The Divided Brain

The Divided Brain is a thought-provoking documentary film that premiered in 2019. The film boasts a stunning storytelling combined with an innovative approach to documentary filmmaking. Director Manfred Becker brings to life Iain McGilchrist's 2009 book, "The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World", in a manner both captivating and enlightening.

The film features psychiatrist and writer Dr. Iain McGilchrist as the protagonist, who bases all his claims on solid scientific evidence. With a career spanning across several decades, McGilchrist is internationally recognized for his contributions in the field of neuroscience, particularly his work on the human brain's lateralized function. His immense work in this field builds the nucleus of this fascinating documentary.

The Divided Brain starts with a simple yet profound question: What would happen if the world was only seen by the left side of the brain? McGilchrist explores and extensively discusses the contrasting functionalities of the two brain hemispheres and how it shapes our world and our reality. Through his lens, viewers are led on an enlightening journey that dissects the human brain, explaining how each side interprets and interacts with the world differently.

The prolific voice artist Seana McKenna adds life to the film as the narrator. With a soothing, impeccable diction, she guides us through this journey of exploration, using the script as the perfect tool to maintain viewers' engagement. The duo of McGilchrist and McKenna creates a riveting balance of in-depth science and engaging storytelling.

Through the innovative use of animation and archival footage, Becker creatively takes the viewers on a journey into the depths of our minds. He interlaces profound intellectual thought with easily understandable presentations. The script is interwoven with beautiful visuals, subtle humor and gripping real-life examples that strike a balance between scientific intrigue and viewer understanding.

The filmmakers trace the significance of McGilchrist's findings in a cultural, political and personal context. McGilchrist's deduction that the left side of the brain—analytical, detached, and target-driven—has become dominant in modern society forms the crux of the narrative. The film goes on to explore how this dominance is having a profound influence on our societies, driving them towards a mechanical way of life, detached from the essence of human nature.

However, the film is far from being all doom and gloom. While it paints a sobering picture of how our current societal setup has led us to be rational and disconnected, it also opens up a possibility for change. It instills hope by elaborating on the unique solutions that arise from fostering a better balance between both sides of our brain.

The Divided Brain comes across as a brilliant amalgamation of neuroscience, philosophy, and societal critique. It offers a fresh perspective on the swiftly changing dynamics of the world at large. This documentary does not just make you think but also overthink, and, in a sense, it reprograms the way you perceive the world.

The film strikes an impressive balance between being intellectual and being accessible, making it a must-watch for both neuroscience enthusiasts and the general audience alike. All throughout the film, the message is clear and yet profound: we need both sides of the brain working in unison to truly appreciate the complexity and beauty of the world around us.

While the film is rooted in neuroscience, it offers valuable insight for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the human mind and its influence on our shared realities, the intricacies of our personality and on the world we live in. This documentary is indeed a compelling watch that will take you on a captivating journey through the corridors of the human brain, an exploration that is as educational as it is entertaining.

By contemplating and appreciating the impact of McGilchrist’s findings in every frame, The Divided Brain embodies the perfect blend of scientific depth, philosophical insight, and societal understanding. It is an artistic, scientific journey that challenges our understanding of the world and ourselves, making it a cerebral masterpiece in the sphere of documentary films.