Freud: The Secret Passion

Freud: The Secret Passion

Year: 1962

Runtime: 140 mins

Language: English

DramaIntense violence and sexual transgressionChallenging or sexual themes & twistsShow All…

Alone, he struggled against his own dark passions while pioneering a new approach to mental illness. The film examines the early career of Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud as he begins treating patients diagnosed with hysteria, employing the then‑radical technique of hypnosis and confronting the limits of contemporary science.

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Timeline & Setting – Freud: The Secret Passion (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Freud: The Secret Passion (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1885, late 19th century

The film takes place in the late 19th century, a period marked by significant advancements in medicine and psychology. Vienna and Paris during this time were vibrant centers of scientific inquiry, and Freud's emerging theories challenged existing beliefs about mental health.

Location

Vienna, Paris

The movie is set primarily in Vienna, Austria, known for its rich cultural and intellectual history, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Scenes also take place in Paris, a hub for medical and psychological research during that era. These cities serve as the backdrop for Freud's pioneering work and personal life.

🌍 European 🏛️ Historic

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – Freud: The Secret Passion (1962)

Meet the key characters of Freud: The Secret Passion (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sigmund Freud (Montgomery Clift)

A pioneering doctor driven by curiosity to uncover the secrets of the unconscious mind. Freud is portrayed as introspective, ambitious, and willing to challenge societal norms in pursuit of truth about human behavior.

🧠 Intellectual 🕵️‍♂️ Curious 🎯 Ambitious

Martha Freud (Susan Kohner)

Freud's supportive wife who encourages his work and provides emotional stability. She is concerned about his intense dedication and the personal toll of his scientific pursuits, embodying a grounding presence in Freud’s life.

🤝 Supportive 💖 Loyal 🧘‍♀️ Nurturing

Carl von Schlossen (David McCallum)

A patient exhibiting disturbing behavior, symbolizing Freud's engagement with complex neuroses. His actions propel Freud to delve deeper into the unconscious mind and develop his theories.

🔪 Disturbed 🧠 Neuroscience 🎭 Troubled

Josef Breuer (Larry Parks)

Freud's colleague who employs hypnosis and emphasizes talking therapy. Breuer's approach influences Freud's development of psychoanalysis, though their methods eventually diverge.

💬 Communicative 🤝 Collaborative 🧠 Innovative

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – Freud: The Secret Passion (1962)

Explore the central themes of Freud: The Secret Passion (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Psychology

The movie explores the birth of modern psychology through Freud's pioneering work on the unconscious mind, dreams, and sexuality. It delves into the struggle to understand and treat neuroses, reflecting the broader scientific pursuit of understanding the human psyche.

⚖️ Innovation vs Tradition

Freud's ideas challenge traditional medical practices and societal views of sexuality and mental health. The film highlights the tension between accepted doctrines and groundbreaking scientific inquiry, illustrating the struggle for intellectual progress.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Freud: The Secret Passion Summary

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Freud: The Secret Passion Summary

Freud: The Secret Passion Timeline

Track the full timeline of Freud: The Secret Passion with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Freud: The Secret Passion Timeline

Freud: The Secret Passion Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Freud: The Secret Passion that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Freud: The Secret Passion Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Freud: The Secret Passion

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Freud: The Secret Passion: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Freud: The Secret Passion