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

by James F. Iaccino

Overview

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 traveler, 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 of Jungian theory and film themes and contents unfold. Creative and innovative, this text unearths new Jungian territory that will appeal not only to psychology and film studies scholars and researchers, but also to those studying communication and literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275950484
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/26/1998
Series:	Events of the Twentieth Century
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	692,806
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)
Lexile:	1510L (what's this?)

About the Author

JAMES F. IACCINO is Professor of Psychology at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. Extensive publications in psychology include his recent title, Psychological Reflections on Cinematic Terror (Praeger, 1994) and his comprehensive physiological text, Left Brain-Right Brain Differences: Inquiries, Evidence, New Approaches (1993).

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction to Jungian Archetypes
A Jungian Analysis of Science Fiction Films
The Star Wars Trilogy: The Space-Father Archetype
The Star Trek Movies: In Search of the Creator Archetype
Planet of the Apes: The Evolution of an Archetypal Shadow Species
From Logan's Run to Battlestar Galactica: Archetypal Rebellions Against Shadow Destroyers
A Jungian Analysis of Fantasy Films
Back to the Future Again and Again: Archetypal Exploits of Alchemic Travelers
From Superman to Batman: Divided Superhero Archetypes
The Indiana Jones and Highlander Chronicles: Quests for the Holy Grail Archetype
The Omen Trilogy: The Growth of the Demon Child Archetype
A Jungian Analysis of Television Archetypes
Shadow Pursuers: Fanatical Figures in The Incredible Hulk, Starman, and The Pretender
Final Remarks
Appendix
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Extends an archetypal analysis to a number of movie categories<-->science fiction, fantasy, and television. Following an introduction to Jungian archetypes, each chapter concentrates exclusively on one of them (such as the shadow, alchemic travelers, divided superheroes, grail quests, and deadly children) via a package of films that illustrate its essential contents. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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