Cast: Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo Carrol
Stars: 4
Psychoanalysis is a method of therapy developed by psychologist Sigmund Freud. In general, it is defined as a method of mind investigation, especially of the unconscious mind. One of the most interesting forms of psychoanalysis is dream interpretation. Basically, dream interpreters believe that our dreams hold the key to unlocking our repressed emotions and drives. When you dream, your mind uses symbols whic can tell you plenty about your current life. Thus, it is the dream interpreters job to understand the dreams symbols and what they represent in order to learn more about the patient.
Spellbound is a psychological mystery thriller which takes you into the field of psychoanalysis and dream interpretation. The movie begins at Green Manors, a mental facility and we are introduced to the main character, Dr. Constance Peterson (Bergman), who seems to be an aberration among her colleagues not only because she is a woman, but also because she seems to be abnormally emotionless in her work. The director of the hospital is Dr. Murchinson (Caroll) who is being forced into early retirement because it is believed he is not fit for the position anymore. His replacement is much younger who has much less experience, Dr. Anthony Edwards. Peterson and Edwards immediately forge an attraction to each other. However, Edwards begins to display some rather odd mannerisms and reactions to certain things. Soon, they doctors at Green Manors learn that Edwards is not who he pretends to be, and the search begins for what happened to the real Dr. Edwards, who the impostor is and why he is impersonating Edwards.
Spellbound is a murder mystery, psychological thriller, and a love story rolled into one. The murder mystery and psychological aspects are intricately linked as they use psychoanalysis and dream interpretation to attempt to solve the mystery. The on screen chemistry between Bergman and Peck is prefect. Enough is worked in to the movie to add the relationship story-line with out making it an overbearing typical "chick-flick."
The employing of the psychoanalytical techniques to attempt to solve the mystery is a fascinating one. However, in order for the movie to work, the main character has to follow her love interest despite his deceitfulness through the entire ordeal. Its hard to understand this at that point. Why would a person, especially a psychologist, follow somebody who was so dishonest and deceitful so blindly? Overall that is my biggest problem with the movie. However moving on from that the on screen chemistry is excellent, the cinematography is visually pleasing, and the plot superb.
Spellbound is excellent murder mystery which takes us down the proverbial rabbit hole of psychoanalysis and dream interpretation. A must see for any lover of movies.
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