C. G. Jung Society of Sarasota Film Salons

    In film we find a special window to the unconscious as filmmakers seek to explore the depths of the psyche beyond ordinary consciousness. Working from Jungian Psychology, we can uncover the archetypes, images and myths that underpin all great art.

We will explore this theme as it is taken up in contemporary films. An ongoing Jungian commentary and discussion will be led by Earl Mackey as the film is screened.

The Golden Compass (2007)
Saturday, November 1, 2008 1:00 p.m.
RSVP Earl Mackey at 493-5137
Selby Library Conference Room
1331 1st St Sarasota

This film is based on acclaimed British writer Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" Triliogy. Starring Nicole Kidman but overshadowed by the young woman who plays Lyra, it sparkles with imagination and creative film making. In a brilliant blending of ideas from the new science and Jungian Psychology, it carries us along on a marvellous ride to the North Pole and beyond to the depths of the psyche. Some have seen the film as a counter to C.S. Lewis's “Chronicles of Narnia” and it has received some criticism in conservative Christian circles. But none other than the Archbishop of Cantebury has embraced its value. Come see for yourself and enjoy this inspired journey.

Starting Out in the Evening (2007)
Saturday, January 24, 2009   1:00 p.m.
RSVP Earl Mackey at 493-5137
Selby Library Conference Room
1331 1st St Sarasota

An aging writer, Leonard Schiller, struggles to finish his last book, while his 39 year old daughter seeks meaning in life. Unexpectedly, a young, female graduate student enters this world and challenges the status quo.
Themes to be discussed include:

The Fall (2006)
Saturday, February 21, 2009  1:00 p.m.
RSVP Earl Mackey at 493-5137
Selby Library Conference Room
1331 1st St Sarasota

"The Fall" by Director Tarsem Singh, one of the most unique and surreal films of the year. It is a story within a story: an adult fairy tale told by images coming from the reaction of a young, immigrant girl listening to the story. The movie is set in 1915 in a California hospital where Roy,a depressed movie stunt man, is recovering from a bad fall on the set. He befriends another patient, Alexandra,who is recovering from a broken arm. He channels her thoughts "into the exotic landscapes of her imagination." This film ,made in 2006, won at the Berlin Festival. It is only recently being distributed in the U.S.

"The Fall is often an affectionate caricature itself,but one of astonishing beauty...
a gorgeous tone poem to cinema. "  The Washington Post

August Rush (2007)
Saturday, March 28, 2009 1:00 p.m.
RSVP Earl Mackey at 493-5137
Selby Library Conference Room
1331 1st St Sarasota

An orphaned musical prodigy seeks a reunion with his mother, a famous concert cellist and his father, an Irish guitarist. Using the power and energy of music in his inner and outer world, the young boy sets out on his hero's quest. A simple but beautiful story, the film is deeply archetypal and integrates compelling ideas from the new science and consciousness studies. Robin Williams brings to life Jung's compelling idea of Mercurius. "August Rush is poetry in motion."

Earl Mackey has been working with Jungian ideas for over 30 years and seeks to integrate them with ideas drawn from many spiritual traditions, along with contemporary film, literature, and science. Trained as a lawyer, his professional work has focused on public policy and ethics issues both in the U.S. and abroad. He currently serves his second term on the Board of the C. G. Jung Society.