Celluloid Psychology series
Exploring the mind and brain in cinema
Introducing the new season
Celluloid Psychology was devised by Dr Alastair Smith, School of Psychology as an antidote to the usual depictions of psychology on our screens. Each of our carefully selected films are curated and introduced by a specialist in human behaviour from our school, who will discuss how their area of expertise can shed unexpected light on the psychological questions explored in the film.
Below are the three films, each chosen by an academic.
October – December 2022 season
A Clockwork Orange (18)
3 October 2022
Introduced by cognitive neuroscientist Professor Jeremy Goslin .
In an England of the future, Alex (Malcolm McDowell) and his ‘Droogs’ spend their nights getting high at the Korova Milkbar before embarking on ‘a little of the old ultraviolence,’ while jauntily warbling ‘Singin' in the Rain.’ After he's jailed, Alex submits to behaviour modification technique to earn his freedom; he's conditioned to abhor violence. Returned to the world defenceless, Alex becomes the victim of his prior victims.
Awakenings (12)
7 November 2022
Introduced by neuroscientist Dr Elsa Fouragnan .
Awakenings is the fictionalised account of Dr Oliver Sach’s memoir of his work as a doctor who uses an experimental drug to ‘awaken’ the catatonic victims of a rare disease beginning with Leonard, the first patient to receive the controversial treatment.
Inside Out (U)
5 December 2022
Introduced by cognitive psychologist Dr Chris Longmore .
Riley is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Riley's emotions – led by Joy (Amy Poehler) – try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event.
Our commitment to the safe enjoyment of the arts during the Covid-19 pandemic, means that this season's events are free for you to enjoy at home.
The Arts Institute relies on income to develop and deliver a public programme, which not only promotes audience engagement and access to the arts, but also directly supports emerging and established artists' careers and the creation of new content.
In place of the price of a ticket, please consider a donation to The Arts Institute.
Donate here
Thank you for your support.
Interested in studying psychology?
Did you know that 89 per cent of our graduates are in employment or further study after six months?
To find out about the University of Plymouth's range of psychology courses within the School of Psychology, please visit the school page.
Contact The Arts Institute
The Arts Institute, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA
The Levinsky Gallery, Tuesday – Friday 10:00-17:00 and Saturday – Sunday 12:00-17:00 (closed Mondays and Bank Holidays)
