(2003). Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 51:365-368 Review by: Leon Levin In his preface, Glen O. Gabbard writes that he is taking “a hard, but lighthearted look” at the existential dilemmas of love, death, desire, and betrayal as they are showcased in the TV drama, The Sopranos. The drama centers about a New Jersey mob boss, Tony Soprano, whose panic attacks drive him to the office of psychoanalyst Dr. Jennifer Melfi. Gabbard, who engages zestfully with popular culture without condescension, understands that a good teacher is one who can be taught. He sees himself as exploring what the drama teaches us about psychology and psychotherapy. Its creators are almost all gifted writers and actors who have had extensive personal experience with psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, and he respects them as serious students of human nature. Psychoanalysts will appreciate the reflections of a wise, perceptive clinician on the conflicts of the characters. Tony is seen as torn by the tension between his divergent selves. He is a brutal thug and a fai [This is a summary or excerpt from the full text of the book or article. The full text of the document is available to subscribers.] |
