Over the past few years I have talked about the themes of this book in many places, both in the United States and abroad. I discovered a level of enthusiasm that surprised and delighted me. Listeners everywhere wanted to talk about the movies. They quickly understood what I was doing and responded by suggesting other movies to consider and new interpretations of those films I discussed. I greatly appreciated their suggestions. Many of the films that I discuss in this work were brought to my attention by people whose names I never learned. These conversations also confirmed my belief that in the movies we find a common ground for the critical, self-reflective discourse that is philosophy.
Alongside these helpful, brief encounters I also received sustained criticism and advice from many people, to whom I want to express my appreciation. An early draft of the manuscript was the subject of an ad hoc gathering of fellows at the Yale Law School, which included Amnon Lev, Jonathan Schell, Steven Jensen, Daniel Bonilla, and Robert Diab. I owe a special thanks to Kiel Brennan-Marquez, who was a member of this group but also provided valuable research assistance and advice throughout the project. My colleagues Owen Fiss and Bruce Ackerman labored through the manuscript and helped me to shape the project. Benjamin Berger carefully reviewed the whole manuscript and offered detailed advice on every chapter. early conversations with my friends Tony Kronman and Ulrich Haltern helped a good deal more than they could have realized. on many occasions I discussed the project with Tico Taussig, who helped me to broaden my view. The manuscript was the subject of discussion among an extraordinary group of graduate students at Yale, including Itamar Mann, or Bassok, Han Liu, and Lucas McClure. helpful reviewers included Samuel Moyn, Stanley Hauerwas, and Alan Stone. I also received helpful advice on which movies to consider from both of my children, Hannah and Suzanne—as well as from Noah Kazis. Blair Greenwald and Talia Kramer helped to bring the manuscript into final form. Catherine Iino delivered useful doses of skepticism, as well as needed support. Finally, I thank Barbara Mianzo for managing the production of this manuscript through countless drafts.
