The Kansas City Public Library continues Searching the Psyche through Cinema – an annual film series in its fourth year – with a special screening of Repulsion (1965) on Sunday, March 15, at 1 p.m. in the Truman Forum at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

Co-sponsored by the Greater Kansas City and Topeka Psychoanalytic Center with UMKC, this unique film series takes as its theme Love & Obsession – following each screening with a discussion that pairs cinema and psychoanalytic experts for an examination of how celluloid gets under our skin and into our psyche.

Repulsion is director Roman Polanski’s first English-language film. It breaks from his earlier absurdist works and shows an intense interest in surrealism and psychoanalysis. Repulsion follows Carol (Catherine Deneuve) as she spirals into delusion after being sexually victimized. Produced in Britain, censors were lenient in rating the film after psychologists vouched for its depiction of mental breakdown. Visually stunning, Repulsion examines social convention, gender, and love while highlighting the dangers lurking within the consciousness. This film is not rated. 

The post-discussion will be led by UMKC film professor Caitlin Horsmon and psychologist Claude Brunell, Psy.D.           

Admission is free. Click here or call 816.701.3407 to RSVP.