Institute History
Description
This unique but unpretentious film charts the early developments of psychoanalysis set against the backdrop of Australia’s movement into the 20th century. Following World War, a young doctor is introduced to the writings of Sigmund Freud in his treatment of shell-shocked soldiers. The doctor, Edward Trenbow, develops his interest in psychiatry over the suspicions of the medical establishment. To escape notoriety, Trenbow moves from the city to establish a country practice, only to become involved in new, more serious conflicts foreshadowing World War II. As witnessed by Trenbow, Australia’s movement into modernity becomes a complex challenge: facing, on one hand, the challenge of the unconscious; and, on the other hand, the challenge of fascism, global politics and another war.