A critique of cinema, its history and future, in relation to Rudolf Steiner's vision.

From Joseph Vogelsang and his mysterious peep-box to Hollywood blockbusters and Netflix, Reto Andrea Savoldelli's survey of cinema and film is based on practical experience (he was once the enfant terrible of Swiss cinema) and years of contemplation and study. He examines the difference between film as the "hypnotic monster" mentioned by the Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini and the art of film to which Rudolf Steiner aspired. The author discusses the historical development of cinema from its origins, focusing particularly on science fiction (from Star Wars to The Matrix) and influential filmmakers such as Eric Rohmer, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Pasolini.

As a scholar of Anthroposophy, Savoldelli provides a comprehensive assessment of Rudolf Steiner's attitude toward film. In addition to frequenting the silent cinema of his time, Steiner commented several times on the newly introduced artform in lectures, letters, and private discussions. The author examines and interprets those statements and complements them with commentary on Steiner's attempt to produce a film on the theme of reincarnation and karma, as well as his explorations with Jan Stuten of "light-show art."

Other topics in this penetrating study include:

- Basic philosophical perspectives during the beginning of media studies;
- Steiner's warnings about a technocratic form of civilization that will destroy humanity;
- Nostalgia for the art-house cinema that emerged in the '60s;
- The proposed film based on Rudolf Steiner's Fifth Gospel.

Anyone interested in the cinematic arts will find a treasure of stimulating ideas and new thinking in this unique book.

Includes eight pages of color plates.