The Basics of Philosophy

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.

Director: Paul Schrader