The documentary "Addiction Incorporated," which focuses on the first big tobacco whistleblower, opens today at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. David Cronenberg's "A Dangerous Method" continues for a second week. Both play through Feb. 9.
"Addiction Incorporated" tells the story of Victor DeNoble who, in the 1980s, was a research scientist at a major tobacco company and tasked with finding a nicotine substitute that would not cause heart attacks. He succeeded, but proved something that the industry had been denying for years — that cigarettes were addictive. DeNoble also uncovered a new addictive ingredient, setting off a chain of events that reverberates even today.
In a true act of modern-day heroism, DeNoble took his findings to the people despite a strict confidentiality agreement, eventually testifying about his research in the 1994 Congressional hearings.
Those hearings led to the first federal regulations of the tobacco industry.
"Addiction Incorporated" is rated PG-13 for language and material involving smoking and addiction.
Also showing through Feb. 9 is "A Dangerous Method" (rated R for sexual content and brief language).
On the eve of World War I, Zurich and Vienna are the setting for the dark tale of sexual and intellectual discovery presented in “A Dangerous Method.” The film examines the turbulent relationships between fledgling psychiatrist Carl Jung, his mentor Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein — the troubled but beautiful young woman who comes between them.
Into the mix comes Otto Gross, a debauched patient who is determined to push the boundaries. In this exploration of sensuality, ambition and deceit set the scene for the pivotal moment when Jung, Freud and Sabina come together and split apart, forever changing the face of modern thought.
The film stars Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley and Viggo Mortensen.
For more information, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.