The President's Analyst

The President's Analyst is a comical satire released in 1967, directed by Theodore J. Flicker. The film features James Coburn in the lead role, with Godfrey Cambridge and Severn Darden in supporting roles.

Coburn plays Dr Sidney Schaefer, a highly respected psychoanalyst who is enlisted by the US President to serve as his own personal psychiatrist. The job comes with a lot of pressure, and Schaefer finds it increasingly difficult to maintain his own sanity and keep his personal life in order. Nevertheless, he soldiers on, but not without challenges.

One day, Schaefer decides to take a break from his hectic life by going on a vacation, but this proves to be a bigger mistake than he could have imagined. During his time off, Schaefer is captured by a group of foreign spies who are interested in exploiting Schaefer's medical expertise to serve their own evil purposes. The spies' plan is to use Schaefer to analyze the President's psyche and manipulate US national policy.

Schaefer is left with no choice but to cooperate with the nefarious villains, but he soon finds himself in way over his head. He becomes embroiled in a complex web of international politics, espionage and counter-espionage. As events spiral out of control and Schaefer's sanity is thrown into question, he realizes that he is the only one who can save the President and prevent the country from descending into chaos.

The President's Analyst is a clever blend of comedy, satire and action, with elements of Cold War paranoia. The film provides an intriguing look into the psyche of a man who has been given far too much responsibility, and what happens when his world falls apart. The movie is also a good reflection of the times in which it was created, which was a period marked by political upheaval, impending nuclear war, and widespread fear.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it pokes fun at the psychology profession. Schaefer is shown as a man who is over-analyzing every aspect of his life, causing him to be racked with anxiety and driven almost to the brink of madness. This is underscored by the way the film often shows him in therapy sessions with his own psychoanalyst. These sessions are played for laughs, but also provide insights into Schaefer's increasingly fragile state of mind.

Another standout element of the film is the use of cutting-edge technology, which adds to the sense of urgency and paranoia. For example, there is a scene where Schaefer is chased by a group of sinister-looking men in identical black suits while using a gadget called a 'Pocket Phone', a futuristic device resembling a cell phone. This scene is both funny and tense, and serves as a commentary on how technology can both aid and harm our lives.

The President's Analyst is a comical satire that provides an entertaining look into the world of politics and the psychology profession. The film is a prime example of how pop culture can provide a mirror to society, and how it can be used to explore some of the most pressing issues of the day. With its sharp wit, clever script and stand-out performances, this is a film that is worthy of rediscovery.