The Century of the Self – Documentary

Dive into the mind-bending world of *The Century of the Self* (2002), a gripping four-part BBC documentary by Adam Curtis that will leave you questioning everything about modern society. This electrifying series unveils how Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic ideas were weaponized to shape your desires, from the ads you can’t resist to the politicians you vote for. In just four hours, Curtis masterfully unravels a century-long saga of manipulation, revealing secrets that will change how you see the world.

Meet Edward Bernays, Freud’s nephew and the father of public relations, who turned psychology into a tool for controlling the masses. Ever wonder why women started smoking as a symbol of “freedom”? Bernays did that. The series takes you on a wild ride through history—think wartime propaganda, Nazi rallies, and the CIA’s mind games during the Cold War—showing how governments and corporations learned to tap into your deepest desires. With jaw-dropping archival footage, you’ll see how the 1960s counterculture’s quest for individuality was hijacked to sell you everything from jeans to lifestyles.

Curtis doesn’t just tell a story; he pulls back the curtain on how your “freedom” was engineered. From Bill Clinton’s poll-driven politics to the rise of consumerism, *The Century of the Self* exposes the tricks that turned society into a playground of self-obsession. Packed with revelations and narrated with Curtis’ hypnotic style, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone curious about why we think, shop, and vote the way we do. Prepare to be shocked, intrigued, and hooked—your perspective on modern life will never be the same. Grab some popcorn and get ready to have your mind blown!