Wittgenstein (1993)

Wittgenstein (1993) presents a vivid dramatization of the life of Ludwig Wittgenstein, renowned philosopher born into the lap of Viennese privilege in 1889. This thought-provoking film paints an intricate portrait of the man, unfolding his life from precocious boyhood through the tumultuous era of the First World War, culminating in his distinguished professorship at Cambridge University. The narrative is steered by Wittgenstein himself, who, while not directly involved in the action, lends his voice to narrate and scrutinize the chapters of his own life. His journey takes us through the hallowed halls of Cambridge, where he engages with intellectual luminaries such as Bertrand Russell and John Maynard Keynes, and delves into the core of his philosophical work—exploring the intersections between philosophy and logic, language, and mathematics. However, the film also exposes the profound paradox of Wittgenstein—a man of considerable intellect who spent his life wrestling with the chains of his privileged upbringing and education, attempting to distill his existence to simplicity. He harbored a complex relationship with philosophy—a subject he detested yet was inextricably linked to. This battle proves to be a Sisyphean task, largely ending in defeat. Wittgenstein's narrative is also artistically interwoven with the exploration of his homosexuality, providing another facet to his persona. He is depicted as an intuitive, moody, proud and perfectionistic thinker, universally acknowledged as a genius. This cinematic journey is not just a chronicle of his life but also a compelling exposition of his revolutionary ideas and their impact on the world. The film does not merely recount Wittgenstein's life—it invites you to experience the enigmatic world of a philosophical titan.

Wittgenstein is a comedy movie featuring Clancy Chassay and directed by Derek Jarman.

Wittgenstein is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Wittgenstein on Kino Now.