Description

Book Synopsis
On the face of it, Gabriel Axel's Babette's Feast (1989) is a film in which the eyes – and mouths – of religious zealots are opened to the glories of the sensual world. It is a critique of what Nietzsche called life-denying religion in favour of life-affirming sensuality. But to view the film in that way is to get it profoundly wrong. In his study of the film, Julian Baggini argues that Babette's Feast is not about the battle between religiosity and secularity but a deep examination of how the two can come together. Baggini's analysis focuses on themes of love, pleasure, artisty and grace, to provide a rich philosophical reading of this most sensual of films.

Trade Review
The reader will be rewarded with ample food for thought. * Film at 11 *
Digs in to every food-lover’s favourite film. This slender treat nourishes with every page — with never a hint of a recipe. * Financial Times *
It will certainly offer food for thought. * Total Film *

Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Mortal Illusions 2. Love 3. Pleasure 4. The Artist 5. Grace Conclusion: Religion of the Immanent

Babette's Feast

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    A Paperback / softback by Dr Julian Baggini

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      Book details

      Publisher BFI Publishing
      Published 28 May 2020
      ISBN-13 9781911239673
      978-1911239673
      ISBN-10 1911239678
      Also in:
      Entertainment Film history, theory or criticism

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      On the face of it, Gabriel Axel's Babette's Feast (1989) is a film in which the eyes – and mouths – of religious zealots are opened to the glories of the sensual world. It is a critique of what Nietzsche called life-denying religion in favour of life-affirming sensuality. But to view the film in that way is to get it profoundly wrong. In his study of the film, Julian Baggini argues that Babette's Feast is not about the battle between religiosity and secularity but a deep examination of how the two can come together. Baggini's analysis focuses on themes of love, pleasure, artisty and grace, to provide a rich philosophical reading of this most sensual of films.

      Trade Review
      The reader will be rewarded with ample food for thought. * Film at 11 *
      Digs in to every food-lover’s favourite film. This slender treat nourishes with every page — with never a hint of a recipe. * Financial Times *
      It will certainly offer food for thought. * Total Film *

      Table of Contents
      Introduction 1. Mortal Illusions 2. Love 3. Pleasure 4. The Artist 5. Grace Conclusion: Religion of the Immanent

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