Film Screening: Century of The Self

When: Saturdays, April 11th and 18th, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Where: 422 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento

Join us for a screening of Century of the Self (2002), a four-part documentary series by Adam Curtis that explores the profound influence of Sigmund Freud's ideas on modern society. The film centers on Freud's nephew Edward Bernays, who used his uncle's theories of the human psyche and the unconscious to develop the modern practice of consumer marketing and corporate public relations--with far reaching and devastating effects.

The film traces the development of Bernays's marketing practices throughout the 20th century, showing how they were used not only by corporations to manipulate consumers into buying products, but by governments and politicians to control populations. It raises provocative questions about desire and free will and may offer a fascinating if unsettling perception of the place of the individual in current national and global affairs. At this moment, when many find themselves at a loss, truly "not masters of their own houses" insofar as that concept extends to government in a supposed democracy, this film may aid our thinking about how we find ourselves here.

We'll screen the first two parts of this documentary on April 11th, and the final two on April 18th. Each part is approximately one-hour. Time for discussion will follow. Drinks and snacks will be provided.