Psychoanalytic film analysis

the uncanny

when the familiar feels strangely unfamiliar, exposing hidden fears

repression

unconscious blocking of distressing thoughts or desires

the unconscious

hidden reservoir of repressed memories shaping behaviour

the id

instinctual drives seeking immediate gratification 

the ego

rational mediator between id, superego, and reality

Death drive

drive toward aggression and self-destruction, opposing Eros

Libido

Psychic energy tied to sexual and life instincts

Projection

attributing one’s unacceptable thoughts to others

Oedipus complex 

Childs unconscious desire for opposite-sex parent and rivalry with same-sex parents 

CALIGARI: unconscious

• scene: cesare awakens in the cabinet 

• key point: cesare embodies the dormant yet dangerous unconscious 

CALIGARI: superego

• scene: caligari commands to kill cesare

• key point: Caligari represents the superego 

CALIGARI: psychoanalytical analysis summary

uses cesare and caligari to externalise unconscious conflicts of repression, and desire