The annual Searching the Psyche Through Cinema series returns in January, February, and March with psychological studies of films directed by one of the most uniquely stylish and idiosyncratic movie makers of our time, David Lynch. A discussion follows each screening.

In the series’ opening film, The Elephant Man (1980; PG), Lynch explores themes of identity, dignity, and humanity in the true story of a severely disfigured and mistreated man (John Hurt) who is rescued by a Victorian surgeon (Anthony Hopkins). Post-screening discussion is led by psychoanalyst Alice Bartlett and Trey Hock, assistant professor of filmmaking at the Kansas City Art Institute.