Inventing Our Life is a powerful and emotional documentary that explores the life and work of the French-Jewish philosopher and writer, Emmanuel Levinas, and its impact on the lives of people from different parts of the world. The movie, directed by Austrian filmmaker Shaul Tabakman, is a biographical study of Levinas, who was known for his existentialist philosophy and humanistic ethics.
The film opens with a series of interviews with Levinas's family members, friends, and colleagues who describe his early life in Lithuania, his journey to France during World War II, and his academic and intellectual career. The interviews are interspersed with archival footage and photographs that give a glimpse of the historical events that shaped Levinas's life and the world around him.
As the movie progresses, we are introduced to various individuals from different backgrounds who share their personal stories of how Levinas's ideas and writings have influenced their lives. These include a Holocaust survivor, a Palestinian peace activist, a young French Jewish man, a Catholic priest from Brazil, an African American feminist scholar, and others.
The film shows how Levinas's philosophy, which emphasizes the ethical relationship between the self and the Other, has transcended boundaries of race, religion, and culture and has resonated with people around the globe. The interviewees speak passionately about how they have found solace, inspiration, and guidance in Levinas's writings, which have helped them make sense of their own experiences of oppression, injustice, and suffering.
Inventing Our Life also delves into some of the central themes of Levinas's work, such as the idea of the "face-to-face encounter" and the ethical responsibility we have towards the Other. The film makes these ideas accessible to a broader audience through simple yet profound examples and stories.
One of the most poignant moments of the movie comes towards the end, when we see footage of Levinas giving a lecture. His words, which are subtitled in English, are a powerful reminder of his enduring relevance and the urgent need for his message in our troubled times.
Overall, Inventing Our Life is a moving and thought-provoking film that celebrates the life and legacy of a great philosopher while also showing how his ideas continue to resonate with people around the world. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in philosophy, ethics, and human rights, as well as for anyone who seeks inspiration and hope in the face of adversity.
