Search - My Name Was Sabina Spielrein on DVD

Nicely executed and focused, if a little shallow

Bill Kelso | Superior, CO USA | 11/05/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The story of Sabina Spielrein is becoming more well known. This is one of two movies on her life now. There are several books. As more research and scholarship is done, it is apparent that Sabina probably did NOT have a love affair with Jung as depicted in - and central to - this film. The definitive Sabina Speilrein movie has not been made yet, it my opinion. It seels that many people sense a sort of 'grander mystery' behind Speilrein's story when they first hear it, but this film only hints at that rather than unfolding it further. But this attempt does what it does well."

Fascinating "docudrama" on the hidden history of psychoanaly

Douglas Broehl | Delafield, Wis. | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very interesting "docudrama" on a little known episode in the history of psychoanalysis. It tells the story of how the young Carl Jung treated his first patient, and how their doctor-patient relationship eventually developed into a passionate love affair. This affair was unknown until 1977, when Spielrein's diary and several letters were discovered in the basement of a building in Geneva, Switzerland, nearly thirty years after she had died. In the film we learn how Spielrein wanted to have a child with Jung, how Jung broke off the relationship, and how Spielrein coped with his rejection. One of the most interesting aspects of this film is how Sabina Spielrein made important contributions to the history of psychology, yet they were generally unrecognized publically by Freud and Jung. The film tells the story by dramatic recreations, narration, authentic photographs and letters. It is a very professionally made film, and the dramatic recreations are acted well and fit the film perfectly. I loved this film and it is a wonderful tribute to Ms. Spielrein. Sadly, Spielrein died in a Nazi concentration camp in 1942. If you are at all interested in Carl Jung and the history of psychology you MUST have this film. I saw it in the spring of 2006 in Chicago, and it haunted me for weeks. It is a very powerful film, almost Shakespearen in mood, tone and feel. I HIGHLY recommend it."