{
  "id": 5653147,
  "title": "Jack Huston Cheers on Paul Schrader as Sexual Abuse Drama ‘Basics of Philosophy’ Premieres in Venice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/jack-huston-cheers-on-paul-schrader-as-sexual-abuse-drama-basics-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T22:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Variety",
    "slug": "variety",
    "url": "https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/paul-schrader-basics-of-philosophy-venice-premiere-1236851439/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Paul Schrader's new film, \"The Basics of Philosophy,\" premiered out-of-competition at Venice. The film stars Jack Huston as a philosophy professor confronting his past. According to Variety, the crowd gave the film a moderate 4.5-minute ovation, with Huston and others cheering.\n\nThe film's plot revolves around Huston's character, a professor who is grappling with his past actions. TheWrap notes that the script was written before Schrader was accused of sexual assault and harassment by a former assistant in April 2025. The film's themes of guilt and redemption are particularly relevant in light of these allegations.\n\nThe movie features Huston as John Jorrinson, a professor who reflects on his life through voiceovers and by studying the biography of philosopher Baruch Spinoza. According to TheWrap, the film is a character study of a man burdened by his past, and it explores questions of guilt, redemption, and personal change. The film also stars Sofia Boutella and Daniel Zavatto.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}