Rossellini made a TV movie about a philosopher having an all-nighter. It's weirdly riveting.
90 minSeason 1 • Episode 2
LatestDescartes left the Jesuit college where he had spent his childhood. He doubted the knowledge that had been instilled in him, with the exception of mathematics and geometry. He enlisted in the army of the Prince of Nassau in Breda. Upon his return, he wanted to escape the worldly atmosphere and devote himself to his studies. During an intense night, he found the foundations of a new science.
Direction
Rossellini's late-period didacticism: cinema as illustrated lecture.
Production
Minimalist 17th century recreation, shot for Italian television.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Rossellini's late 'didactic' TV period where he abandoned conventional drama to educate mass audiences about historical figures.
The famous 'cogito' revelation is staged not as divine inspiration but mundane exhaustion—philosophy born from insomnia, not glory.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
IT
