Carl Jung wanted to understand the dynamics behind our deepest thoughts. His constant questions on the influence of society and individuality on humans resulted in a theory that would make him famous around the world. He was able to explain dreams, hysteria, and the symbols behind socials interactions.
According to the BBC, “Carl Jung will be remembered as one of the greatest psychologist of all times.” To him, the psyche exists beyond time and space, and for it to be preserved, people need to find their life’s purpose. Without it, we become robots, trapped in a meaningless life.
These movies will question our place in the world, and will defy us to unleash the powers of our subconscious mind.
Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan
This movie is the best visual explanation of Jung’s theory. We are able to watch the use of symbols, memories, and tokens to understand the dreamscape. Inception shows us how the conscious and subconscious are constantly battling each other.
Our emotions affect our objectivity and vice-versa, a fact that is evident while observing the decisions made by Di Caprio during the film.
Persona (1966)
Ingmar Bergman
The best film ever made by Bergman. It is the story of a multifaceted woman. Every camera movement and every decision made by the director over the cinematography becomes crucial for the narrative of the two female characters.
It describes the inner conflicts we all have and the inability to deal with them without being judged.
Dark City (1998)
Alex Proyas
The society in the movie is controlled by people who transform the perception and reality of its inhabitants. It is a thriller that portrays the work of Carl Jung by exploring topics like identity.
The Three Faces of Eve (1957)
Nunnally Johnson
Eve White is a woman with a mental health issue. To Jung, it is important to unify the personality. Through this film we are able to experience the conflict between Eve’s positivity and negativity, and the consequences on her personal and social life.
Letter From an Unknown Woman (1948)
Max Ophüls
One tends to reject or remain ignorant of the least desirable aspects of one’s personality. Carl Jung defined this as “the shadow”. This is the story of Lisa, a woman who secretly desires her neighbor Stefan. She builds up a fantasy world where they can be happy together.
Prometheus (2012)
Ridley Scott
It is a film based on the well known myth of Prometheus. Jung represents thoughts and desires with symbols like Ethon (the eagle of the myth), that are used in the narrative to symbolize our mercurial thoughts and ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34cEo0VhfGE
Abre los ojos (1997)
Alejandro Amenábar
The theory of Jung is found throughout this film. It explores the use of a mask (literally and figuratively) during social interactions, and once again the concept of idealization is analyzed. It is hard to keep track of the true intentions of the characters and the director, another subject of which Jung wrote extensively about.
The Holy Mountain (1973)
Alejandro Jodorowsky
Jodorowsky explained that his movie is based on Carl Jung’s work about the psychoanalysis of myths. It is a complicated film that invites the viewer to make an exercise of self analysis.
Many motion pictures approach Jung’s theories. Watching these suggestions will help us question the reality we live in, in order to become self aware individuals.
