Dark and moody philosophical biopic commissioned alongside Jarman's Wittgenstein as part of UK Chanel 4 series on philosophers. A tight and insightful script by Ali, and a well-staged and lit production (on a shoe-string budget) artfully directed by Spencer. Sir Patric Stewart makes cameo (from memory) as Calvinist puppet storyteller in framing device. Each frame evokes a Flemish painting of the time, and Spinoza is modelled after the surviving portrait. Artful engagement and realisation of Spinoza's correspondence throughout, and manages to communicate the gist of his life and philosophical views in a light touch manner.
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