Film Series: Lady in a Cage presented by Jon Dimond, PhD–new date January 14

2023-2024 Film Series: Psychoanalysis and Cinema: Horror, Pathology and Reframing Perversion

Our screening series will introduce mental health professionals to psychoanalytic concepts and research around sexuality, trauma, and uncanny experiences. Participants will watch psychosexually themed films and participate in professional-led discussions analyzing the material in terms of psychopathology and treatment.

Screening begins at 2pm Central Time at NOBPC
Discussion begins at 3:45pm Central Time at NOBPC or Zoom

In what many consider to be the first film in the home invasion horror genre, “Lady In A Cage” (1964) is an audacious and prescient exploration of whether one can ever feel truly at home in a society unraveling at the seams. We are introduced to the privileged world of Cornelia Hilyard, “safely” ensconced in tranquil surroundings following an unusual farewell to her son. This domestic scene is soon interrupted by a rogue’s gallery of archetypal villains, but the audience is invited to consider what can happen when one learns a monster may already be inside.
While Oedipal themes are manifest, our discussion will read this film utilizing two specific conceptual perspectives. We will consider the symbolism of the home itself utilizing Freud’s conceptualization of the uncanny, which stands in opposition to the German word “heimlich” (“familiar,” “belonging to the home”). We will apply elements of the uncanny to this film, how the characters go about their business, and consider how these dynamics affect work with our patients when they feel their reality or very selves being invaded.
We will also consider the proposition of feminist psychologist Dorothy Dinnerstein who argues in her seminal work The Mermaid and the Minotaur (1976) that historical divisions of gender roles, and the compartmentalization that is required to sustain these arrangements, create a relentless “suicidal” dehumanization process.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand Freud’s concept of the uncanny and how that affects patient experiences and sense of self
• Understand Dinnerstein’s argument about historical divisions of gender roles and how these arrangements relate to conscious and unconscious dehumanization processes
• Assess Cornelia’s intrapsychic conflicts and shift in self-states utilizing Freud’s Oedipus Complex

Jon Dimond, Ph.D. received his doctorate in clinical psychology from The New School for Social Research in New York City. Prior to moving to New Orleans, he held an Assistant Professor appointment in the Department of Leadership, Ethics, and Law at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland from 2017-2020 where he taught courses in abnormal psychology and human behavior. Dr. Dimond is a licensed clinical psychologist in the District of Columbia and the states of New York, Virginia, and Louisiana. Although his practice is broadly oriented toward general adult psychotherapy, he has specialized training in treatments for severe personality disorders and trauma. Dr. Dimond additionally has an extensive research and clinical background working with individuals who identify as transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and gender non-binary.

**If you wish to join only for the discussion, please watch the film prior to joining**

If joining for the discussion only, please arrive at NOBPC by 3:40pm or join the Zoom link.

The film is available to rent on several streaming services.

Attendance is free but pre-register by emailing nobpcenter@gmail.com.

Zoom registration ends 24 hours before the event and is only available for the discussion portion.

1.5 CME credits is $10 for NOBPC members and $15 for non-members.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American Psychoanalytic Association and NOBPC. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: None of the planners and presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s)* to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.