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How to Find Meaning in Film

By: Deborah Lukovich

How does your unconscious reach you? And do you know where to look? C.G. Jung suggested that the first half of life is spent building our egos—in a good way— and finding a place in the world. Sometimes though we become too one-sided, trying to live by the values of society while ignoring our inner most desires. Jung suggested that the tasks of mid-life include: (1) Bringing to light and reconciling everything we have repressed because of trying to fit in, both positive and negative; and (2) Finding meaning and new purpose in living.

In many cases, mid-life plays out as a crisis because we are not aware of what’s going on beneath the surface of our daily lives. Marriages break down, people discover they are unhappy, and many times people suffer great anxiety or try to fill the unexpected voids with new partners, alcohol or other addictions. These crises are meant to prompt a death of one way of living and a time of birth for a new way of living. Unfortunately we never receive a manual for how to get through this process. But what about film?

People close to me know about my obsession with film. Film offers escape and entertainment, but if you look deep enough, there is always something more meaningful going on. Exploring your reactions to film can tell you things about yourself that just might empower you. Film can also inform you on society in such a way that it helps you make sense of cultural events and movements.

If you were to use your emotional reactions to film as a guide toward a deep understanding of yourself, follow these tasks:

Task #1 — Identify and be alert to any images that stick out to you, whether visual or verbal.

Task #2 — Reflect about what the images make you think about or feel. Let your imagination be unleashed or talk about it with someone.

Task #3 — Ask yourself, “Where is this happening in my life?” Exploring what intrigues you in a film may bring to the surface a desire you’ve repressed or something that you’ve been projecting onto others that you can’t admit about yourself.

Task #4 — Develop a practice for journaling and reflection. Don’t expect too much right away, insights may come fast or slow. Consider developing a practice of seeing metaphors and symbolism that are right in front of you, whether in films that intrigue you, your favorite songs, or Netflix series you binge watch.

There’s a hidden and deeper reason you’re drawn to what you’re drawn to. Being open to what’s beneath the surface can provide real direction for your life. My practice of working with dreams and films has provided dramatic shifts in my confidence and decreasing anxiety. For me, films are and always will be a favorite way for my unconscious to reach me.

Deborah Lukovich, expert in depth psychology, holds a monthly “Art of Midlife: Conversations with Women” group every first Wednesday of the month. Be a part of the conversation to gain more insight into yourself and the transitions you face.