Before discussing "Mine Own Executioner" I should explain something about the plot. Burgess Meredith's character, Felix, is called a psychiatrist in the film but he isn't one....he's a psychotherapist. Back in the mid-20th century, there wasn't a standardized degree to be a psychotherapist and many psychologists were NOT folks with PhDs, EdDs or PsyDs like today. In fact, if you could demonstrate your competence, you could even practice without any degree...yes, no degree at all. While this wasn't common, it was possible. In fact, one of the most famous developmental psychologists of the 20th century, Erik Erikson had no degree...but wrote tons of articles and taught at such prestigious schools as Harvard and Yale! So, in the USA, Felix might have been called a psychologist...and apparently in the UK someone like this might have been called a psychiatrist...even though they don't have a medical degree.
Felix is a very good therapist. However, conversely, he's not a particularly good husband and is distant from his wife. He even contemplates having an affair. In addition, while he's good at his job, he's filled with doubts. All this is thrown for a loop when Felix begins working with a very dangerous man. Adam is suffering from PTSD, as he went through hell in a POW camp during the war. But he also is showing signs of psychosis...and that could make him a dangerous person. What's next? See the film.
This is a very interesting film....especially since Felix is so good at helping people but is out of touch with himself. Interesting and well worth seeing...with a rather amazing final portion of the story.
Felix is a very good therapist. However, conversely, he's not a particularly good husband and is distant from his wife. He even contemplates having an affair. In addition, while he's good at his job, he's filled with doubts. All this is thrown for a loop when Felix begins working with a very dangerous man. Adam is suffering from PTSD, as he went through hell in a POW camp during the war. But he also is showing signs of psychosis...and that could make him a dangerous person. What's next? See the film.
This is a very interesting film....especially since Felix is so good at helping people but is out of touch with himself. Interesting and well worth seeing...with a rather amazing final portion of the story.