MA English Film Club – Activity Report – July 10th 2015

Film screened: The Century of the Self Part 1- Happiness Machine
Time: 3:00 PM                               
Venue: Room No. 105, 1st Floor, Central Block        
Attended by: Students of 1MENG
 

 

Synopsis:
An intriguing documentary by Adam Curtis, on Freud’s path breaking theory of ‘psychoanalysis’, wherein ‘psychoanalysis’ becomes a powerful device of persuasion for both governments and corporations. The documentary captures the vulnerability of the individuals’ psyche to ‘things’ that furnish happiness. History is evidence, to how mankind succumbed to the dictates of world famous individuals, who trifled with the minds of the masses, through exploitation of ‘psychoanalysis’. From the rising demand of cigarettes among women and increasing consumerism in America, that resulted in the country becoming the financial super power, to the atrocities exerted by world leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini. All for a fleeting sense of delight. The powerful psychoanalytic documentary virtually proves the premise, of human susceptibility to the perpetual pursuit of ‘happiness’.

Key points of discussion:
•    Audience’s approval of the idea, ‘happiness machines’ attributed to humankind by the documentary.
•    All major revolutions in the world were directed towards ‘happiness’.
•    The validation of the idea, that acquisition of things tantamount to happiness.