Paul Schrader’s new film, “The Basics of Philosophy,” premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Friday night, receiving a 4.5-minute ovation. The film stars Jack Huston as a philosophy professor confronting the consequences of a past sexual abuse.
The crowd at the out-of-competition premiere cheered “Bravi, Bravi!” as Huston patted Schrader on the back. Co-stars Sofia Boutella, Bill Pullman, and Daniel Zovatto also joined in warmly congratulating the director. The film follows John Jorissen, played by Huston, who committed a terrible act in his youth and is forced to face the repercussions when the victim reappears in his life.
Alongside Huston, the film features Boutella, Zovatto, Pullman, Dana Delany, Shiloh Fernandez, Karl Glusman, and Elizabeth Petruso. Variety critic Jessica Kiang praised Huston’s performance, noting “He is impressive here because of the peculiar intensity of his gaze, the too-smoothly-controlled, cultured timbre of his voice, the general sense of something about him being just that bit off.”
“The Basics of Philosophy” is Schrader’s latest exploration of troubled men grappling with guilt and seeking redemption. In a press conference, Schrader explained that his Calvinist upbringing heavily influences his cinematic focus on these themes. “My childhood was one of predestination, guilt, total depravity and all that,” Schrader said. “I don’t know how I do not write about guilt and redemption.”
The 80-year-old writer and director, known for “Taxi Driver” and “First Reformed,” is a frequent presence at the Venice Film Festival, having previously premiered “First Reformed,” “The Card Counter,” and “Master Gardener” there. He received a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in 2022. Martin Scorsese is an executive producer on “The Basics of Philosophy,” which is produced by Braxton Pope and David Wulf.
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