The Basics of Philosophy
Synopsis
A repressed philosophy professor, Dr. John Jorissen, is employed at Ridgemont College, a small liberal arts school in the American Midwest. He teaches an introductory course and is writing a book on renowned Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Haunted by a long-buried transgression and the sudden return of its victim, he descends into a crisis of guilt, desire, and spiritual reckoning.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
"I need you to believe me."
Type: Clip • Published 2026-09-01
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Jack Huston
John Jorrisen
Sofia Boutella
Rebecca Richards
Daniel Zovatto
Miguel Vasque
Shiloh Fernandez
Claude
Dana Delany
Gloria
Bill Pullman
Melvyn Jorrisen
Karl Glusman
Baruch Spinoza
Jamie Addison
Janine
Brandon Davis
Coach Andrews
Rufus Burns
Robert
Jennifer Stepanyk
Hospital Nurse
Davis Lee DeRock Jr.
Reverend Visser
Elizabeth Perla
Betsy
Martin Scorsese
Richard Gere
Release History & Theatrical Window
Venice International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Paul Schrader
- Screenplay & Story
- Paul Schrader
- Original Score
- Eli Keszler
- Original Title
- The Basics of Philosophy
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
- Production Studios
- Redline Entertainment, Paul Schrader Productions, Film Maudit, Talon Entertainment Finance, Convergent Media, Jeff Rice Films, Carte Blanche, Seen Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Paul Schrader
Paul Schrader
Eli Keszler
Sean Price Williams
Stephen Gurewitz
David M. Wulf, Braxton Pope, Steven Demmler, Francis Chapman, Kyle Stroud
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Schrader
Director
Paul Schrader
Writer
David M. Wulf
Producer
Braxton Pope
Producer
Sean Price Williams
Director of Photography
Lisa Madonna
Costume Design
Eli Keszler
Original Music Composer
Stephen Gurewitz
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Basics of Philosophy.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Basics of Philosophy.
Guardian Films
Similar Titles to The Basics of Philosophy
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
5.2
8.3
7.8
7.1
3.3
7.9
7.7
8.2
6.8
6.9
6.7
5.0
6.9
5.9
6.0
8.2
7.7
9.0
More Like The Basics of Philosophy
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Basics of Philosophy
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Basics of Philosophy about?
A repressed philosophy professor, Dr. John Jorissen, is employed at Ridgemont College, a small liberal arts school in the American Midwest. He teaches an introductory course and is writing a book on renowned Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Haunted by a long-buried transgression and the sudden return of its victim, he descends into a crisis of guilt, desire, and spiritual reckoning.
Who directed The Basics of Philosophy?
The Basics of Philosophy was directed by Paul Schrader.
Who stars in The Basics of Philosophy?
The principal cast of The Basics of Philosophy includes Jack Huston, Sofia Boutella, Daniel Zovatto, Shiloh Fernandez, Dana Delany.
When was The Basics of Philosophy released and how long is it?
The Basics of Philosophy was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.
Who composed the musical score for The Basics of Philosophy?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Basics of Philosophy was composed by Eli Keszler.