The Century of the Self

Unveils how Freud's psychoanalytic theories were used to shape modern consumerism and political power, revealing the hidden forces manipulating our desires and identities throughout the 20th century.

"The Century of the Self" was made in 2002. The documentary series, directed by Adam Curtis, was first broadcast on BBC Four.

"The Century of the Self" is a thought-provoking documentary series by filmmaker Adam Curtis that delves into the intertwining history of psychology, consumerism, and political power in the 20th century. Spread across four hour-long episodes, the series explores how the theories of Sigmund Freud, and later those of his daughter Anna Freud and nephew Edward Bernays, fundamentally reshaped society.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Psychoanalysis and Consumerism:

   • The documentary begins by tracing the roots of psychoanalysis, focusing on Sigmund Freud's theories about the unconscious mind and human desires. It then shows how Edward Bernays, Freud's nephew, applied these ideas to manipulate public opinion and consumer behavior, effectively creating the field of public relations. Bernays' work demonstrated how understanding and tapping into unconscious desires could be used to sell products and ideas, transforming citizens into consumers.

2. Political Manipulation:

   • The series also examines how these psychological techniques were adapted by politicians and governments to manage and control populations. It highlights how the focus shifted from meeting citizens' needs to shaping their desires and perceptions, thus influencing their behavior and decisions. This transformation is shown to have had profound effects on democracy and the nature of political power.

3. Impact on Society and Culture:

   • "The Century of the Self" explores the broader cultural implications of these psychological manipulations. It discusses how the pursuit of individual happiness and fulfillment, as promoted by psychoanalytic ideas, led to a more self-centered and consumer-driven society. This shift is depicted as having both liberating and constraining effects, freeing individuals from traditional norms while also subjecting them to new forms of control.

"The Century of the Self" is a compelling and insightful series that provides a critical examination of the intersection between psychology, consumerism, and political power. Adam Curtis effectively uses archival footage and expert interviews to build a narrative that is both informative and unsettling. The series challenges viewers to reflect on how deeply psychological manipulation has penetrated modern life and its implications for personal freedom and democracy.

Curtis's work delves into how our desires, fears, and identities are meticulously crafted by those in power, using the principles of psychoanalysis. This manipulation is not just a historical phenomenon but continues to shape our contemporary world, influencing everything from consumer habits to political beliefs. The documentary forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality that much of what we consider to be our individual choices and preferences may, in fact, be the result of sophisticated psychological techniques designed to steer us in specific directions.

By connecting the dots between Freud's theories, Bernays's public relations strategies, and the modern-day media landscape, "The Century of the Self" paints a picture of a society where the boundaries between genuine individualism and externally influenced behavior are increasingly blurred. This has profound implications for the concept of democracy, as it suggests that the very mechanisms meant to empower individuals and uphold democratic values are being used to subtly control and direct public opinion and behavior.

Overall, "The Century of the Self" is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the psychological underpinnings of contemporary society and the mechanisms of control that shape our world. It serves as a crucial reminder of the power of psychological manipulation and the need for vigilance and critical thinking in an age where information and influence are commodified. The series is not just a historical account but a wake-up call to recognize and resist the ongoing manipulations that seek to define our identities and dictate our actions.

To watch the series click on the picture below: