Jungian Reflections within the Cinema: A Psychological Analysis of Sci-Fi and Fantasy Archetypes

Exploring the relevance of Jungian theory as it applies to science fiction, horror and fantasy films, this text demonstrates the remarkable correlation existing between Jung’s major archetypes and recurring themes in various film genres. An introduction acquaints readers with basic Jungian theory archetypes before proceeding to film analysis. A diverse selection of movie and television summaries illustrate the relationship between a particular Jungian image and the examined films. Among the various Jungian patterns studied are the father archetype, the split between persona and shadow, the search for the grail, the alchemist traveller, and the development of the child archetype. From Star Wars and Planet of the Apes to Back to the Future and Indiana Jones , the interdependence between Jungian theory and film themes and contents unfold. This text unearths new Jungian territory that should appeal not only to psychology and film studies scholars and researchers, but also to those studying communication and literature.