What is Psychoanalysis Film Theory?

Learning about the different types of film theory and studies of film over the years since the early 1900s. When movies and motion pictures began represents a key focus for those who enter film school. Much of what is discussed is film theory, the various studies of films. And how they impact our thoughts, behaviors, or patterns and viewpoints in life. For example, “What is psychoanalysis film theory?” 

What is Psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis film theory dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis were common terms.

According to Sigmund Freud, humans develop deep unconscious beliefs, thought patterns, memories, and desires. That are the result of hidden conflicts within their own psyche or prior personal experiences.

These beliefs and patterns shape our “sense of self.” Subconsciously many of our pleasures, and fears, are directly the result of the “emotional baggage” that we carry with our psyche.

Moreover, managing this “baggage” through psychoanalysis represents an important component of reducing stress and fear in our lives. 

The Study of the Subconscious

Psychoanalysis studies subconscious connections between the experiences and situations that we consciously engage in.

It explores the ways our subconscious world. Including our imagination, dreams, and fantasies are impacted by our experiences. As well as how the way we behave or emotionally interact is directly linked to our subconscious being or psyche. 

In this sense, something that occurred many years before could influence the decisions or behavior patterns in the present. We see this with child neglect, in that, children that are abused often turn into adults with inherent struggles to trust, believe, or emotionally connect.

They may have distinctly different views on the world. And often struggle subconsciously with what happened. Which influences their behavior patterns in the world today.

What is Psychoanalysis Film Theory?

So, just as psychoanalysis applies to the study of how we interact or subconsciously are impacted by what happens to us or the experiences we have, psychoanalysis film theory represents the study of how films.

Including the symbols, images, and signs impact us subconsciously influencing our thought patterns and evoking pleasure, or fear. 

Psychoanalysis film theorists believe that the relationship between psychoanalysis and film is an intimate, deep connection between the viewer or spectator and the sights, sounds, and symbols that appear on the screen. In fact, these theorists believe that film can be produced with the intent of producing a dream-like state. 

One in which the sights, sounds, and symbols can be disorienting to the psyche and may bring out aspects of the subconscious mind. These patterns are otherwise only experienced when the individual is in a dream-like state, and cannot be underestimated. 

Studying of Behavior

Thus, when you ask, “What is psychoanalysis film theory?” The simple answer is that psychoanalysis film theory is a collection of studies.

Peeking into the subconscious impact of film and cinema on the viewer’s behaviors, thought patterns, and unconscious actions.

Which are influenced through the sights, sounds and symbols that are portrayed on the screen.