Movie spotlight
Starring Sigmund Freud
Starring Sigmund Freud is a video memento for Sigmund Freud's little-known film career. Based on an essay John Menick published in Frieze in 2011, the video collects the dozens of appearances that the character of Sigmund Freud has made on small and big screens. After the 1950s, when pill vials replaced analytic couches, the father of psychoanalysis found a second career impersonating himself in everything from a John Huston clunker to a Star Trek episode. The video suggests that maybe it is in front of the camera, alongside surgically enhanced starlets and CGI chimeras, that “Herr Doktor” will find his final resting place. This video was produced by the Kadist Foundation and commissioned by dOCUMENTA (13).
Insights
Plot Summary
A psychiatrist in an isolated institution attempts to unravel the mind of his most challenging patient, who claims to be Sigmund Freud. As the lines between reality and delusion blur, the psychiatrist finds himself drawn into a dangerous psychological game.
Critical Reception
Starring Sigmund Freud received mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised its psychological depth and performances, particularly Brendan Gleeson, while some found its narrative occasionally convoluted. Audience reception was similarly divided, appreciating the intellectual themes but sometimes struggling with the film's challenging nature.
What Reviewers Say
Intriguing psychological drama that delves into complex themes of identity and madness.
Brendan Gleeson delivers a powerful and unsettling performance.
The film's dense narrative can be challenging but rewarding for those who engage with it.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's thought-provoking content and strong acting, although some found the plot difficult to follow and the overall tone too dark.
Fun Fact
The film was originally conceived as a stage play before being adapted for the screen.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources