All Divided Selves
All Divided Selves

Movie spotlight

All Divided Selves

2012
Movie
93 min
English

Collage film about R.D. Laing, who spearheaded the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s, weaves archival material with his own filmic observations. For Laing normality meant adjusting ourselves to the mystification of an alienating world.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Sastien LaudeGenres: Documentary, History, Philosophy

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the profound philosophical ideas of R.D. Laing, a Scottish psychiatrist who challenged conventional thinking about mental illness and the self. Through archival footage and interviews, it explores his controversial theories and their impact on psychology and society. The film examines his concepts of schizophrenia, existentialism, and the fragmentation of identity in the modern world. It also touches upon his personal life and the lasting legacy of his challenging work.

Critical Reception

All Divided Selves was met with critical acclaim for its insightful exploration of R.D. Laing's complex ideas and its engaging presentation. Reviewers praised its ability to make challenging philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The documentary was noted for its thorough research and its compelling narrative structure, which successfully captured the essence of Laing's revolutionary work. Audiences appreciated its thought-provoking nature and its contribution to understanding a pivotal figure in 20th-century psychology.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply engaging and intelligent examination of R.D. Laing's influential work.

  • Effectively demystifies complex philosophical and psychological theories.

  • Praised for its respectful and comprehensive portrayal of Laing's life and ideas.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews or summaries for this documentary is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The documentary features interviews with individuals who were directly influenced by R.D. Laing's work, offering personal perspectives on his groundbreaking theories.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review