Short films matter. Vimeo wants you to know it. So do we. That’s why we’ll be taking a weekly look at some of Vimeo’s best and brightest. This week, we bring you a searing documentary about Harry Frankfurt’s theory of Bullshit!
The Plot: An aging philosopher applies the logic of his most famous concept to the modern world. The results are about what you’d expect.
The Film: Way back in 1986, Harry Frankfurt published his study on the nature of bullshit. He called it On Bullshit. And now there’s a movie.
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Why Press Play?
Because it’s the Fourth Of July. America is on your mind. And you should be out drinking and grilling and blowing things up in celebration of your freedom to do so. But if you find yourself bored by brews and burgers and micro-bombs – or if it’s just too damn hot to be outside – you might have made the mistake of staying inside and turning on your television. You see where this is going, right? Fourth of July. Election year. Television. That means a full day of televised political posturing on what freedom really means. In other words … a full day of televised bullshit.
Enter Harry Frankfurt. 30 years ago, Frankfurt first pontificated on the true nature of bullshit. What it is. Why there’s so much of it. And why it’s the ultimate enemy of truth. Needless to say, 30 years after its inception, Frankfurt’s theory of bullshit is more relevant than ever. His 1986 paper even spawned a NY Times Bestseller in 2005. But there are simply too many thoughts and passions in those pages to cram them into a six minute short. James Nee and Christian Britten find a way to keep the meat of Frankfurt’s theories in tact. Their Bullshit! is a skillful distillation of Frankfurt’s theories.
Nee and Britten achieve the difficult task of condensing and visualizing Frankfurt’s thoughts by letting the philosopher expound on his own ideas. In his own words. It just so happens that Frankfurt is a gifted orator. And for Bullshit!‘s almost six minute run time, Frankfurt’s voice is the only one we hear. As he applies his theory to everything from politicians to pop culture, Nee and Britten intercut clips of Frankfurt with many of the faces and events he’s discussing. They even take some liberties in the process that are as funny as they are cringe-worthy. The result is a visual tapestry of thoughts and ideas of a modern America that seems content to eat itself alive. An America where the bullshit just keeps piling up. In the end, Frankfurt’s words become a call to every American – whichever side you’re on – to pick up a shovel and start shoveling. ‘Cause the truth is in there somewhere. And the truth is all that matters.
Meet The Crew:
Directed & Edited by: James Nee & Christian Britten Featuring: Harry Frankfurt
I hope you enjoy Bullshit! Whether you lean to the right or to the left politically, there’s a lot to take away from this film. And from Frankfurt’s words. It is an election year, after all. Bullshit is flying from all directions. Make sure you’re listening. And try to look for the truth beneath it all. I promise you it is there. Thanks to Mr. Frankfurt for reminding us of that. And thanks to Bullshit! Co-Directors Nee and Britten for sculpting that message in such a compelling way. Hopefully they’ll bring the same vision to their next project. No word on what that may be, but you can catch an eyeful of Britten’s prior work over at his Vimeo Page. While you’re poking around, make sure to watch a few of the thousands of short films – animated, live action and documentary – the kind souls at Vimeo have made available for your viewing pleasure (via desktop or mobile device – SWEET!). You’re sure to find something interesting and you may just stumble across the next great filmmaker.
And now, here’s a video of fireworks exploding with action movie music. You’re welcome. Happy Post-Fourth of July, everyone!
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