CINEMA'S SINISTER PSYCHIATRISTS REVIEW

REVIEW

CINEMA'S SINISTER PSYCHIATRISTS: FROM CALIGARI TO HANNIBAL

SHARON PACKER, M.D.

MCFARLAND & COMPANY, INC., PUBLISHERS

2012

"...Fuat Ulus, M.D.'s enthusiasm about film and psychiatry has been an inspiration...'

This was an acknowledgment presented in the Author's fourth book written about the relationship between films and behavioral health. The reviewer too, has been inspired by the writer's work including but not limited to her previously published three books -- "Dreams in Myth, Medicine, and Movies - 2002," "Movies and the Modern Psyche - 2007," and "Superheroes and Superegos: Analyzing the Minds Behind the Masks - 2009" along with now regular APA workshop presentation, "From Caligari to Hannibal the Cannibal: Sinister Cinematic Psychiatrists." The Reviewer even "competed" with the Writer during APA Institute held in New York City, fall 2009 when he was to be presenting a poster reflective of Stairways Behavioral Health Clinic, using movies in Erie County Prison Group Therapy Program designed for female inmates, Erie, Pennsylvania while the Writer was to be conducting her aforementioned workshop hence mutual inspiration.

The Writer extends his commendations to the Author for many reasons.

First, accolades for her courage. Sinister psychiatrists have always intrigued us but none has ever dared to take on such a project through which their ever existing popularity would be analyzed.

Second, the book is quite entertaining. It is difficult ending one chapter and not starting the next one immediately.

Third, all chapters are intertwined harmoniously hence the reader's ability to read and enjoy any page regardless what is presented before and after for the given theme.

Fourth, the chapter presentations are supported by exclusively prepared data and research. Filmography, Chapter Notes and Bibliography are an invaluable resources for academicians and clinicians alike.

Fifth, classification of sinister psychiatrists, based on chronological developments relevant to social, cultural, political and other demographics is within the perspective of quite an innovative format successfully wrapped up by the Author. This publication, therefore, may be regarded by some as DSMSP-I [Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Sinister Psychiatrists - I].

Sixth, it is impossible not to watch those films mentioned in the publication. Those readers who have already seen them would be willing to watch the films again perhaps this time under different guidance set forth by the book.

Last but not least, the book's effect on our psyche is tremendous. Anybody finishing the book starts having an idea why sinister psychiatrists on the Silver Screen have always been haunting us, love to hate and hate to love them.

The Author leads her readers achieving three E's, Entertainment, Education and Empowerment, completion of a trilogy expected of every successful book.

The only suggestion of the Reviewer is advising the Author to proceed with her next book, carrying the title, "Cinema's Dexter Psychiatrists: From the Apathetic to Empathic." The Author states in her book that all we expect from a "good" psychiatrists depicted on the Silver Screen is their being empathic and competent characters. I somewhat disagree with that as there are so many "good" psychiatrists portrayed in films when we behavioral health care professionals may still question about the character's professional attitude, behavior, conduct and other deeds. It is the Reviewer's belief that the Author is able to tackle with this equally challenging task as well.

I highly recommend this publication generating as well as maintaining an intense but intriguing interest in the reader not only during the review but also following its completion; an impression that stays for days and weeks.
Sincerely,

Fuat Ulus, M.D.

Erie, PA

November 17, 2012