Astra Taylor set out to make a film about philosophers walking and talking, and that is exactly what this is.

Reserved for a patient audience, EXAMINED LIFE is a series of eight philosophers walking in different directions talking about various theories; the meaning of life, the non-meaning of life, mass consumption, responsibilities of  a global citizen, responsibilities of a democratic system, what it means to go for a walk if you are in a wheelchair and much more. She makes a strong case concerning the importance of constantly questioning one’s surroundings and common practices. An impressive and diversified group of theorists include Cornel West, Peter Singer, Slavoj Zizek, Judith Butler, Avital Ronell, and their ideas certainly warrant attention but it feels like a video that would play in a third year philosophy class at UofT versus a public screening for movie lovers. I commend Taylor for embarking on such a sophisticated piece of work but worry that the way it is delivered is too academic for the medium she has chosen. However, if it finds itself a place for young students with a hunger for intellectual stimulation, then it has a solid purpose and an important one. JM