PBS Brings Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Thoughts On Happiness To Life

Here at Tubefilter, we’re big fans of Blank On Blank, PBS Digital Studios‘ series of archival interviews with famous figures. Episodes featuring the likes of Maurice Sendak and Jimi Hendrix have succeeded in bringing their departed subjects to life through sharp quotes and hand-drawn animation.

The latest episode, which pays tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman, is no different. It gives viewers a poignant look at the psyche of the recently-deceased actor through audio culled from a December 2012 interview. Hoffman’s thoughts on happiness are somewhat chilling, given the way they succinctly characters his obsession with his craft and his untimely death. The last line of the video is particularly haunting: “Learning how to die,” says Hoffman, “is therefore learning how to live.”

While it is easy to watch the episode and use it to explain Hoffman’s descent into addiction, it also stands alone as a smart monologue from a brilliant actor who died far too young. Give it a watch, and be sure to check out the rest of the Blank On Blank library while you’re in the neighborhood.