Derrick Jarman's film: Wittgenstein

Derrick Jarman's film, Wittgenstein, illustrates the entire life of Ludwig Wittgenstein including all the major turning points in this significant philosopher’s life and the many struggles he faced during his lifetime. But the question has to be asked as to whether Jarman does Wittgenstein justice by demonstrating his revolutionary ideas of philosophy and developing our understanding why some consider him to be one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century. 

After watching Jarman’s portrayal of Wittgenstein you immediately realise the troubled life he led. What is apparent is the frustration that he experienced in his attempts to find himself. You witness the doubts he has with himself and the usefulness of philosophy, and the various quests he undertakes, such as fighting in World War I and teaching in schools, in the hope that he will find answers. Jarman brilliantly conveys that Wittgenstein from a young age displayed the makings of a genius and many important philosophers of the time, such as Bertrand Russell, recognised his philosophical potential. But Wittgenstein had difficulties in meeting these expectations and the biggest problem was that he had such innovative ideas yet he could not express them in an appropriate way. Jarman provides useful insight as to why Wittgenstein was highly critical of himself and that he consequently experienced periodic depression and contemplated suicide. All of which is essential in gaining a full of appreciation of his contributions to philosophy and offers an explanation why he only published just one slim book, Tractatus. The film demonstrates how his ideas of language were completely ground-breaking and how at first some could not understand them and believed he was purely insane. Nonetheless, they too eventually grasped his brilliance. It shows how philosophy impacted his whole life and was not simply just his work.

Conversely, to gain a full comprehension of the film it demands a basic knowledge of Wittgenstein’s work. Additionally, it could be argued that some of Wittgenstein’s greatness is lost in the unique and quirky way the film was directed. By concentrating much of the film on the complex and unstable nature of Wittgenstein for some viewers his ideas may lose their impact and that is the depiction of Wittgenstein they are left with after the film has finished. Furthermore, Jarman could have delved deeper into the theories of Wittgenstein and their influence on various studies so that we gained a greater understanding of his significance.

Ultimately, we believe that Jarman’s film is an incredibly useful insight into the life of Ludwig Wittgenstein. It conveys the wisdom and greatness of Wittgenstein in a way that would attract a whole new audience and educate those who are unaware of his philosophical notions. It aids those who are studying his ideas to gain a greater understanding by having knowledge of his mentality. It condenses his whole life into a 70 minute film yet it provides a truthful portrayal of the life he led and his important theories.

 Beth and Danniella