Freud: The Secret Passion

The film opens with John Huston's narration describing Freud's exploration into the unconscious mind, likening it to a descent into darkness. The voice-over sets the tone for the film, framing Freud's journey as a search for truth within the deepest parts of the human psyche. Huston also narrates the ending, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge.

In 1885, young Sigmund Freud finishes his medical education in Vienna and begins to question prevailing views on psychological disorders, particularly hysteria. He finds himself at odds with hospital head Theodore Meynert, especially over the recognition and treatment of hysteria as a mental illness. This marks the beginning of Freud's pursuit of understanding psychological phenomena.

Encouraged by his mother, Freud travels to Paris to study under Dr. Jean-Marin Charcot, who has made progress using hypnosis to treat hysteria. Despite some advancements, Charcot's methods do not fully cure his patients, leading Freud to seek alternative approaches. This experience deeply influences Freud's developing theories.

Returning to Vienna, Freud marries Martha Bernays and sets up his medical practice. He begins applying Charcot's hypnosis techniques to treat patients with neuroses but remains unsettled by persistent dreams and unexplained behaviors. His early work marks the start of his journey into psychoanalysis.

Freud treats Carl von Schlosser, a patient who exhibits disturbing behaviors involving his father's uniform and a mannequin. The case exposes Freud to the complex relationship between the unconscious mind and repressed desires. It also introduces the theme of childhood trauma influencing adult neuroses.

Freud begins collaborating with Josef Breuer, who has made progress using talking and hypnosis to uncover patients' repressed memories. They work together to treat Cecily Koertner, a fictional character inspired by Anna O., which marks a pivotal point in his development of psychoanalytic methods. This approach emphasizes the importance of free association.

During therapy, Cecily develops a strong attachment to Freud, and her feelings begin to resemble her prior emotional bonds, indicating transference. Freud shifts from hypnotism to having her recount dreams and freely associate words, deepening his exploration of unconscious material. The process reveals hidden layers of her psyche.

As his treatment progresses, Freud begins to analyze his own neuroses and dreams. This personal introspection leads him to groundbreaking ideas about child sexuality and the Oedipus complex, concepts that challenge traditional beliefs and are initially met with skepticism by colleagues.

Freud presents his theories at a medical lecture, where he faces ridicule and criticism from some peers. Despite this, a few defend his willingness to challenge established doctrines and pursue controversial truths. The scene highlights the struggle between innovation and tradition in scientific progress.

Huston’s narration concludes with a reference to the ancient Greek inscription: 'Know thyself,' emphasizing the significance of self-awareness. The film suggests that understanding the unconscious is within human grasp, but questions whether society will embrace this knowledge. The closing invites viewers to consider the importance of self-discovery.