The Passion and the Fury: The Emotional Brain Series 2003-2005
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Michael Allder is executive producer for CBC; Stefan Moore is executive producer for Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Various directors
DVD, color, 4 discs, approx. 45 min. each
Sr. High - Adult
Health Sciences, Psychology, Social Work
Date Entered: 03/26/2008
Reviewed by Lori Widzinski, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkWhy do some people exhibit uncontrollable anger? Why do some people have crippling fears? Why do we fall madly in love? Can we really be truly happy? This 4 DVD series looks at these and other questions revolving around four emotions: anger, fear, happiness and love. Each film takes a similar approach by exploring what happens in the physical brain when we experience these basic and often bold emotions.
By interviewing academicians in a variety of fields, the programs delve into the current neurological research being conducted in each of these four emotional areas. Each film explains the basic science behind the limbic system, the amygdala in particular, and the connection with the prefrontal cortex. Additionally they highlight the hormones and neurotransmitters like dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline together with their array of associated physical reactions.
Each film is based around a case study. In Anger it is the uncontrollable rage that caused a man to kill his ex-wife including associated repercussions; Happiness explores the remarkable Buddhist monk who has the attributes necessary to be the perfect research subject on contentment; Love centers around attraction and the associated emotional motivation systems; and Fear centers around a variety of phobias and options available to overcome them.
The main research mentioned revolves around the use of functional MRI to view brain activity during episodes of emotion and non-emotion. Some computer animation is used to show assorted physical processes. This joint production between the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is airing on CBC’s Nature of Things program. Visit the CBC’s interactive web site for general overviews, film clips, and fun with each emotion’s facial features. Geared more for the general public, these programs are recommended for introductory health sciences or social work courses.