Vita Activa: The Spirit of Hannah Arendt

Vita Activa: The Spirit of Hannah Arendt, is an influential documentary released in 2015, that encapsulates the spirit of intriguing intellectual phenomenon Hannah Arendt. This documentary brings to the fore key factors of her personal and professional life, best known for her coined philosophy of “the banality of evil”. The movie is written and directed by Ada Ushpiz and produced by Ina Fichman. Noteworthy contributors include the voices of Jury Andruchowytsch and Aharon Appelfeld, endeavoring to fill the shoes of those figures involved in Arendt's life and work.

The narrative uniquely employs Hannah Arendt herself as one of the main ‘characters’ of the film by using original recordings and footages from her past, shortly before her death in 1975. Ingeniously incorporating her voice through archival footage masterfully overlaid with Andruchowytsch and Appelfeld enhances the juxtaposition and resemblance to her living spirit. These are contrasted with in-depth interviews from those who knew her, had studied under her, or simply admired her mind-boggling philosophical leanings.

Vita Activa grants unprecedented access into the life of one of the 20th century's most complex yet influential thinkers. The film meticulously outlines her early life in Konigsberg, Germany, her immigration to the US following the atrocities of World War II, and her brilliant professional career initially as a writer, and ultimately as one of the world’s most admired political philosophers.

The documentary underlines her passionate professional journey, including her controversial tenure reporting on the Adolf Eichmann trial in Jerusalem for The New Yorker. Her perception of Eichmann as ‘terribly and terrifyingly normal’ and her subsequent development of the “banality of evil” concept led to public outcry especially within the Jewish community. This film brings out not only the contour of this controversy but also captures the personal ramifications that lethally surrounded her.

One of the movie's striking features is the profoundly meticulous manner in which it builds an understanding of such a profoundly complex personality. For the uninitiated who are unfamiliar with her work, it offers an insight into her ontological philosophy and profound insights into human nature. For those already well-versed with her contributions, it sketches out an encompassing vision of her life's experiences that have influenced her work, especially her years in exile, relationships with fellow intellectuals, her feminist and political views, and her response to totalitarianism.

The aesthetic sensibility of the film is equally remarkable. It exchanges between historical recreations, monochrome archival footage, readings from her works, voice-overs, interviews, and even still photographs, all orchestrated in a harmonious symphony that is as enlightening as it is compelling.

One of the more emotional undertones of the film is its exploration of Arendt's relationships, particularly her life-altering affair with philosopher Martin Heidegger. The film extensively delves into her personal correspondence providing a deep insight into their intricate relationship.

Vita Activa empathetically paints a vibrant picture of an enigmatic philosopher, illuminating her spirit, her thought-process, and her personality. The film pays tribute to her lasting influence and timeless ideology, exploring the known and delving into the lesser-known aspects of her life, allowing viewers to comprehend the woman behind the philosopher. It is a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the extraordinary life of Hannah Arendt, her ideologies, and the indelible mark she left on the philosophical landscape of the world.

In summary, Vita Activa: The Spirit of Hannah Arendt is a testament to Arendt's unique perspective on the world and how her life experiences informed and shaped that perspective. It follows the arc of her life, from her birth and upbringing to her profound contributions to philosophy and political thought, all the while expertly weaving in her exceptional personal experiences, relationships, and challenges. Offering a riveting blend of biographical detail, philosophical exposition, and personal insight, this documentary is a potent exploration of Arendt's philosophy, life, and legacy. Whether you are new to Arendt's work or a seasoned scholar, Vita Activa is a powerful illustration of a woman who lived by the strength of her convictions, leaving an indomitable legacy.