The Hypnotist

In 1980, Finland’s most famous hypnotist Olavi Hakasalo, a.k.a Olliver Hawk, was put on trial accused of fraud. His mission in life had been to spread the gospel of the power of suggestion, and he was willing to risk everything to become a player of political influence on the big stage. But in the corridors of power, with a nation’s destiny at stake, an eccentric showman sitting on too many secrets is considered a liability. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Olavi Hakasalo charmed and hypnotized the whole nation. He sold out thousands of stage hypnosis shows, ran a successfull private practice where he treated people for various behavioural issues, and cultivated a celebrity status for himself. But at home, in his personal life, he was unable to maintain meaningful or loving relationships. His insatiable drive for success and power ended up costing him his family, his friendships, his wealth and ultimately his reputation and credibility.