Thus the down-and-out philosopher of the group complains that his students would rather watch television than read Heidegger, while others invoke Lenny Bruce, Michelangelo Antonioni and The Sex Pistols as their inspiration.

It would probably come as a surprise to many American teens that their identification with the characters in "Rent" somehow or other aligns them with Heidegger, and with good reason. In its music, plot and cinematic qualities, "Rent" proceeds as if none of its alleged patron saints ever existed. Of course it's usually a good idea for musicals not to stray too far from mindlessness.

¶ 2:38 AM