Kirby Dick und Amy Ziering Kofmann: Derrida

»Derrida«
A film by Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering Kofmann [USA 2002, 85min.,Original w. English subtitles]

Two Americans, Amy Ziering Kofmann, a Derrida pupil, and the documentary film-maker, Kirby Dick, follow the French philosopher and camera-shy ‘father of deconstruction’ on his travels. They question him about his life and philosophy and provide an insight into the thinker’s everyday life. Recalling the deconstructivist approach, the documentary begins with detailed observations of his hair, hands and eyes.
These documentary images are linked with quotations from discussions, lectures and texts. The film does not reveal any intimate details, but it shows how a great philosopher has succeeded in maintaining his curiosity despite his advanced years. Derrida contributes in his own special way to this would-be film biography, which attempts to delve into the theory and aims to convey Derrida the person in the most authentic manner possible. This includes the philosopher’s refusal to co-operate on occasions.