May 7, 2012

What:  The Celluloid Couch

Presented by the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute

Because movies are the unique product of the human imagination, they are affected by unconscious influences. The Celluloid Couch skillfully examines movies from the perspective of analytic thought and theory. Each film in the series is introduced and analyzed by a psychoanalytic professional, providing the audience with interpretations and insights from a unique vantage.

Where the Wild Things Are

How delightful are the friendly monsters who romp in Maurice Sendak’s 1963 book Where the Wild Things Are.  Sendak’s book has been a useful tool to help parents let children know that their “wild” feelings are acceptable.  Those expecting a lighthearted film will be surprised, however.  Directed by Spike Jonze, in consultation with Sendak, the film Where the Wild Things Are is a beautiful and disturbing drama about a boy’s fantastic inner world during his parents’ divorce; a story that is ready-made for psychoanalytic study.  Mary L. Nielsen, MD, Discussant

(Spike Jonze, 2009, USA, Australia, Germany, 101 min.)

Official trailer

When:  Thursday, May 10, at 7:30 pm

For more information please visit the Film Series website.

Where:  Webster University, Winifred Moore Auditorium, 470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119

Cost:  $6 general admission, $5 seniors (60+), students from other schools, and Webster University Alumni.  Cash or check only.

The Webster University Film Series receives funding from the Regional Arts Commission and the Missouri Arts Council - a state agency.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based University providing a network of international residential campuses.  Founded in 1915, Webster University’s campus network today includes metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America.  The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

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