“The Life and Times of Sigmund Freud” is frustrating. It could be great, but fails to be. Many nascent ideas never move beyond embryonic state. For instance, though the opening scene is a somewhat marvellous, albeit simplified, retelling of Freud’s “Primal Scene” – successfully exploring both Erotic and Thanotic themes mingled together, this thematic complexity never appears again.
The massive cast was, I felt, unnecessary for an obviously farcical production. Five actors could have achieved what it took around ten to do, and this ironically lessened pace and energy.
Likewise, much of what is shown on screen should have been on stage. The screen was excellently used in some instances in which live staging would have been nigh-on impossible, notably in a simultaneous send up of Hitler and James Cameron’s Titanic (this scene was rather brilliant). The sound quality on the home film is extremely shaky.
Some positives: Some of the gags are marvellous. The therapy session between Freud and Hitler was wonderfully funny. Some performers excelled themselves (no program was available, and hence no names) such as the players of Id, Hitler, the wonderful Narrator and above all Mrs Freud. The latter was marvellous in a variety of roles, and reminded me of a young Sally Phillips.
The show’s team should develop it further. Many of the performers are excellent and there is much funny material out of which something excellent can be made, but it’s not there yet.
I hope the team behind this production are rewarded for their innovation and talent.
The massive cast was, I felt, unnecessary for an obviously farcical production. Five actors could have achieved what it took around ten to do, and this ironically lessened pace and energy.
Likewise, much of what is shown on screen should have been on stage. The screen was excellently used in some instances in which live staging would have been nigh-on impossible, notably in a simultaneous send up of Hitler and James Cameron’s Titanic (this scene was rather brilliant). The sound quality on the home film is extremely shaky.
Some positives: Some of the gags are marvellous. The therapy session between Freud and Hitler was wonderfully funny. Some performers excelled themselves (no program was available, and hence no names) such as the players of Id, Hitler, the wonderful Narrator and above all Mrs Freud. The latter was marvellous in a variety of roles, and reminded me of a young Sally Phillips.
The show’s team should develop it further. Many of the performers are excellent and there is much funny material out of which something excellent can be made, but it’s not there yet.
I hope the team behind this production are rewarded for their innovation and talent.