Psychoanalytical Reading
Initially, this film is one that poses many unanswered questions. It is enveloped in a veil of ambiguity, expressing its content through surreal metaphors.
It is easy to decipher that the central protagonist was simply projecting two dimensions of his psyche and there is no identical opposition in reality. A Freudian interpretation of the film would suggest that the two predominant characters are representations of the Id and the Superego.
The character we are initially introduced to, Adam Bell, is subject to a rather mundane and repetitive lifestyle, suggesting from the onset that his character is nothing extraordinary. However, as the narrative progresses, we begin to understand that there is a lot more depth to his character. The second dimension of the protagonist, who is presented as Anthony St Claire, illustrates some minor differences, in terms of appearance and personality, yet on the whole it becomes clear that both individuals represent two sides to the same person.
The id, can be identified as Anthony St Claire, who had previously pursued a rather unstable career of acting, engages in an affair and struggles to control his primitive desires. Freud suggests that this part of the human personality revolves around the pleasure principle, hence it is delivered with clarity that Anthony is a manifestation of the id.
Conversely, Adam's character is a depiction of the superego, as he strives to regulate the impulsive nature of the id. His life is simply a routine of mediocrity and his occupation as a lecturer is the most conspicuous hint towards his connection to the super ego; he is an obedient and respectable character, showing signs of practiced discipline.
One of the most pivotal scenes of the film, gives us an understanding of what is going on in the character's mind. The 'car crash' scene is full of metaphorical definitions, ultimately suggesting that this is where the protagonist destroys the id part of his psyche. However, it has also been suggested that in actual fact this scene occurs in reality.
Although this scene is featured toward the end of the film, it has been argued that the crash actually happens at the beginning of the story. We see that Adam/Anthony receives his scar from this crash, which is referred to earlier on in the film, when his wife questions if he is "seeing her again?". This also suggests that his wife is informed of his affair because of the accident. Again reinforcing the idea that the crash does in fact happen, however not in relation to the chronology of the film.
Whether Adam is attempting to diminish the commands of his id, or is simply reflecting upon past events, this scene gives us a direct insight into the conflict he is experiencing between two very dominant aspects of his psyche.
Clearly, the film is projecting from the mind of the protagonist, as he attempts to erase an ongoing internal conflict between his primitive self and his moral self.
It is easy to decipher that the central protagonist was simply projecting two dimensions of his psyche and there is no identical opposition in reality. A Freudian interpretation of the film would suggest that the two predominant characters are representations of the Id and the Superego.
The character we are initially introduced to, Adam Bell, is subject to a rather mundane and repetitive lifestyle, suggesting from the onset that his character is nothing extraordinary. However, as the narrative progresses, we begin to understand that there is a lot more depth to his character. The second dimension of the protagonist, who is presented as Anthony St Claire, illustrates some minor differences, in terms of appearance and personality, yet on the whole it becomes clear that both individuals represent two sides to the same person.
The id, can be identified as Anthony St Claire, who had previously pursued a rather unstable career of acting, engages in an affair and struggles to control his primitive desires. Freud suggests that this part of the human personality revolves around the pleasure principle, hence it is delivered with clarity that Anthony is a manifestation of the id.
Conversely, Adam's character is a depiction of the superego, as he strives to regulate the impulsive nature of the id. His life is simply a routine of mediocrity and his occupation as a lecturer is the most conspicuous hint towards his connection to the super ego; he is an obedient and respectable character, showing signs of practiced discipline.
One of the most pivotal scenes of the film, gives us an understanding of what is going on in the character's mind. The 'car crash' scene is full of metaphorical definitions, ultimately suggesting that this is where the protagonist destroys the id part of his psyche. However, it has also been suggested that in actual fact this scene occurs in reality.
Although this scene is featured toward the end of the film, it has been argued that the crash actually happens at the beginning of the story. We see that Adam/Anthony receives his scar from this crash, which is referred to earlier on in the film, when his wife questions if he is "seeing her again?". This also suggests that his wife is informed of his affair because of the accident. Again reinforcing the idea that the crash does in fact happen, however not in relation to the chronology of the film.
Whether Adam is attempting to diminish the commands of his id, or is simply reflecting upon past events, this scene gives us a direct insight into the conflict he is experiencing between two very dominant aspects of his psyche.
Clearly, the film is projecting from the mind of the protagonist, as he attempts to erase an ongoing internal conflict between his primitive self and his moral self.
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