French film production and distribution company Pathé is launching an experimental initiative called Pathé Rewind, which seeks to allow participants to re-experience classic films as if for the first time through hypnosis. The company is collaborating with hypnotist Victor Kraemer on this endeavor.
Thirty movie enthusiasts were selected for the experiment based on factors such as film preferences, motivation, and consent. These participants will undergo a one-to-one online hypnosis session with Kraemer prior to a screening.
Pathé has indicated that there is no guarantee the hypnosis will be effective, and the company explicitly states it accepts no liability for the outcome or consequences of the sessions. The initiative is described as an investigation into whether hypnosis can contribute to a novel cinema experience, with no claims made regarding its effectiveness.
The selected film will be chosen based on its familiarity to the participants. Potential films being considered include "The Matrix," "Se7en," "La La Land," and "Interstellar."
The experiment is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 9, at Pathé Buitenhof in The Hague.