‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Jack Huston Is Tormented By His Past In Paul Schrader’s Introspective Character Study – Venice Film Festival
News Source
•Fri, 04 Sep 2026 19:50:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
Paul Schrader is back with another 'man in a room' story. His new film, The Basics of Philosophy, premiered Friday at Venice. It played out of competition. Jack Huston stars as a man tormented by his past.
The movie fits Schrader's long career. He wrote famous Scorsese films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. As a director he has made about 30 movies. Reviews say this one explores guilt and moral wounds, themes he returns to again and again.
🔍 The Backstory
Schrader grew up in a strict Calvinist home. That background shows up in nearly all his work. His characters are often lonely men wrestling with sin, guilt and big moral questions. Films like Hardcore, American Gigolo and Affliction built his name.
More recent films include First Reformed, his first Oscar nomination. Then came The Card Counter, Master Gardener and Oh, Canada. The 'man in a room' idea started with Taxi Driver in the 1970s. It still lives in his head today.
🎯 Why It Matters
Schrader's films ask hard questions about guilt and redemption that many people face in real life. A new chapter in his story means new ideas to talk about. Venice is also where movie lovers spot the next big awards season favourite.
Paul Schrader is back with another 'man in a room' story. His new film, The Basics of Philosophy, premiered Friday at Venice. It played out of competition. Jack Huston stars as a man tormented by his past.
The movie fits Schrader's long career. He wrote famous Scorsese films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. As a director he has made about 30 movies. Reviews say this one explores guilt and moral wounds, themes he returns to again and again.
Schrader grew up in a strict Calvinist home. That background shows up in nearly all his work. His characters are often lonely men wrestling with sin, guilt and big moral questions. Films like Hardcore, American Gigolo and Affliction built his name.
More recent films include First Reformed, his first Oscar nomination. Then came The Card Counter, Master Gardener and Oh, Canada. The 'man in a room' idea started with Taxi Driver in the 1970s. It still lives in his head today.
Schrader's films ask hard questions about guilt and redemption that many people face in real life. A new chapter in his story means new ideas to talk about. Venice is also where movie lovers spot the next big awards season favourite.