David Tennant Will Star as the Doctor (of Psychiatry) as Scottish Psychiatrist R.D. Laing in Metanoia

David Tennant is set to play a very different kind of Doctor in Metanoia, and he’ll be joined by Elisabeth Moss! Excuse me while I work on my Doctor/Peggy Olson team-up fanfic.

The news that Tennant will be playing renowned psychiatrist R.D. Laing comes out of the Cannes film festival, where the production is looking to secure financing. The Doctor Who/Broadchurch star told ScreenDaily,

I have long been fascinated by the life and work of RD Laing. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and discover this important man and I am honoured and thrilled to be involved in telling this story. [Writer and director] Robert Mullan’s passion for the subject is inspiring and the presence of the brilliant Elisabeth Moss makes this something I cannot wait to start work on.

Laing was known for his unique—at the time during the ’60s and ’70s—approach to psychiatry of taking the feelings of his patients as valid experiences rather than symptoms of a disease… among other things like prescribing therapeutic LSD—earning him the nickname of “Acid Marxist.” Mullan said,

In truth, Laing simply tried harder than other psychiatrists to sympathetically understand the cracked minds of the people who came to see him. He gave them time and tried to see the world from their point of view. His books sold all over the world and his reputation was global.

A sympathetic look at mental illness, psychedelics, and a cast (so far) that I’d literally watch read the phone book? Can’t wait.

(via Anglophenia)

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Dan Van Winkle

Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.

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