7 movies about loneliness

Cinema offers the possibility of working on multiple themes. It becomes a versatile art in terms of the different genres that can be presented and, of course, it becomes a safe bet to capture the viewer’s attention with intriguing, surprising and disturbing stories. Therefore, we want to present some movies about loneliness and the way in which they have transcended to the present day.

First of all, let’s talk about the very concept of “loneliness.” It could be defined as the isolation status of an individual which can be conceived as a feeling or, simply, by the action of being alone in a place.

After all, it is a topic that gives a lot of play. To have a conception of its application in the seventh art, we are going to learn about a series of films where loneliness becomes the main theme.

1. The 400 Blows (1959)

The maestro François Truffaut directs a film in which a fourteen-year-old young man, Antoine Doinel, is separated from the affection of his family as a result of marital problems; On the other hand, he suffers academic failure due to the demands of a teacher. In these circumstances, he decides to escape from the such an unpleasant reality that surrounds him, together with his friend René, to see the sea.

What can be learned from this story? It shows a heartbreaking image of a young man teenager who, in reality, just wants stabilitybut circumstances have gone against his wishes and, in this way, he finds himself in a state of loneliness that, combined with immaturity and rebellion, make this film a visually captivating story.

2. The Silence of a Man (1967)

Sometimes, hitmen present themselves as solitary and secretive people. Well, in this film, director Jean-Pierre Melville shows us the image of a murderer who meets this profile. The plot of the story demonstrates the lifestyle of a disturbing and dark person.

Considerable drama is reflected in many aspects; Anyway, from the movies about loneliness, this one thriller really interesting psychological.

3. Taxi Driver (1976)

Martin Scorsese, one of the great film directors, surprises us with a story that shows the viewer the loneliness of an environment of street corruption. In this case, the figure of Travis, played by Robert De Niro, is represented, a character without any faith in the system who still suffers from the psychological consequences of having fought in Vietnam.

Deep down, in Taxi Driver a deplorable image of the society of the moment is reflected and where the pattern of collective anguish is clearly reflected that reign among the streets.

4. Paris, Texas (1984)

Of the films about loneliness, this title is little known, but shows a controversial story and, at the same time, full of intrigue, sadness and remorse. Director Wim Wenders shapes a story in which an abusive father abandons his family. Then, years later, he will try to return.

Obviously, pain is present, since the wounds do not heal easily, which means fear and social isolation due to the emotional distress suffered. These are the behaviors that these types of people present, as specified by psychologist Juan Jose Sánchez-Sosa.

5. The Green Ray (1986)

Directed by Éric Rohmer, a story is presented in which loneliness is identified through the figure of Delphine, a young woman trying to recover from a tough relationship that doesn’t end well and that aims to overcome a complicated and painful breakup.

You will travel and try to forget the bad times, but it will be inevitable that the loneliness he suffers becomes more acute. Thus, as the film progresses, a point is reached where destiny has a positive reward in store.

6. Her (2013)

Director Spike Jonze makes a story in which the solitary image of an individual, Theodore, is shown. He works in an agency as a letter writer for third parties. The lifestyle he leads is one of loneliness and disappointment; However, everything will change when he meets Samantha, an intelligent voice system with whom he has conversations and feels company.

Her is one of the films about loneliness whose story shows us the hope of finding happiness; However, this is somewhat superfluous, since it is a device with which the emotional bond is established.

7. Christine (2016)

An independent film that follows the tough story of a young journalist named Christine. The film, directed by Antonio Campos, exemplifies how loneliness and frustration can lead to depression. The course of the story triggers moments of tension and situations of great emotional intensity.

In short, one of the most interesting films about loneliness in recent years and that defines the behaviors and situations of many people todayto such an extent that it can condemn them to critical moments, as psychologist María Montero explains.

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