Ludwig Wittgenstein

Ludwig Wittgenstein (26 April 1889 – 29 April 1951) was an Austrian-British philosopher who worked primarily in logic, the philosophy of mind, and the philosophy of language. From 1939–1947, Wittgenstein taught at the University of Cambridge and Philosopher Bertrand Russell described him as "the most perfect example I have ever known of genius as traditionally conceived; passionate, profound, intense, and dominating.”

The film directed by Derek Jarman provided an insightful portrayal of his life and story. We felt that the acting gave a realistic representation of how Wittgenstein would have discovered his ideas and theory, and showed the true human nature of his discoveries. Throughout the play it shows how his philosophical work had affected his various relationships which we feel shows a different aspect to his character and allows the audience to see how his work was perceived by many around him. It also realistically showed that Wittgenstein would have faced struggles and criticism in his work, even from those he valued as friends allowing the audience to see how he would have been constantly trying to justify his ideas.

However the play also had some negative aspects as we feel that it was very focused on his psychological state, which is portrayed as unstable at points, rather than his philosophical ideas and theories. This distracts from the essential points that he is trying to make which can make Wittgenstein seem less significant. Another choice by Jarman was to portray Wittgenstein’s character as erratic where this may not have been completely true and for many this may influence their view of Wittgenstein.

Overall the style of the play can seem rather distracting from the character of Wittgenstein, but the portrayal of the events of his life and his story provides an accurate account of Wittgenstein’s life.  

 

Emma and Ella