Two academics thrashing out abstract concepts for nearly two hours might not be the most exciting subject for a feature film. However, when one is Sigmund Freud the founder of psychoanalysis and confirmed atheist and the other a lay theologian and author of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, it’s likely to be a tad more interesting. This movie does not disappoint.
The premise of this film is that Dr Sigmund Freud invites popular author C. S. Lewis to his consulting rooms to debate their respective views on society and the human psyche. The starting point is whether God exists or not and the discussion then diverges to a number of other matters ranging from sexuality, morality, religion, society and mortality. They get critical and even personal as they confront each other’s opposing views in what is, at times, a verbal fencing match.
But the film is far from a mere academic debate. In the process of their discussion there are many allusions to their respective pasts. Through flashbacks, we see glimpses of their individual childhoods, Lewis’ traumatic wartime experiences and Freud’s more recent flight from Nazi-controlled Austria. In addition, the discussion is often interrupted by more pressing contemporary matters. Their debate about morality, the existence of God, free will and the rest is heightened by the period they find themselves in.
Freud’s Last Session, 2023. Directed by Matthew Brown.
The discussion unfolding in Freud’s study is anchored in a more disturbing reality. Outside, in 1939, the world is heading towards destruction; in only a few days World War II will officially begin. Inside, Freud is elderly and dying of cancer of the jaw. To stress the fatality of Freud’s condition, he often sits, rests and reclines on his famous couch – a clear touch of irony as it was here that his patients reclined as he treated them. Now he has become the patient.
He requires regular attention for which he relies on his devoted daughter Anna (played by Liv Lisa Balfour). Her life is constantly disrupted by his needs and demands. Given his declining health and constant pain, he is reluctant to let her have any independent life and is particularly cold towards her same-sex partner Dorothy Burlingham (Jodi Balfour).
Despite the negative context of terminal illness and impending world war, the film is not grim or depressing. The old Freud still has a sharp wit and can tackle any argument thrown at him. Equally, Lewis is not intimidated by Freud’s intellect or his reputation; he easily counters whatever arguments and theories are thrown at him. Furthermore, the issues they discuss and debate – morality, religion, sexuality – are still relevant today.
Freud’s Last Session, 2023. Directed by Matthew Brown.
Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as the cranky, authoritarian, eccentric but is still sharp-witted doyen of psychoanalysis. He is still able to hold his own against his much younger Oxford professor adversary. Mathew Goode is equally effective as C.S. Lewis who, on the other hand, is a young and idealistic academic. They debate, argue, complement and even admire each other during their lively but friendly interaction. The issues they debate and discuss are not solvable – issues that have been vexing philosophers for generations. There can be no definite conclusions one way or the other. Their dialogue is the focus of the story, not who is right or wrong, better or worse or wiser. Their interaction is enhanced by the contrasts between them: they come from different backgrounds, different cultures, different eras.
Although a debate between two great intellects, there is little academic jargon and no high-brow waffle. You don’t need to have read a word of Freud or even heard of the ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ to appreciate this film. The allusions to Freudian theory and C. S. Lewis’ beliefs are not the primary focus but are more background providing the context to their interaction.
‘Freud’s Last Session’ is a discourse between two individuals who, in their various ways, try to grapple with the experiences that have shaped them and affected their contemporary society. We get their respective social and psychological analyses without any ivory tower elitism. As such, it appeals to a broad audience not merely an academic one.