The Master Gardener (2022, 2 hr, 25 minutes), directed by Academy Award® nominee Paul Schrader, continues Schrader’s long filmic exploration of the psychology of redemption. Here, a former skinhead gang enforcer lives an apparently monastic life as he tends the grounds of a beautiful estate until others’ needs impinge on his ascetic resolve.
Learning Objectives:
As a result of attending this session, participants should be able to:

Summarize three forms/stages of Eros-Thanatos dynamics as demonstrated in The Master Gardener
Describe power dynamics in opportunistic sexual relations as portrayed in this film
Describe/discuss the place of psychoanalytic treatment in social change toward eradicating racism

Discussants:

Elena Bezzubova, PhD, is a research psychoanalyst. She teaches at UCI and NCP. Dr. Bezzubova has published a wide range of chapters and articles as well as has organized and presented at numerous conferences around the world. She maintains a private practice in Newport Beach.

Gerard Sobnosky, LMFT, is a Psychoanalyst and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Pedro, CA. He holds two Master’s degrees in Psychology and is an active member at the New Center for Psychoanalysis (NCP) in Los Angeles. He is on the Board of Directors of the American Psychoanalytic Association (APsA), serves on the APsA Finance Committee, and the American Psychoanalytic Foundation, and is Treasurer of the APsA Candidates Council. In addition, he is Vice President for North America for the International Psychoanalytic Studies Organization.