Derrida

This documentary by Kirby Dick (Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan) and Amy Ziering follows French philosopher Jacques Derrida through both academic and personal settings. The film juxtaposes some of its images with excerpts from Derrida’s writing and tries to capture its protagonist as well as cooperate with his many reflexive and deconstructive wishes. The result might be of interest to motivated thinkers and film theorists alike but, aside for the occasional gem or incisive observation by Derrida, the filmmakers engage in plodding navel gazing that fails to bring electricity to the philosopher’s chair.