I AM (NOT) A MONSTER - FULL DOCUEMENTARY | ORIGINS, MECHANICS AND POWER DYNAMICS BEHIND KNOWLEDGE

Cinemavixion Review

Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian's "I AM (NOT) A MONSTER" embarks on an ambitious global quest to dissect the very essence of knowledge and the act of thinking in our contemporary era. The documentary, inspired by the profound insights of political theorist Hannah Arendt, traverses sixteen cities, seeking to uncover the origins, mechanics, and power dynamics that shape our understanding of the world. Ben Hayoun-Stépanian compellingly confronts the fears that often accompany deep thought, weaving a narrative that is both intellectual and deeply personal. The film is enriched by a remarkable assembly of influential figures. Among them are the incisive political activist Noam Chomsky and the courageous Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, offering their unique perspectives on societal structures and dissent. Arendt's former students, Arjun Appadurai, Leon Botstein, and Richard Bernstein, lend their academic gravitas to the discourse. Further broadening the film's scope are Japanese Living National Treasures Kanjuro Kiritake II and Takayuki Takahashi, alongside the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Magid Magid, each contributing their distinct cultural and political viewpoints. "I AM (NOT) A MONSTER" stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary dialogue, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of knowledge and the courage it takes to think critically in the 21st century.