The Servant

As part of the Sigmund Freud Lectures 2024, we are joining forces with the Vienna Psychoanalytic Academy to present THE SERVANT, one of the best British films of the 20th century. An introductory lecture will reflect on the psychoanalytical context of Joseph Losey's masterpiece.

With an introduction by Prof. August Ruhs

‘The theme of THE SERVANT is the destructive violence of trying to live by outmoded and false principles, principles which our minds tell us are outmoded but which we still regard emotionally as our guide.’ (Joseph Losey). An intense, multi-award-winning chamber play about class differences, power and manipulation: Dirk Bogarde plays Hugo Barrett, who uses skilful manipulation to transform himself from servant to secret master of the house, covering the home of the arrogant upper-class playboy Tony with dark decadence and degrading him to a plaything of his whims. Shadows and grid structures emphasise the dark atmosphere, the feeling of being locked up and at the mercy of others. (Florian Widegger)