I'm not going to promote it, but I'll describe the example..
The script is a bunch of philosophers with an iphone to modernize it, and then add a few stars. I can think of one movie where they actually name-drop Descartes and this and that. The work was already done for them.
It doesn't bother me, as long as it is done in an interesting and entertaining way.
shareI'm not sure I understand what you're asking about. Would you be able to provide a couple of other examples of this scenario?
shareI guess I'm asking you if you think this is a bullshit gimmick.
Let's say I make a movie. I could use intellectuals from over time - their words - as the script, and updating it with modern shit. "Instead of the alienation from the mode of production, we are the mode of production."
Or, having a movie with 3 stars, all professors, discussing shit, using philosophers words (Maybe one Positivist, and someone who hates Comte) and making it a love triangle on the side to give it "depth"... Think of the movie "Mindwalk".
I think I'm starting to see. So, basically when the writer uses characters to pose a philosophical argument that contrasts with the rest of the story and seems out of place?
shareYes. Some quote, some imitate these thinkers' quotes or ideas.. just updated.
shareI guess on whether or not something like that works depends on whether it's crucial to the story/themes or if the writer is clearly on a soapbox or - worse yet - throwing something out there hoping to impress the audience.
shareIf I understand your question correctly, it does not bother me.
Because I don't watch movies where people sit around and philosophize. I want fun and action and CGI monsters, man!
I like such scenes. Let me rephrase that. I would like that type of scene. In a movie. I was very disappointed by what conversation was offered in My Dinner With Andre. Many classical philosophy books are too difficult, or made too difficult for the likes of me to understand.
But from the movies I have watched in my life, the intellectuals actually have not reached saturation, far from it. From what can be said, the script does not even goes halfway to what it can get away with. The glass, I'd say, is 9/10 empty in that respect.
Despite what I said, I didn't understand your post completely.
Having characters express competing philosophical worldviews is a very good thing, if it’s done well.
There are some philosophical concepts that are accessible, compelling :
The problems of free-will, evil, mind/body dualism vs materialism, destiny vs happenstance, the merit & rewards of virtue vs opportunism, nature vs nurture, etc.
If done well, bring it on. Most films are far more banal, with more banal sorts of deficiencies.
A few examples would help to see the contours of the problem, to whatever extent it measures up to the sheer volume of banality we are generally faced with.
I just started to watch a supposedly 15th century 'historical' movie and they were operating like seal team 6 - click. Or pirate movies where the saucy lady is bossing all the brutes around. :)