‘The Basics of Philosophy’ Review: Paul Schrader Wrestles with Sin and Spinoza in His Latest Tortured-Man Drama

Another man, another room, another vile past deed in need of expiation. On the one hand you could accuse writer-director Paul Schrader of retreading old ground with his latest unadorned exploration of guilt, transgression and the intellectual work that a sinner must do in order to seek redemption for his sins. On the other hand,…