Freud: The Secret Passion (1962)

In the intriguing world of human psyche, "Freud: The Secret Passion" paints a vivid portrait of the revolutionary psychologist Sigmund Freud's life from 1885 onwards. The movie brilliantly compresses the laborious years Freud spent cultivating his groundbreaking psychoanalytic theories into an intense few months, making it a captivating exploration of the origins of psychoanalysis. Caught in the conservative fabric of the Czech-Austrian society, Freud finds himself battling against the prevailing dismissive attitude of his peers towards hysteric patients, considered mere attention-seekers. Unwilling to conform, Freud pioneers the use of hypnosis to delve into the labyrinth of the subconscious, unearthing the root causes of psychosis. The complex narrative orbits around Cecily Koertner, a composite representation of Freud's patients, embodying a spectrum of neurotic symptoms. Plagued by a haunting nightmare that relentlessly repeats itself and a peculiar refusal to drink water, Cecily is a deeply sexually repressed woman, hysterically fixated on her father. Freud, with his unwavering commitment to understanding her plight, embarks on a cerebral journey, developing and discarding hypotheses in his relentless pursuit of truth. The movie also offers a glimpse into Freud's personal life, his relationship with his wife Martha forming a compelling subplot. Freud's conversations with Martha oscillate between intellectual discussions about his revolutionary theories and subtly patronizing interludes when she attempts to engage with his work. "Freud: The Secret Passion" is a mesmerizing exploration of the birth of psychoanalysis, the complexities of the human mind, and the unwavering resolve of a man committed to unravelling its mysteries. It's a compelling tribute to a man who dared to venture into the uncharted territories of the human psyche.

Freud: The Secret Passion is a drama movie featuring Stefan Schnabel.

Freud: The Secret Passion is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.