Synopsis
This documentary takes a critical look at the diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder, the supposed coexistence of several distinct personalities within the same individual, and here through the story of a patient, Rachel Downing, a kind of modern-day Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Over the past fifteen years, the United States has seen a growing number of cases, some 30,000 patients, most of whom undergo hypnosis. Psychiatrists generally attribute these disorders to abuse suffered in early childhood and in nearly all patient cases, it is recalled when under hypnosis. The film questions the relevance of the Multiple Personality Disorder diagnosis, which has spread with remarkable speed in the United States and parts of Europe, despite the lack of any scientific validation. It also invites us to reflect on the workings of memory.
Excerpt
Press
“The filmmakers gently lead the viewer toward their own conclusions: showing how, starting from a false premise—in this case, that memory can return thirty years later—one can construct a false reality. Fascinating.”
Libération
“Multiple Personality Disorder has become a genuine epidemic, with roughly 50,000 cases, and it is beginning to surface in Europe. Ilan Flammer hopes to help counter this trend. Beyond the issue of multiple personality itself, he challenges the very techniques of hypnosis.”
Panorama du médecin
Production
A co-production of Cabiria films, Arte, IMA production and Polygone
Crew
Directed by: Ilan Flammer
Written by: Ilan Flammer and Sherril Mulhern
Cinematography: Ned Burgess and Mark Daniels
Sound: Rémi Attal
Edited by: Bernadine Colish
Music Consultant: Ami Flammer