The Divided Brain 2021
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Vanessa Dylyn, Niki Barbery Bleyleben, and Kirkland Newman Smulders
Directed by Manfred Becker
Streaming, 78 mins
General Adult
Brain Injuries; Neurosciences; Research
Date Entered: 02/16/2022
Reviewed by Skye M. Limón, Electronic Resources Assistant Librarian, Texas A&M University-KingsvilleThe Divided Brain follows Dr. Ian McGilchrist on the road to talk about his book The Master and His Emissary which goes into his theory that the left hemisphere of the brain is slowly dominating the western world. He believes there is a connection between the brain and society. Throughout the film he asks questions about the imbalance in the human brain and why the brain is divided.
This is a polished documentary with an original score and narration that helps the pace of the film. The use of graphics also helps illustrate points they are trying to make. There are a number of interviews with specialists in the field and researchers who give their expertise.
A strong part of this documentary is that it gives equal interviews with scientists who believe in this theory as well as those who don’t. There are also interviews with stroke victims and patients who give their opinion on the matter.
The pacing goes very quickly with the first half of the film talking about the left hemisphere and the last half talking about the right. This is a very informative documentary but at no point did it feel like information overload.
This would be good for any library collection to cultivate a dialogue about McGilchrist’s theory.
Awards: Pariscience International Science Film Festival; Oakville Festivals of Film & Art
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