Lacan - Theory of Lack

Desires are ultimately a strong sense of wanting, and are responsible for driving an individuals actions and motives. The subject of desire may vary, but Jacques Lacan suggests that all desires are simply unrealistic fantasies which every individual strives to achieve. And when one is successful in attaining their greatest wish, they can not be satisfied for very long, for they have only ignited the fire of wanting 'bigger and better' things. Lacan states that desires derive from lack in the human mind and this lack may lead to addictions or obsessions.

This concept has been presented numerous times within cinema in films both new and old. It can be seen in texts such as Misery (1990), Whiplash (2014), Panic Room (2002) and Vertigo (1958).

A passion or love for something/someone often leads to a form of obsession. In Misery (1990), the central protagonist Annie Wilkes forms an obsession with the literature of author Paul Sheldon, leading to a violent downfall when she discovers Sheldon is ridding of her favourite character from the series. This stands as a perfect example of Lacan's theory in action, when fantastical desires lead to dangerous fixations and one of the key aspects of Wilkes character that relates to Lacan's theory of Lack, is her obsession with the Misery novels she reads and the ideals of fantasy that she derives from them.

Similarly, Whiplash (2014) sees a passionate music student with an ambition to rise to the top of an elite music conservatoire. However the compelling nature of his passion soon leads to him becoming overworked and loosing the authentic drive he once possessed so dearly.

It appears that many cinematic pieces have been constructed upon the foundation of innate human needs and instincts which inevitably evolve into desires. In various genres: action, adventure, romance and even horror, the plot often revolves around the wants of a specific character or group of people.






However, the need to fulfil this desire may progress into an obsession or addiction, perhaps even leading to new desires, once the initial wish has been satisfied.

Hence Lacan ultimately suggested that desires can never truly be met, as a person will simply keep wanting more.

"What does it matter how many lovers you have if none of them gives you the Universe?" 
- Jacques Lacan