and love as one and the same : Love makes people more human, and so does philosophy. The film celebrates life and nature, and it asks the question of whether existence is possible without human interaction. Typically regarded as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time , Solaris is an obligatory watch for fans of the genre.

Watch on Criterion

7 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022)

Directed by daniel kwan and daniel scheinert.

Multiverses are the new big thing nowadays; and in the midst of this new sensation, the Daniels ' award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once (the first-ever film to win six above-the-line Oscars) came out. An infinitely complex and ambitious sci-fi dramedy, the movie shows a middle-aged Chinese immigrant ( masterfully played by Michelle Yeoh ) on a mission to save reality by connecting with the lives she could have led in other universes.

The film tackles countless intricate themes like nihilism, love, generational trauma, and parenthood, to name but a few. Everything Everywhere All at Once is hilarious, incredibly emotional, and profoundly thought-provoking . The movie argues that if we're already here in this massive and senseless world, we might as well face it with kindness and positivity.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Watch on Amazon Prime

6 '8½' (1963)

Directed by federico fellini.

Wonderfully directed and written by perhaps the greatest Italian auteur in history, Federico Fellini , 8½ sees a film director played by Marcello Mastroianni creatively barren at the peak of his career, looking for refuge in his memories and fantasies. It's one of those surrealistic movies that leave you scratching your head in delightful confusion after the credits roll, and it's always a treat to re-watch.

Dynamic, visually stunning, incredibly meta, and weird like few of its kind, the movie was called "the best film ever made about filmmaking" by the famous critic Roger Ebert . It's about art, about fractured consciousness, and about what makes life worth living.

5 'The Seventh Seal' (1957)

Another legendary film by director Ingmar Bergman, The Seventh Seal is an important work of art that depicts the journey of a disillusioned knight ( Max von Sydow ) who comes back from the Crusades in the 14th century to find devastation in his community. Soon, he meets the personification of Death ( Bengt Ekerot ), one of the best representations of the Grim Reaper in media, and plays chess with him in an attempt to find out the purpose of his life and faith.

Despite being almost 70 years old, the film has held up incredibly well and is worth watching today. The protagonist's search for meaning in the face of chaos, violence, and death gives the movie an atmosphere of existential dread. As with any great masterpiece, it doesn't directly answer any of the questions it poses, instead inviting audiences to contemplate those ideas themselves. It's usually agreed to be not just one of Bergman's best, but one of the best films of all time in general .

4 'Ikiru' (1952)

Directed by akira kurosawa.

Legendary director Akira Kurosawa , one of the greatest Japanese filmmakers , was no stranger to existentialist themes in his movies, but few of them are quite as life-changing as Ikiru (which means "to live"). It's a film about a bureaucrat trying to find the meaning of life after discovering that he's dying of cancer, with a groundbreaking second half that is bound to surprise even the most seasoned cinephiles.

Aside from being absolutely heartbreaking and yet beautifully life-affirming, Ikiru is a moving contemplation of mortality and a reaffirmation that one's life holds whatever meaning one wants it to hold . It's the kind of story that makes viewers want to go out into the world seeking to be better people, thanks to a level of emotional power that very few other films hold.

3 'Stalker' (1979)

In the world of Tarkovsky's classic movie Stalker , without a doubt one of the best in the sci-fi genre , faith has disappeared and people don't believe in anything. In this spiritually barren environment, a man guides a writer and a professor through an area known as the Zone, in search of a room that grants one's innermost desire.

In this film, Tarkovsky depicts the importance of faith, spirituality, human connections, and how all those things intersect . It's a celebration of philosophy and of the arduous but ultimately rewarding path to transcendence, characterized by Tarkovsky's typical deliberate pacing and keen eye for some of the most gorgeous scenes in any film of this kind.

2 'Apocalypse Now' (1979)

Directed by francis ford coppola.

One of the best war movies of all time , Apocalypse Now is a timeless classic and a masterpiece. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows Captain Willard ( Martin Sheen ), who is given a top-secret task up the Nung River to track down and kill the rogue Colonel Kurtz ( Marlon Brando ). In the process, Willard begins to understand precisely why Colonel Kurtz has started his own cult-like murderous group deep in the jungle.

While it may not be the first thing viewers think of when considering existentialism, Apocalypse Now is so much more than a war film. Apocalypse Now is a surreal, disturbing, and hallucinatory voyage into the dark heart of the jungle , as well as an unsettling trip into the worst of humanity. It will make audiences contemplate the unimaginable horror individuals are truly capable of given an inhuman context like war.

Apocalypse Now

Rent on YouTube

1 '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968)

Directed by stanley kubrick.

Stanley Kubrick is considered by many the single greatest filmmaker in history; and watching 2001: A Space Odyssey , which also happens to be widely considered Kubrick's best work , it's not hard to see why. In this two-and-a-half-hour-long sci-fi epic, king among movies about existentialism, humanity finds a mysterious object buried in the Moon and sets off to find its origin with the help of the world's most advanced computer, HAL 9000 ( Douglas Rain ).

With minimal dialogue, 2001 tells a rousing story spanning millennia. It's an intimidating but also inspirational evaluation of the human condition in relation to the infinity of time and space. Kubrick reminds viewers that in the grand scheme of things, humanity still has a long way to go in awakening its spirit and consciousness . 2001 is considered one of the most ambitious, beautiful, and memorable films ever made, a reputation that it has rightfully earned.

2001: A Space Odyssey

NEXT: Iconic Mind-Boggling Movies You Have to Watch Twice

StarTribune

The dea(r)th of critical thinking.

I teach critical thinking. Or try to, anyway. It's a tough job; most students want nothing to do with it. They think it involves conflict, which is taboo in our culture. They also don't care if something makes sense or not. We see this happening in our everyday lives and it's a bit disturbing. Let's face it: America's critical thinking skills are toast.

Critical thinking simply means drawing an objective conclusion from a set of facts. Doesn't sound too difficult, yet human beings are not naturally critical thinkers. In fact, learning to think critically is as difficult as learning a foreign language and requires lifelong practice. It comes with some difficult values to absorb: curious humility; absolute honesty and integrity; the willingness to admit being wrong; seeking a wide range of information regarding the subject; being patient with the information; trusting the processes with "good faith"; remaining open-minded; and examining (i.e., listening to) others' interpretations of interpretations of all the elements that make up the story. That's not easy.

The central focus, first, must be on getting the facts straight and understanding the story as clearly and completely as possible, without bias. This is especially true in the health sciences, where individuals do research on life-or-death issues, or social policy that influences people's livelihoods. Of course, there are many other disciplines that rely on CT. Second, it is about finding and understanding those facts through valid means. Third, it involves logically examining facts, statistics, testimony and expert analysis. Fourth, it succeeds by analyzing, interpreting, synthesizing and drawing conclusions from those practices.

I think we've gotten lazy and bitter. As a result, we find it a lot easier to rely on others to discern what is right and true, to rely on stereotypes and biases to decide what to do, and to pry open conclusions with a crowbar and stuff premises into them so they fit enough to align with our already predetermined thoughts and ideas.

Here are the three central problems with our thinking:

(1) Either/or. This is simple. Either you agree with the conclusion or you believe the opposite, which becomes black/white thinking.

(2) Ad hominem. This means focusing on the person and not the message. Is it important to check an individual's credentials and possibly challenge their conclusions? Yes, but the point still remains: What is the message? We've turned name-calling into a dirty art in this country, and quite frankly, it's entertaining listening to people attack one another for their personal foibles. It probably makes lots of money. However, it's not critical thinking.

Finally (3) — and I think this is the most disturbing, since it does have its roots in "hypotheses": It has become the norm to begin with a conclusion and track back all the information one can find to validate that conclusion — i.e., to believe the conclusion is true so whatever has happened to lead up to that conclusion must be true as well. This thinking can lead to the opposite of truth. Or, to put it another way: Whatever one thinks is true is true. And what is that? The end of critical thinking, which leads to what we're seeing today: violence.

In our culture, truth-tellers don't last very long; they get cast off the manure wagon. In the long run, their seeds grow up and overtake us simpletons. But by then it is too late. And yet, two recent experiences have given me hope that our culture might be changing.

The George Floyd trial was a showcase in critical thinking. We saw facts, statistics, expert testimony, lots of analysis and many conclusions drawn that were corroborated by professionals.

The second experience involves teaching. Almost all of my students (first-years) this spring attended every class (hybrid), performed all the tasks I required of them at high levels, produced stellar work and demonstrated not only their growth as critical thinkers but more importantly their strong desire to become (and remain) critical thinkers.

Hope is not part of the critical-thinking process, but critical thinking can lead to hope, and after watching the trial and spending an entire semester with a group of young adults laser-focused on objectively seeking fact-based conclusions, I've become just a bit of an idealist once again.

Steven Backus, of Cloquet, Minn., is director of the Rose Frenzel Warner Writing and Critical Thinking Center at the College of St. Scholastica.

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What Good Is Thinking About Death?

We're all going to die and we all know it. This can be both a burden and a blessing.

In the heart of every parent lives the tightly coiled nightmare that his child will die. It might spring at logical times—when a toddler runs into the street, say—or it might sneak up in quieter moments. The fear is a helpful evolutionary motivation for parents to protect their children, but it's haunting nonetheless.

The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus advised parents to indulge that fear. “What harm is it, just when you are kissing your little child, to say: Tomorrow you will die?” he wrote in his Discourses.

Some might say Epictetus was an asshole. William Irvine thinks he was on to something.

“The Stoics had the insight that the prospect of death can actually make our lives much happier than they would otherwise be,” he says. “You’re supposed to allow yourself to have a flickering thought that someday you’re going to die, and someday the people you love are going to die. I’ve tried it, and it’s incredibly powerful. Well, I am a 21st-century practicing Stoic.”

He’s a little late to the party. Stoicism as a school of philosophy rose to prominence in the 3rd century B.C. in Greece, then migrated to the Roman Empire, and hung around there through the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, who died in 180 A.D. “That Stoicism has seen better days is obvious,” Irvine, a professor of philosophy at Wright State University, writes in his book A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy . He stumbled across the philosophy when researching a book on Zen Buddhism—“I thought I wanted to be a Zen Buddhist,” he says, “but Stoicism just had a much more rational approach.”

Though the word “stoic” in modern parlance is associated with a lack of feeling, in his book, Irvine argues that the philosophy offers a recipe for happiness, in part by thinking about bad things that might happen to you. The big one, obviously, is death—both yours and that of people you love.

“We can do it on a daily basis, simply by imagining how things can be worse than they are,” he says. “Then when they aren’t that way, isn’t that just wonderful? Isn’t it simply wonderful that I get another day to get this right?”

For Irvine and the Stoics, thoughts of death inspire gratitude. For many others, thinking about The End inspires fear or anxiety. In fact, the latter may be the natural human condition.

“We are different from other animals in that we are uniquely aware of our own mortality,” says Ken Vail, an assistant professor of psychology at Cleveland State University. “Certainly other animals recognize they can die—if a cheetah chases an impala, or chases us, both us and the impala are going to run away. We recognize that as an immediate threat of mortality. But the impala doesn’t sit in the safety of its office aware of the fact that it will eventually die. And we do.”

This is the price we pay for the nice things consciousness has given us—self-reflection, art, engineering, long-term planning, cooking our food and adding spices to it instead of just chomping raw meat straight off the bones of another animal, etc. We’re all going to die and we all know it.

But we’re not always actively thinking about it. When people are reminded of death, they employ a variety of strategies to cope—not all of which are as well-adjusted as Stoic gratitude. That many kinds of human behavior stem from a fear of death is the basis of one of the most prominent theories in modern social psychology—terror-management theory.

Terror-management theory exists because one day, some 30-odd years ago, Sheldon Solomon was perusing the library at Skidmore College, where he’s a professor of psychology, and he happened to pick up The Birth and Death of Meaning , by Ernest Becker. “This is nothing to be proud of, but the cover is white with green splotches on it, and I was like ‘Ooh, what an interesting color,’” Solomon says. “Then I liked that it was a short book with big print. Again, nothing to be proud of, but true. And that’s why I reached for it.”

Once he opened the book, though, Solomon was taken by its central question—Why do people do what they do?—and how it was presented, without “turgid academic jargon,” he says. Becker offered an answer to that question: People do a lot of the things that they do to quell their fear of death. So Solomon and two of his friends from grad school, Jeff Greenberg and Tom Pyszczynski, set out to test that idea empirically.

The only antidote to death is immortality. And so, terror-management theory holds, when faced with the idea of death, people turn to things they believe will give them immortality, literal or otherwise. The hope of true immortality can be found in religion’s promises of heaven or reincarnation, or in some of science’s more dubious life-extension promises (Just freeze your dead body! They’ll wake it up later!).

More often though, it’s the hope of symbolic immortality that calms the frightened rabbits of death-fearing hearts—the idea that people are a part of something that will last longer than they do. Their culture, their country, their family, their work. When thinking of death, people cling more intensely to the institutions they're a part of, and the worldviews they hold.

What that actually means in terms of behavior, is trickier. The research shows that what people do when they’re feeling aware of their mortality depends on the person, the situation she’s in, and whether she’s focusing on death or it’s just in the back of her mind. (The TMT literature, which details a wide range of effects, is now fairly substantial. A 2010 metareview found 238 TMT studies, and this page on the University of Missouri website lists nearly 600, though it doesn’t seem to have been updated since 2012).

When death is in the front of your mind—when you pass by a cemetery, when someone you know is sick (or when, in a lab, a researcher has just asked you about it)—the tendency, according to TMT, is to want to push those thoughts away. You might suppress the thoughts, distract yourself with something else, or comfort yourself with the idea that your death is a long way away, and anyway, you’re definitely going to go to the gym tomorrow.

A couple of studies have shown that conscious thoughts of death do increase health intentions, for exercise and medical screenings, though whether people actually follow through on those intentions is unclear. Promising yourself you’ll eat better may just be a strategy to get death off your mind.

When death is on people’s conscious minds, “they can wield logic to deal with it,” Vail says. “This would be similar to your mom saying, ‘Put on your seatbelt, you don’t want to die.’ So you think about that and recognize, yes, she’s right, you don’t want to bite it on the way to the grocery store, so you put on your seatbelt.”

According to Solomon, even young children use versions of these same strategies. His new book, written with Greenberg and Pyszczynski, The Worm at the Core: On the Role of Death in Life , cites the story of 5-year-old Richard, from a series of interviews the psychologist Sylvia Anthony conducted in the 60s and 70s:

“He swam up and down in his bath [and] he played with the possibility of never dying: ‘I don’t want to be dead, ever; I don’t want to die.’ … After his mother told 5-year-old Richard that he wouldn’t die for a long time, the little boy smiled and said, ‘That’s all right. I’ve been worried, and now I can get happy.’ Then he said he would like to dream about ‘going shopping and buying things.’”

Classic distraction move, Richard. Though at times, our own coping mechanisms may not be much more sophisticated. “Americans are arguably the best in the world at burying existential anxieties under a mound of French fries and a trip to Walmart to save a nickel on a lemon and a flamethrower,” Solomon says.

But shopping excursions can only distract you so much. Even once you stop actively thinking about it, death is still prominent in your nonconscious mind. “One metaphor is the file drawer,” Vail says. “You pull out a file and read it, then you get distracted, now you’re thinking about dinner. You put [the file] back in the drawer, you pull out dinner, now you’re looking at dinner, but whatever you were thinking about previously is now on the top of the file. It’s the closest thing to your conscious awareness.”

This is when, the research shows, people's attitudes and behaviors are most affected—when you’ve recently been reminded of death, but it’s moved to the back of your mind.

Unfortunately, a lot of what death brings out when it's sitting at the top of the file drawer is not humanity’s most sterling qualities. If people feel motivated to uphold their own cultures and worldviews in the face of death, it stands to reason that they might be less friendly toward other worldviews and the people who hold them.

The very first terror-management study involved “22 municipal-court judges in Tucson, Arizona,” according to The Worm at the Core . The judges were tasked with setting bail for alleged prostitutes, but first they were asked to take a survey. Some of them just answered personality questions, but some were also asked two questions about death: “Please briefly describe the emotions that the thought of your own death arouses in you,” and “Jot down, as specifically as you can, what you think will happen to you as you physically die, and once you are physically dead.” The standard bail at the time was $50, set by judges who didn’t take the survey. The ones who did take the survey set the bail an average of nine times higher.

“The results showed that the judges who thought about their own mortality reacted by trying to do the right thing as prescribed by their culture,” the book reads. “Accordingly, they upheld the law more vigorously than their colleagues who were not reminded of death.”

But, Solomon says, the researchers later repeated that study with students, and found that only those who thought prostitution was “morally reprehensible” opted to set a harsher bail. The logic goes that those students wanted to uphold their values, and punish transgressors. Since then, more studies have shown this tendency: When mortality's on their minds, people prefer others in their (cultural/racial/national/religious) group to those outside it. This dynamic has manifested in silly ways—in one study liberals were more likely to make conservatives eat a gross hot sauce after a death reminder and vice versa—and in more serious ones—reminders of mortality have been shown to make people more likely to stereotype others.

While wanting to promote your own worldviews can mean putting others' down, that isn't the only way people seek to feel like part of something greater than themselves—searching for that symbolic immortality. Looming mortality can also lead people to help others, donate to charity, and want to invest in caring families and relationships. (And studies have backed up that people do these things when reminded of death.)

These reactions have also been observed outside the lab, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when death was likely top of mind for many Americans for quite a while. Comparisons of survey answers before and two months after 9/11 found increases in kindness, love, hope, spirituality, gratitude, leadership, and teamwork, which persisted (though to a slightly lesser degree) 10 months after the attacks. But Solomon, Greenberg, and Pyszczynski point out in their book that there was also a lot of fear and derogation by Americans of the “other” after 9/11, specifically Muslim and Arab others.

“It’s not the case that awareness of mortality and the ensuing terror-management process is an inherently negative one that causes prejudice and closed-mindedness and hostility but instead it appears to be simply rather a neutral process,” Vail says. “It’s one that motivates people to indiscriminately uphold and defend their cultural worldviews.”

How you manage your terror, then, depends on what’s already important to you—and that’s what you’ll turn to when confronted with mortality. In one study, empathetic people were more likely to forgive transgressions after a death reminder; in another, fundamentalist religious people were more compassionate after thinking of their own mortality—but only when compassionate values were framed in a religious context, such as excerpts from the Bible or Koran.

Terror-management theory contends that there’s something different about our fear of death, compared to other fears. Every other threat is survivable, after all. And in research, thinking about death has produced just as strong of an effect whether the alternative was something neutral, or another threat like rejection or pain. So a fear of death is not just like a fear of rejection, except more.

Except Steven Heine, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, doesn’t think death is necessarily such a unique threat. In 2006, he and fellow researchers Travis Proulx and Kathleen Vohs developed the Meaning Maintenance Model, which says yes, thinking about death can inspire these attitudes and behaviors, but for a different reason. Death, according to their theory, is a threat to the way we understand the world, similar to uncertainty, being rejected by a friend, or even—Heine’s example—finding a red queen of spades in a deck of cards. All these things interrupt what Heine calls “meaning frameworks—understandings of how the world works. When we think about the fact that we’re going to die, it calls all of those assumptions into question. All these things I’m trying to do, I won’t be able to succeed, my relationships will be severed, the way I think I fit into the world, ultimately I no longer will. This is bothersome.”

But perhaps not more bothersome than other threats to meaning. Heine says Meaning Maintenance Model studies have found that thinking about death does not have a noticeably larger effect on people's attitudes and behaviors than, say, watching a surreal movie. A metareview of TMT studies also notes that the effects of thinking about death are less significant when compared with thinking about something else that threatens someone's sense of meaning.

Thoughts of death still lead people to uphold their worldviews according to this theory, but it’s because, when faced with an idea as confounding as one's own mortality, people turn to the other things in their lives that still make sense to them. While the two theories have a lot in common, Heine says MMM can explain one thing that TMT cannot: suicide.

“TMT would argue that while we want to have a sense of meaning as a way of keeping away thoughts of death, one of the key motivators of suicide is feeling that your life isn’t very meaningful, wanting death when you feel like you don’t have sufficient meaning in your life," he says.

The thing that makes death different, Heine says, is that it’s not solvable. With other meaning threats, you can try to fix the problem, or adjust your worldview to accommodate the new information. “The fact that we’re going to die is a problem that we can never fully resolve throughout our lives,” he says.

But maybe that’s for the best.

“I know we’re supposed to be super afraid of death. But it’s good, isn’t it?” asks Laura King, curator’s professor of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri, Columbia. “If life never ended, think about it, right? Isn’t that like every vampire story or sci-fi movie? If you live too long, after a while, you just lose it. Life no longer has any meaning, because it’s commonplace.”

King did a study in 2009 that offers an alternative, economical perspective on death and meaning. She showed that after reminders of death, people valued life more highly—and conversely, reading a passage that placed a high monetary value on the human body increased people’s number of death thoughts. This is the scarcity principle, plain and simple—the less you have of something, the more you value it.

But “most of us don’t live like we’re aware that life is a finite commodity,” King says. She describes an exercise she has her students do, in which they write down their life goals, and then write what they’d do if they only had three weeks to live. “Then you say, ‘Why aren’t you doing those things?’ They say, ‘Get real, hello, we have a future to plan for.’”

“Live every day as though it’s your last” is nice but profoundly unhelpful advice, when you know that today is probably not your last day. I’m not sure what I’d do if I was going to die tomorrow—round up all my loved ones and fly them to Paris? Or maybe just throw them a really nice dinner party, the kind where everyone ends up sprawled out on couches, overstuffed and warm from the wine.

Either way, I can’t do that today. I have to go to work.

“Everybody always says life is too short,” King says, “but it’s really long. It’s really, really long.”

Once people’s days truly are numbered, their priorities do seem to shift. According to research done on socioemotional selectivity theory , older people are more present-oriented than younger people, and are more selective in who they spend time with, sticking mostly with family and old, close friends. Other studies have shown them to also be more forgiving , and to care more for others , and less about enhancing themselves.

This all fits in well with Irvine’s Stoic philosophy. Rather than pulling curtains over the darkness on the other side of the window, you stare straight into it, so when you turn away you’re thankful for the light.

Irvine gives the mundane example of buying a lawn mower. “As I’m doing it, I have the realization that this is conceivably the last lawn mower I will ever buy,” he says. “I don’t like mowing the lawn, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve only got X number of times it’s going to happen. Some day, this moment, right now, is going to count as the good old days."

Unfortunately, Western culture isn’t exactly death-friendly. Death is kept largely out of sight, out of mind, the details left to hospitals and funeral parlors. Though most Americans say they want to die at home, few actually do—only about 25 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Most other people die in hospitals, nursing homes, or other facilities.

This is why, in 2011, the mortician Caitlin Doughty founded The Order of the Good Death, a self-described “group of funeral industry professionals, academics, and artists exploring ways to prepare a death-phobic culture for inevitable mortality.” She’s also written a book about working in a crematory, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes , and hosts the “Ask a Mortician” webseries.

“Death doesn't go away just because we hide it,” Doughty wrote to me in an email. “Hiding life's truths doesn't mean they disappear. It means they are forced into darker parts of our consciousness … Death is the most natural thing in the world, and treating it as deviant isn't doing our culture any favors … We don't control nature. We aren't higher-ranking than nature.”

This is terror management writ large, a culture that pushes death away as best it can. Even though, ultimately, it can’t.

More people are coming around to Doughty’s way of thinking. “ Death salons ” and “ death cafes ,” where people gather to talk about their mortality have sprung up across the U.S., and many doctors, like the Being Mortal author Atul Gawande, are working to advance the conversation around end-of-life care, getting patients involved in planning for their deaths.

But the research shows the effects of thinking about death aren't all grace and gratitude —so would bringing death out into the open ultimately help or hurt humanity?

“At first, thinking about death regularly made me move up and down and way up and way down the emotional spectrum,” Doughty writes. “But over time thinking about death moves you closer to magnanimity. You realize that you will have to give your body, your atoms and molecules, back to the universe when you're done with them.”

She also points out that TMT studies are isolated instances, and don't look at what happens when people think about death regularly, over time.

Maybe the key, then, is being deliberate. Not letting thoughts of death sneak up on you, but actively engaging with them, even if it’s hard. In one 2010 study , people who were more mindful were less defensive of their worldviews after being reminded of death, suggesting that “mindfulness can potentially disrupt some of these kinds of processes that go into terror management,” says Vail, the Cleveland State University psychologist.

Solomon, too, is hopeful. “I like to think there comes a moment where sustained efforts to come to terms with death pay off.” Vail suggests that freeing oneself from the psychological reactions to death might get rid of the good effects along with the bad, but Solomon’s willing to take the trade. “If you look at the problems that currently befall humanity—we can’t get along with each other, we’re pissing on the environment, [there’s] rampant economic instability by virtue of mindless conspicuous consumption—they’re all malignant manifestations of death anxiety running amok.”

It’s probably not possible to erase all fear of death—animals have a drive to survive, and we are animals, even with all that consciousness. Even if being mindful about death means getting rid of the good along with the bad consequences of death anxiety, people can be generous and love each other without being scared into it.

"Death destroys a man, but the idea of death saves him," E.M. Forster once wrote . I don't know if there's really any salvation, but if we accept death, maybe we can just live.

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Stills of some of horror's most memorable victims.

The 11 most brutal horror movie deaths that are still seared into our brains

It’s spooky season y’all, and you know what that means; movies like Scream , Halloween , Final Destination , and Psycho are on the brain. You know the phrase it takes all kinds of kinds? The same is true in the horror realm, from slashers to stalkers and terrifying dolls — we’re all drawn to (and terrified by) the worst of the worst.

Sometimes, it’s not the killers that terrify us the most; it’s the deaths themselves — scary movie end-game moments are brutal and horrifying! From the deaths we saw coming and were still shocked by to ones that took our breath away from surprise and horror, some scenes in scary movies are seared into our brains, giving us life lessons on things to avoid and urging us not to answer phones or place our knives in the dishwasher without a buffer.

When it comes to the type of deaths that leave a lasting impact, aside from romantic dramas that leave audiences crying enough tears that we could float out of the room in them, no one does it like horror films; none stay with you like deaths in the realm of everything spooky and unnerving. When thinking back to the most brutal horror deaths that stay with us, we consider a few things: one — the way the death happened; some of them are so gory that we can’t erase them from our minds.

We also thought back to what we were experiencing when we saw them and how our parents tried to shield us from the painful truth of what would soon play out on screen. We also look at the circumstances surrounding the death, who was around…who tried hard to stop them unsuccessfully, and finally, we examine the moments that made it hard to think of scary movies without thinking of these instances of death.

Kirk’s early death – Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Almost every horror movie boasts at least one death that will stick with you forever, and — while certain gruesome ends will haunt me to the end of my days — never has a movie death affected me, over seemingly so little, like the earliest kill in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . The film is, as one can easily guess, overflowing with death, but the film’s presence as a ‘70s staple really tones down the express violence. You don’t see much in the way of actual gore in the flick, but I’d argue the decision serves it well. Instead of recoiling at the gratuitous violence, Texas Chainsaw Massacre reels you in by teasing viewers with minor but still deeply impacting moments of violence.

The one that sticks with me, years after first setting eyes on the film, serves as the first death in the lineup. It’s not as eye-catching as the meat hook, nor as iconic as Sally’s flight through the fields, but Kirk’s swift, merciless death purchased prime real estate in my brain and refuses to sell. The suddenness of Kirk’s death, paired with its stark simplicity, is a big reason behind my fixation. A simple, jarring strike to the head is all it takes to end his life forever, and the fact that it’s so carefully foreshadowed only heightens its impact. – Nahila Bonfiglio

Olga’s last dance – Suspiria

After crossing Madame Blanc (Tilda Swinton), Olga (Elena Fokina) is locked in the mirrored rehearsal hall. She obviously knows that she’s in danger and tries frantically to find a way out. What follows is a ghoulish choreography where she’s seemingly under a spell, and her limbs are tied to those of Susie (Dakota Johnson) as she practices a sequence for the upcoming Volk for Madame Blanc in another room. Her body is impossibly contorted in conjunction with Susie’s every move, causing her skin to rip and bones to break until she’s left a wrecked bloody mess on the floor.

The artistic quality, intercut with Johnson’s lithe performance, is palpable. And you gotta admit, killing someone without ever actually laying a hand on them is pretty metal. – Misty Contreras

The reason we don’t drive behind trucks – Final Destination 2

When it comes to horror deaths, films like the Final Destination franchise stay with you in a way that many others don’t. These deaths stand out because they could happen; that’s the major component of the horror in movies like these — it hinges on death not being cheated and life ending in inhumane ways when you try to outsmart it. When I first saw Final Destination 2 , I knew I was in for a wild ride, but I didn’t anticipate impacting me as much as it did.

The crash scene changed me forever, and that’s not a euphemism; when I saw the unsuspecting victim being taken out by things falling off of a tractor-trailer, I vowed there and then to never drive behind one, and it’s a promise I’ve kept to myself. In fact, I missed an exit once because I was too scared to try to drive behind a truck carrying something in its trailer, and it’s illegal to pass it on the right. I knew Becky (my map on my phone) would soon yell at me about missing my exit, but that was fine with me — I’d rather her have to rework a route for me than end up, well, impaled and inflamed. – Ashley Marie

That shower scene – Psycho

There’s a reason this iconic Psycho moment is basically in every horror movie parody nowadays. Watching Janet Leigh in such a vulnerable moment about to meet her grizzly doom may seem overrated now, but the first time you watch Psycho, it disturbs you to the point of not wanting to shower for a week. No wonder Jamie Lee Curtis is such an iconic scream queen; her mother is the original one. — Bethany Wade

Impaled by knives – Chucky TV show

Don Mancini’s Chucky series on the SyFy network has proven to be a gift in the world of horror, not least of all because of all the creative kills seen in the show that, for the most part, are filmed in a rather traditional manner, instead of overly-relying on CGI. A great example of this can be found in season 1, episode 2, “Give Me Something Good To Eat,” in which the killer doll targets a housemaid. Looking for a knife, the maid opens the dishwasher, only to find several of the utensils blade side up in the front slot. As she is bent over and about to grab one, Chucky uses the opportunity to push her into the sharp objects, impaling her in the face.

It’s all made to look like a freak accident, of course, which only adds to the paranoia I now have around dishwashers. The scene has always stuck with me out of an irrational fear that improperly loading a dishwasher could be deadly. Ever since, I’ve placed the sharper knives in the bottom tray, usually covered by a face-down saucepan, just for good measure. — Danny Peterson

That kitchen scene – Final Destination 2

If I’m cracking my knuckles to type about one of the best yet most disbursing horror scenes ever, then I’d be a complete fool if I didn’t nominate the apartment kitchen scene from Final Destination 2 . Yes, that scene. You know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the scene where Evan gets his hand stuck in the dishwasher after dropping his watch while the food he’s cooking in a pan on the stove catches on fire, which eventually leads to a kitchen explosion.

Still following? Anyway, that’s not even the scariest part about this scene. What’s truly terrifying is when Evan is on the balcony of his apartment, slips on leftover spaghetti, and watches as a fire escape ladder falls and crushes his eye. If I’m being honest, that scene was burned in my brain so badly at eight years old that I was afraid of ladders for the next two years. Yikes. — Taylor Mansfield

That opening kill — Scream

Opening kills don’t come any more iconic than Scream . You could make the argument that it’s the perfect evolution of the Psycho twist. Just as Alfred Hitchcock killed off protagonist Janet Leigh halfway through his movie, Wes Craven fooled ’90s audiences into thinking Drew Barrymore was the star of his film before Ghostface got to fulfill his wish of seeing what poor Casey Becker’s insides looked like.

The threat of the genre-savvy slasher villain has evolved with the times – these days, he can hack into your home security system – but nothing has managed to top the simple fear of someone on the other end of the phone turning out to be a killer. Millennials famously hate receiving unexpected phone calls, finding it to be a source of extreme anxiety. Is it because, deep down, we’re all terrified of being Ghostface’s next victim? – Christian Bone

Alex Kinter – Jaws

“It’s going to be fine,” my mom told me in the moments leading up to a child being eaten by a shark in Jaws. “Kids never get hurt in Steven Spielberg movies,” she continued as the final precious seconds of the little boy’s life ticked by.

In hindsight, the whole situation could have benefited from some critical thinking on my part. I knew who Spielberg was, even as a 10-year-old. I’d watched him vicariously stab a tween named Rufio to death in Hook and shoot Tim off the side of an electric fence in Jurassic Park. I hadn’t finished Temple of Doom at that point, or I would’ve had another solid example of how much child torture we’ve gotten from the director of E.T. – which, by the way, is a movie where a little boy goes into a diabetic coma from loving an alien too much or something.

The point is, I wasn’t thinking critically when Alex Kinter went splashing into the waters of Amity on our family’s old box television that day. I trusted that my mom wouldn’t lie to me about whether or not I was about to watch a kid get eaten by an apex predator from the dawn of time. I’ve since moved past the fear of the ocean that Jaws inspired in my young mind. I have not, and will not, re-learned how to trust my mom. — Tom Meisfjord

Chestbuster scene – Alien

If you’re anything like me, you were introduced to horror films way before you were actually ready for them. Seeing Alien at a tender young age has arguably made me a more interesting person, but it also means the “chest-burster” scene is seared into my retinas. The iconic death/birth scene has been imitated in all sorts of media, but nothing beats the shock value and just plain grossness of the original. What a way to go! – Staci White

Charlie’s untimely death – Hereditary

I know it’s an obvious choice, but someone had to bring up Charlie’s horrifying end in Hereditary . The 2018 film delivered plenty of nightmare fuel across its two-hour runtime, but none of the ever-piling deaths quite match up to its first.

Charlie, for the uninitiated, is the youngest member of the Graham family. She is killed near the film’s front end in a shocking, ghastly accident that leaves her beheaded. Her death launches the film’s primary plot and leaves every single person who’s ever witnessed this flick with permanent scars. It’s not just the shock value that leaves us wounded and unable to rewatch Ari Aster’s gripping directorial debut, either. It’s the carefully ramped-up tension, stunning acting from both Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro, flawless soundtrack, and the unexpected cause of death. It’s unique and haunting, and — should you ever choose to witness it for yourself — I can guarantee you’ll never forget it. – Nahila Bonfiglio

Wes’ heartbreaking end – Scream (2022)

Wes’ death in Scream was significant for many reasons, one being the distance between himself and his mom when it happened and in the scenes leading up to Ghostface claiming him as a victim. Wes and his mom, Deputy Judy, had been simply having a lovely evening together, and she was going to pick up takeout for the pair for dinner. Wes first hops in the shower and then begins getting everything ready for dinner with his mom, but he begins to hear noises that alert him to something being amiss.

It doesn’t take long for Ghostface to strike, and the scene is ruthless; we’ve seen more bloody kills from the masked slasher, sure, but the emotion here was at an all-time high. Judy was on the phone with the killer as he taunted her while sneaking up on her unsuspecting son, and though she drove as fast as she could, trying desperately to reach him, it was too late.

As fans know, Judy would also meet her untimely fate at the hands of the killer, and it happened before Wes even died. The only silver lining is that she didn’t have to live with the pain of losing Wes (although she did die thinking he had passed) for long. As Wes sets a place for them to eat, his mom has passed away on their porch, and he has no idea. Both meeting too premature a death, both Wes and Judy’s losses in this one really sting, but I’m a dreamer, and I imagine the two spending afternoons together in a great beyond; that’s the only solace in this one. – Ashley Marie

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Politicians and dog experts vilify South Dakota governor after she writes about killing her dog

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has been under scrutiny after she wrote in her new book about killing a rambunctious puppy. The story and the vilification she received on social media has some observers wondering if she’s still a viable potential running mate for Donald Trump.

FILE - South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem attends an event Jan. 10, 2024, at the state Capitol in Pierre, S.D. The Guardian has obtained a copy of Noem’s soon-to-be released book, where she writes about killing an unruly dog, and a smelly goat, too. She writes, according to the Guardian, that the tale was included to show her willingness to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly.” (AP Photo/Jack Dura, File)

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Politicians and dog experts are criticizing South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem after she wrote in a new book about killing a rambunctious puppy . The story — and the vilification she received on social media — has some wondering whether she’s still a viable potential running mate for presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Experts who work with hunting dogs like Noem’s said she should have trained — not killed — the pup, or found other options if the dog was out of control.

Noem has tried to reframe the story from two decades ago as an example of her willingness to make tough decisions. She wrote on social media that the 14-month-old wirehaired pointer named Cricket had shown aggressive behavior by biting.

“As I explained in the book, it wasn’t easy,” she said on X. “But often the easy way isn’t the right way.”

Still, Democrats and even some conservatives have been critical.

“This story is not landing. It is not a facet of rural life or ranching to shoot dogs,” conservative commentator Tomi Lahren posted online.

Several posters described Noem as Cruella de Vil, the villain from the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians.” A meme features a series of dogs offering looks of horror.

In this image provided by Corinne Martin, Mehrad Houman holds his dog, Mishka, after she was examined by veterinarian Nancy Pillsbury in Harper Woods, Mich., Friday, March 29, 2024. Mishka was discovered in suburban Detroit, eight months after disappearing in San Diego. (Corinne Martin via AP)

“I’m not sure which thing she did was stupider: The fact that she murdered the dog, or the fact that she was stupid enough to publish it in a book,” said Joan Payton, of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America. The club itself described the breed as “high-energy,” and said Noem was too impatient and her use of a shock collar for training was botched.

But South Dakota Democratic Senate Minority Leader Reynold Nesiba considered the disclosure more calculated than stupid. He said the story has circulated for years among lawmakers that Noem killed a dog in a “fit of anger” and that there were witnesses. He speculated that it was coming out now because Noem is being vetted as a candidate for vice president.

“She knew that this was a political vulnerability, and she needed to put it out there, before it came up in some other venue,” he said. “Why else would she write about it?”

In her soon-to-be-released book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” of which The Guardian obtained a pre-release copy, Noem writes that she took Cricket on a bird hunting trip with older dogs in hopes of calming down the wild puppy. Instead, Cricket chased the pheasants, attacked a family’s chickens during a stop on the way home and then “whipped around to bite me,” she wrote.

Noem’s spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press about whether the dog actually bit her or just tried to do so, or whether Noem had to seek medical treatment. The book’s publisher declined to provide AP an advance copy of the book.

Afterward, Noem wrote, she led Cricket to a gravel pit and killed her. She said she also shot a goat that the family owned, saying it was mean and liked to chase her kids.

The response to the story was swift: “Post a picture with your dog that doesn’t involve shooting them and throwing them in a gravel pit. I’ll start,” Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on X. The post included a photo of him feeding ice cream off a spoon to his Labrador mix named Scout.

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign added a photo of the president strolling on the White House lawn with one of his three German Shepherds. Two of Biden’s dogs, Major and Commander, were removed following aggressive behavior, including toward White House and Secret Service personnel. The oldest, Champ, died.

Democrat Hillary Clinton reposted a 2021 comment in which she warned, “Don’t vote for anyone you wouldn’t trust with your dog.” She added Monday, “Still true.”

Conservative political commentator Michael Knowles said on his titular podcast that while Noem could have handled the situation differently, “there is nothing wrong with a human being humanely killing an animal.” He later added: “Fifty years ago, this political story would not have made anyone in most of America bat an eyelash. And the fact that it does today tells you something, not about the changing morality of putting down a farm animal, but about the changing politics of America.”

He later said that the story is “extremely stupid and insignificant” because Noem doesn’t have a chance of being selected as Trump’s running mate.

Payton, who is a delegate to the American Kennel Club and lives in Bakersfield, California, said the situation was a mess from beginning to end.

“That was a puppy that had no experience, obviously no training,” she said. “If you know a minuscule amount about a bird dog, you don’t take a 14 month old out with trained adult dogs and expect them to perform. That’s not how it works.”

The club itself said puppies learn best by hunting one-to-one with their owners, not with other dogs.

When problems arose she should have called the breeder, Payton said, or contacted rescue organizations that find new homes for the breed.

Among those groups is the National German Wirehaired Pointer Rescue, which called on Noem in a Facebook post to take accountability for her “horrific decision” and to educate the public that there are more humane solutions.

“Sporting breeds are bred with bird/hunting instincts but it takes training and effort to have a working field dog,” the group’s Board of Directors wrote in the post.

Payton described Cricket as nothing more than “a baby,” saying the breed isn’t physically mature until it is 2 years old and not fully trained it’s 3- to 5-years old.

“This was a person that I had thought was a pretty good lady up until now,” she said. “She was somebody that I would have voted for. But I think she may have shot herself in the foot.”

This story was first published on April 29, 2024. It was updated on April 30, 2024, to correct the spelling of Tomi Lahren’s name. She is Tomi Lahren, not Tomi Lahrenco.

Symposium: Derrida and his Legacy within Critical Legal Studies: Twenty years since his Death

by Editor S | 9 May 2024

Twenty years have passed since Jacques Derrida’s death, yet his profound philosophical contributions to the Critical Legal Studies movement in both the UK and the US continue to reverberate. His concept of deconstruction, which challenges traditional philosophical dichotomies and concepts through meticulous analysis of language and reason, has been a driving force for numerous Critical Legal Theorists at the School of Law at Birkbeck, too many to mention individually. Similarly, Derrida’s philosophical insights on justice, sovereignty, cosmopolitanism, and citizenship have prompted many of us to rethink formalist understandings of justice, human rights, property, and the very foundations of law.

The Symposium, ‘Derrida and his Legacy within Critical Legal Studies: Twenty years since his Death’, invites participants to reflect on Derrida’s lasting contribution to the field of Critical Legal Studies and to pose questions regarding some of his important philosophical concepts from the perspective of the present and the horizon of the future.

Date: 6th of June 2024

Time: 10:00-17:00

Place: Birkbeck Central, Room 210

For Booking and Programme Information click here

Participants:

Professor Adam Gearey, School of Law, Birkbeck College

Dr Piyel Haldar, Senior Lecturer, School of Law, Birkbeck College

Chris Lloyd, Senior Lecturer in Law, Oxford Brooks

Professor Elena Loizidou, School of Law, Birkbeck College

Professor Stewart Motha, School of Law, Birkbeck College

Dr Victoria Ridler, Senior Lecturer, Head of the School of Law, Birkbeck College

Assistant Professor Emile Fromet de Rosnay, Acting Chair, Department of French and Francophone Studies, University of Victoria

Dr Ceylan Begum Yildiz -Lecturer in Criminology, University of Westminster

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Critical thinking definition

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446: How to Tap the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life. Former Monitor Associate partner and Chief Learning Officer of Teach For America. Co-CEO of Transcend, Jeff Wetzler

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