Multiple Personality Tale ‘Switching Time’ Heading to the Big Screen

Producer Aaron Magnani has hired Jen Kleiner to adapt Dr. Richard Baer’s bestselling non-fiction book

SWITCHING TIME - Cover PhotoProducer Aaron Magnani has optioned the screen rights to Dr. Richard Baer’s bestselling non-fiction book “Switching Time: A Doctor’s Harrowing Story of Treating a Woman with 17 Personalities,” TheWrap has learned.

Screenwriter Jen Kleiner will adapt the psychiatrist’s book as a psychological drama that will be produced by Aaron Magnani Productions.

“Switching Time” is based on a real-life case of multiple personality disorder. The book chronicles Baer’s gripping account of treating a woman who created 17 different personalities in order to deal with emotional trauma stemming from abuse she suffered in the past.

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Magnani has described the film as a cross between “The Prince of Tides,” “Good Will Hunting” and “Sybil,” as it examines the fragility of the human psyche and its power to heal under the care of a caring and committed doctor.

“This is truly the most gripping and moving story I’ve read in years. I can’t imagine that there is an actress or actor out there would not kill for these two roles. Oscar nominations, guaranteed,” Magnani told TheWrap.

Click here to listen to an interview with Dr. Baer about his book “Switching Time.”

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Kleiner is an award-winning filmmaker and celebrity stylist who co-wrote and directed the film “Nina Quebrada.” She also wrote the romantic comedy “One Big Happy Family,” which is in development at Aaron Magnani Productions.

Baer has practiced psychology for over 20 years and currently serves as a Medical Director for Medicare. He has previously served as president of the Illinois Psychiatric Society and was Lead Medical Director for the Medicare program for National Government Services.

Magnani is developing several projects including a planned film franchise based on G.P. Ching’s fantasy series “The Soulkeepers” and Peter Arneson’s adaptation of CJ Cherryh’s sci-fi fantasy books “The Morgaine Stories,” as well as Michael Polish‘s “18 Wheel Butterfly.”

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