The Owl's Legacy (1989)
Documentary
Creator: Chris Marker
A 13-part documentary series by Chris Marker examining how ancient Greek ideas continue to shape modern Western thought. Each episode centers on a single Greek word—such as “democracy,” “philosophy,” or “mythology”—through conversations filmed in cities around the world. Combining symposium-style discussions with archival footage and visual motifs of the owl, Marker creates an expansive reflection on the enduring legacy of Greece.
Seasons
Season 1 Episodes
Episode 1
Symposium, or the Received Ideas
Episode 2
Olympics, or the Imaginary Greece
Episode 3
Democracy, or the City of Dreams
Episode 4
Nostalgia, or the Impossible Return
Episode 5
Amnesia, or the Sense of History
Episode 6
Mathematics, or the Realm of Signs
Episode 7
Logomachy, or the Root of Words
Episode 8
Music, or the Inner Space
Episode 9
Cosmogony, or the Use of the World
Episode 10
Mythology, or the Truth of Lies
Episode 11
Misogyny, or Desire's Traps
Episode 12
Tragedy, or the Illusion of Death