Free the Mind

American psychologist Dr. Richard Davidson, founder of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin—Madison, has earned international recognition for his innovative studies, including a citation as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2006. Danish filmmaker Phie Ambo's documentary details how Davidson treated three cases of emotionally challenged individuals with a regimen that included Tibetan-inspired meditation and mental training exercises. Two of the patients were U.S. military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder following violent tours of duty, while the third was a boy diagnosed with ADHD who experienced severe anxiety. In offering a blend of ages-old contemplative practices with the considerations of modern neuroscience, Davidson challenged the traditional approaches to medical care and psychology, with remarkable results. Free the Mind does an admirable job of explaining complex neuroscience theories, while the two adult patients and parents of the child express an extraordinary degree of patience in allowing their situations to be shown on camera. The only drawback here is a bombastic music score that often seems more appropriate for a Spielberg-worthy adventure flick than a science documentary. Extras include bonus featurettes (including a meeting between Davidson and the Dalai Lama; and an introduction to yoga instruction for children). Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)