“The first picture on psychoanalysis is also a tale of suspense, and Hitchcock embellishes it with characteristically brilliant twists” – Time Out

“The secret recesses of the mind are explored with brilliant and terrifying effect” (New York Herald Tribune) in this fascinating psychological thriller from Alfred Hitchcock. Featuring powerful performances from Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, this masterpiece of mystery, romance and suspense boasts an Oscar-winning score by Miklós Rózsa and a haunting dream sequence designed by Salvador Dalí. Bergman plays Dr. Constance Peterson, is a dedicated psychiatrist who puts all her passion into her work — until she falls in love with the mysterious Dr. Edwardes (Peck). When it becomes clear that Edwardes is an amnesiac who may or may not be a cold-blooded murderer, Constance must decide whether to turn him in…or risk her life by trying to unlock the dark secrets in his mind.

Though its depiction of psychological concepts like the guilt complex and amnesia may now seem dated, the film nonetheless looks surprisingly forward-thinking at year 80. Not only was it the very first Hollywood production to explore psychoanalysis in depth, it does so through the lens of a female psychologist bristling against a male-dominated world. With its rich, complex performances by two of Hollywood’s greatest stars, its surrealist touches from one of art history’s most notorious and beloved personalities, and its characteristically twisty-turny plot courtesy of the Master of Suspense, SPELLBOUND is ripe for rediscovery.

SPELLBOUND is playing as a double feature with Mel Brooks’ underappreciated Hitchcock parody HIGH ANXIETY, which draws heavily on its psych-hospital plot. Tickets are $9 each or $15 for the double feature. Make your selection at checkout.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Arkadin presents INSTITUTIONALIZED: MENTAL INSTITUTIONS ON FILM, a series of movies that depict asylums, sanitariums, and psychiatric hospitals — some with unvarnished realism, others with surrealism, whimsy or horror. At several screenings, academics and mental health experts will introduce the film with a talk that unpacks the film’s treatment of mental healthcare and provides context on the history of psychiatric institutions.

Arkadin does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, we encourage researching titles to determine if a screening may contain content that could be upsetting to you. Please feel free to contact us for guidance on specific films. Information about content can also be found on Common Sense Media, IMDB and DoesTheDogDie.com, as well as through general internet searches.