Wicked (1991) – Carlo Lizzani.

'Psychiatry is a Jung man's game'

Grieving the sudden loss of her daughter, Emilia (Giuliana De Sol) exhibits uncharacteristically disruptive behaviour, and after initially being treated by professor Bruckner (Erland Josephson), her complex case becomes the subject of an increasingly tender fascination for staunch Freudian Professor Gustav (Julian Sands). Nominally based on documented experiences of a youthful Carl Jung, Wicked is an earnest, sensitively rendered, altogether watchable historical drama, bolstered by fine performances, and the able direction of noted Italian film-maker Carlo Lizzani. Not essential viewing, since it might well be argued that Wicked's most zealous demographic would be those who appreciate that eminently appreciable, and greatly missed screen idol, Julian Sands. As the handsome professor Gustav gently probes ever more deeply into poor Emilia's troubled mind, his controversial approach ultimately yields credible results, leading to conflict with the rather more stolid, and conventional medical practitioner Professor Bruckner. Perhaps a mite tepid in the dramatic department, the picturesque feature is often visually sumptuous, both the photographic and soundtrack elements prove exemplary, Lizzani's Wicked frequently expressing a humane quality that I found commendable. For any that are interested, the expressly lovely score is by acclaimed maestro Armando Trovajoli.