The 10 best films inspired by psychoanalysis

Cinema is an art that is inspired by historical, philosophical, psychological or scientific movements. to create their stories. From psychology, we can say that there are many films treated from different orientations. In this article we will address 10 films inspired by psychoanalysis.

Whether because of the themes they address (the unconscious world, the world of dreams, sexuality…) or because of their characteristic approach, we have grouped them in this list. Do you dare to see them?

The 10 best films inspired by psychoanalysis

What films inspired by psychoanalysis do we find in cinema? We have selected some of the most recognized and awardedfrom different years and themes, but that share their origin, their approach or their psychoanalytic theme.

Psycho (1960)

Psychosis is a thriller Shocking and highly rated psychological film by Alfred Hitchock. It is the adaptation of the novel by Robert Bloch.

The film explores the most hidden paths of people’s unconscious minds. Addresses themes such as obsessions, lies or madness itself.

The Mole (1970)

It is a work by Alejandro Jodorowsky, and it is also one of the films inspired by psychoanalysis. This highly influenced by topics treated from a psychoanalytic orientationand very focused on sexuality expressed in a violent way.

It tells the story of the gunslinger Mole, in an imaginary West, who must confront a fetishist gang.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A Stanley Kubrick classic; The film is based on the novel by Anthony Burgess. It tells the story of an unprincipled juvenile delinquent who is arrested and subjected to all kinds of experiments to try to eliminate his criminal impulses.

It is based on psychological control as a way to filter the ego and unconscious desiresin order to promote their adaptation to society.

Marquis (1989)

Another film inspired by psychoanalysis is this one by French filmmaker Henri Xhonneux, full of cheeky humor, which tells the story of the Marquis de Sade’s confinement in the Bastille.

It addresses themes such as sex or surrealism used to explain fantasies and dreams, very recurrent elements in psychoanalysis.

Forget about me! (2004)

The protagonist of this film, Joel, receives a hard blow when he discovers that his girlfriend, Clementine, has made him Erase from your memory all memories of your stormy relationship. Motivated by this fact, she contacts the creator of the process, Dr. Howard Mierzwiak, to erase her girlfriend from her memory as well.

A film that touches on central elements in psychoanalysis, such as the unconscious world, attachment or memories.

The Science of Sleep (2006)

A film that dives into the world of dreams, a universe where almost anything is possible. The protagonist, a shy and introverted young Mexican designertries to escape from his world through the dream world, where he can act as if he had no responsibilities.

Thus, there comes a moment when your imagination is such that it threatens to impose itself on your real world…

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

An adaptation of a children’s story by Maurice Sendak. Addresses psychoanalysis in childhood, taking as reference children, but also parents and teachers. It is a film intended for children, but it can make any adult rethink aspects of their own life.

It tells the life of Max, a disobedient boy who plunges into an imaginary world created by him, populated by ferocious creatures…

The black swan (2010)

Natalie Portman is the protagonist of this film, in which she plays the role of a ballet dancer who seeks perfection. To reach her, he must transform into a black swan, and leave her innocence and fragility behind.

However, Working for this purpose, she will feel increasingly detached from her own reality.a reality that he had learned to interpret.

A Dangerous Method (2011)

Another of the best films inspired by psychoanalysis is this one directed by David Cronenberg, where Viggo Mortensen plays Sigmund Freud. It studies the intense relationship between Freud and his new student.

Ethical dilemmas, relationships, abuses and actions are shown that can mark us for life.

Shame (2011)

An English film starring Brandon, a young New Yorker, good-looking and successfulwho has problems controlling and enjoying his active sexual life.

One day his little sister, Sissy, shows up at his house with the intention of staying a few days. A film that addresses the obsession with sex, a fundamental topic in psychoanalysis.

It is enriching to learn about so many topics through cinema, an art and form of entertainment that is so accessible today.

If you want to continue learning about psychology through cinema, don’t miss our article on films where psychology is the protagonist.

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