Paul, the last two minutes of your video brought me to tears. As a 26 year old philosophy major (film studies minor) from Albany, NY, raised Roman Catholic, with a deep interest in anti-natalism & pessimism (Schopenhauer, David Benatar, etc.), experiencing First Reformed for the first time was something surreal. By the time I finally was able to watch it, in 2019, I found myself in a multitude of personal crises. Not knowing that the film took place in Albany County, or what themes were to be explored, I was absolutely jarred by the parallels between my own individual situation, and that of Ernst Toller’s. Alcoholism, questioning one’s faith, not wanting to thrust another human out of the calm of inexistence without their consent (knowing full well that life is inherently mostly suffering)- it was all there thematically and the setting of Albany, of all places, was the icing on the cake for me. The film absolutely revitalized me as person. I obviously still had my problems, but I found a new comfort in First Reformed that reminded me that I was not as lost as I had come to believe. I have followed your work ever since I experienced Taxi Driver as a teenager. The film was integral part of what drove me towards wanting to study both philosophy and film in college. I knew that finding a career in either field was unlikely, but I did not go to college for the purpose of vocational training. I knew that it was not a safe path, in regard to securing an economically viable future, but I made the decision because I felt compelled to do so. I would do it the same way in a heartbeat. That “luck” you mention towards the end of the video, from your hindsight perspective; i knew exactly what you meant. The distinction between words vs. the actual image we want to place in an external mind, is incredibly important and you described it perfectly. Hearing you discuss why you chose certain aspects of the film as opposed to others (actors, ideas, images, etc.) was so special to me. Thank you, Paul. You’ve helped me shed light on existence (more than I can wrap my mind around) through the medium of screenplays/films, just as certain philosophers have helped using words & logic. You’re very much grounded in philosophy, as made evident through your logical thought process towards approaching screenwriting. The medium may be different, but the images you’ve carefully crafted are not only true art, but also function from a pragmatic point of view. Thank you again for everything. Your friend, Andrew
@tinaholman956 Hardcore is a movie that I always like to revisit now and then. But unfortunately, the ending of that movie is weak. Every Schrader-phile should know the story behind Hardcore by now. How that ending was forced on him by the head of Columbia Pictures, how he didn’t want to cast Season Hubley but she was forced on him, etc, etc.
@@ter521fad I thought the ending was good, but if you didn't like it, that's ok,I thought the ending was sad because , Season Hubley ,(the prostitute with a good heart ❤️, that helped him find the daughter got kicked to the curb) she also knew and expected that to happen.I have read that Warren Beatty was interesting in the part , but he wanted the storyline,to be a wife leaves her husband,he goes to LA to find her ,he finds out she died in a car accident.
One of the greatest screenwriters of all time. Thank you for Taxi Driver, Mr. Schrader!
American Gigolo
Paul,
the last two minutes of your video brought me to tears. As a 26 year old philosophy major (film studies minor) from Albany, NY, raised Roman Catholic, with a deep interest in anti-natalism & pessimism (Schopenhauer, David Benatar, etc.), experiencing First Reformed for the first time was something surreal. By the time I finally was able to watch it, in 2019, I found myself in a multitude of personal crises. Not knowing that the film took place in Albany County, or what themes were to be explored, I was absolutely jarred by the parallels between my own individual situation, and that of Ernst Toller’s. Alcoholism, questioning one’s faith, not wanting to thrust another human out of the calm of inexistence without their consent (knowing full well that life is inherently mostly suffering)- it was all there thematically and the setting of Albany, of all places, was the icing on the cake for me. The film absolutely revitalized me as person. I obviously still had my problems, but I found a new comfort in First Reformed that reminded me that I was not as lost as I had come to believe. I have followed your work ever since I experienced Taxi Driver as a teenager. The film was integral part of what drove me towards wanting to study both philosophy and film in college. I knew that finding a career in either field was unlikely, but I did not go to college for the purpose of vocational training. I knew that it was not a safe path, in regard to securing an economically viable future, but I made the decision because I felt compelled to do so. I would do it the same way in a heartbeat. That “luck” you mention towards the end of the video, from your hindsight perspective; i knew exactly what you meant. The distinction between words vs. the actual image we want to place in an external mind, is incredibly important and you described it perfectly. Hearing you discuss why you chose certain aspects of the film as opposed to others (actors, ideas, images, etc.) was so special to me. Thank you, Paul. You’ve helped me shed light on existence (more than I can wrap my mind around) through the medium of screenplays/films, just as certain philosophers have helped using words & logic. You’re very much grounded in philosophy, as made evident through your logical thought process towards approaching screenwriting. The medium may be different, but the images you’ve carefully crafted are not only true art, but also function from a pragmatic point of view. Thank you again for everything.
Your friend,
Andrew
hope youre doing ok. you got a philosophy major, I wouldn't worry about economic security too much
Thanks for this! Legend.
Great to see. Struggling through writing yet again through myself.
He is a great director and screenwriter, just look at the movie Hardcore,that movie, should have won best picture for 79
American Gigolo
@tinaholman956 Hardcore is a movie that I always like to revisit now and then. But unfortunately, the ending of that movie is weak. Every Schrader-phile should know the story behind Hardcore by now. How that ending was forced on him by the head of Columbia Pictures, how he didn’t want to cast Season Hubley but she was forced on him, etc, etc.
@@ter521fad I thought the ending was good, but if you didn't like it, that's ok,I thought the ending was sad because , Season Hubley ,(the prostitute with a good heart ❤️, that helped him find the daughter got kicked to the curb) she also knew and expected that to happen.I have read that Warren Beatty was interesting in the part , but he wanted the storyline,to be a wife leaves her husband,he goes to LA to find her ,he finds out she died in a car accident.
This guy sounds like he's got a great future ahead! Good luck, Paul!
I wonder how did his career ended up