“Slaying the Father” in Hollywood Movies


Introduction


            is a Swiss psychiatrist and recognized as the pioneer of analytical psychology. One of his known contributions to this science was the individuation theory. This theory explains that an individual has both conscious and unconscious egos; this principle is similar to saying that a person has a positive and a dark side (2006a). While the positive side of an individual is exposed to oneself and others, the dark side remains unconscious as the person often rejects this part of him or herself. The unconscious sides of people are termed by Jung as our shadows or anima.


 


In the process of individuation, one must first recognize these shadows; the aim of such process is to establish harmony between our conscious and unconscious selves, which in turn makes us one and whole. This process is typically termed as slaying the father, where alter egos are recognized and conquered. In reality, going through the individuation process is a difficult task as it involves the drawing out of our other sides, which is uncomfortable for most people. While Jung introduced this theory so as to understand more about humans and psychology, this theory has been used and suggested in various Hollywood films. In this movie analysis paper, the concept of slaying the father in three different movies will be identified.


 


The Illusionist


            The Illusionist is a movie about the Eisenheim who fell in love with Sophie, a duchess. As Sophie belongs to royalty, the protagonist sees it necessary to make himself worthy for the woman he loves. Thus, he went traveling to different parts of the world to train himself into becoming a great magician. He then came back as a master illusionist only to find out that Sophie has already been betrothed Leopold, a ruthless prince.


 


Through a magic show, Eisenheim humiliated the prince in public, banning him from conducting any magic performance. This however, did not stop him and Sophie from getting back together. However Sophie advised that before they could elope, Leopold and his plans for a coup d’etat against her father must first be stopped. Inspector Uhl on the other hand, ever loyal to Leopold, relayed this to the prince. This caused Sophie to die out of Leopold’s rage. As revenge, Eisenheim then planned to conduct another magic performance. Inspector Uhl however, tried to persuade him not do magic and illusions anymore as it is the prince’s orders (2006b).


 


At this point of the story is where individuation process is exhibited. On Eisenheim’s positive consciousness, refraining from doing another magic show will bring forth less conflict. This side is also in consideration of Inspector Uhl who, though loyal to Leopold, has showed genuine interest and appreciation for Eisenheim’s talent and skill.


 


However, the alter ego or dark consciousness of the protagonist appears to encourage him to do what is wrong yet most beneficial to himself. Eisenheim’s unconscious side clearly wishes to avenge Sophie’s death by performing another magic performance. In the end, Eisenheim’s individuation process led him to confront his darker self and conduct the show despite Inspector Uhl’s protests. By means of achieving harmony between Eisenheim’s conscious and unconscious sides, the protagonist was able to do not only what is beneficial to him but also what is just.


 


The Game


            Another movie that suggests the principles of Jung’s individuation theory is The Game. The film’s plot starts off with Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy banker yet lives in misery. At that time, the protagonist is about to celebrate his 48th birthday, the same age when his father committed suicide. As he dwells on this thought, he practically had himself cast out from others. This was until his brother, Conrad, gave him a game as a birthday present, which turned out to a role-playing game and Nicholas plays the game’s main character. As the game progresses, several untoward events had happened to his life. His accounts were lost; his friends and employees betrayed him; his family was lost (Wikipedia 2006c).


 


            Relating it to the individuation concept, Nicholas believes that things happening to him are just part of the game and just mere illusions. However, his unconscious side encourages him to continue on with the game and solve its puzzles until the end. This alter self of the protagonist appeared to be connected on the memory of his father’s suicide. His unconscious side wanted to see how things will turn out in the end, whether he will end up like his father on his 48th year.


 


By continuing on with the game, Nicholas’ character was able to suggest that he has recognized his darker side and that he intends to combine it with his consciousness. While the game ended up indeed as an illusion, the film was able to suggest that by overcoming the process of individuation, the protagonist was able to conquer his anxieties and fears. Moreover, combining both conscious and unconscious sides of Nicholas led to his realization of the things and people that matters to him the most.


 


The 13th Floor


            The 13th floor is another movie that depicts the concept of Jung’s individuation theory. In this science fiction film, Hannon Fuller along with his assistants, created a program where a person’s consciousness can be sent to another time and setting. This is done by letting that person from the real world to take over the mind and body of another person in the computer world, which was set in 1937 Los Angeles.


 


In the imaginary world, Fuller tried out his invention along with his tow other assistants. One of which was Douglas Hall, whom in the imaginary world plays as the avatar David. As the story progresses, Hannon Fuller’s avatar ended up dead and evidences appear to point out to Hall as the murderer. While the case is being investigated, Jane Fuller suddenly came into the story and claims herself as Hannon’s daughter (2006d).


 


            Despite the present conditions of Douglas being suspected as her father’s murderer, Jane tries to develop a relationship with him. At this point of the story, the individuation process can be related. In particular, the positive consciousness of Jane Fuller knew that Douglas could really be the cause of her father’s demise. On the other hand, her darker side appears to encourage her to disregard all risks and pursue the relationship. In the end, Jane conquered her darker side and decided to go on with the relationship while investigating her father’s murder case.


 


Analysis and Conclusion


            Carl Jung’s individuation process clearly describes that all individuals have their own conscious and unconscious sides. In order to know one self, harmony between these two sides must be achieved. This combination of both conscious and unconscious sides is a process commonly referred to as slaying of the father. The movie examples used in the analysis showed how conquering one’s alter ego through the individuation process can lead better life outcomes.


In the case of Eisenheim for example, despite Inspector Uhl’s protests, he went on performing magic and illusion that would avenge his lover’s death. Nicholas von Orton decided to play on with the life-threatening game to free himself of his miseries and worries. Jane Fuller on the other hand, built a relation with Douglas despite the possibility that the person she loves may just be the person who killed her father.


 


            The individuation process may be uncomfortable for people as this draws out ones alter ego. However, as the selected Hollywood films have implied, the process of slaying the father may not be all negative. By means of combining both positive and negative sides of a person, important realizations as well as achievement of personal benefits can be obtained. In reality, we are often caught in situations where choices have to be made.


 


We are often caught in instances where we are torn between what is right thing to do and what is right for us. The characters in the selected films clearly chose the latter option. Yet in the end, their ability to overcome the process of individuation led to more fulfilling outcomes. individuation theory then relays to us that choices in life should not be solely based on what our conscious side dictates. Options, emotions and deeper thoughts of our unconscious self must also be considered to make appropriate and favorable life decisions.


 


 



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