Narcissism, a term rooted in the Greek mythology of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own thinking, has found its place in the pantheon of cinematic character studies. From the vaguely obsessive lover in “Fatal Attraction” to the overbearing stepmother in “Snow White,” many films have explored the destructive nature of narcissists.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these films depict the impact of narcissists on relationships, the consequences of an unchecked ego, and how societal factors can enable these destructive narcissistic traits.
The impact of narcissism on relationships and family dynamics
The disturbing reality of gaslighting in ‘Gaslight’
George Cukor’s 1944 psychological thriller Gaslight is a seminal film in the study of narcissistic abuse on screen. The film presents a typical example of gaslighting, as the male protagonist, in seeking to hide his wrongdoings, manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity.
This method of psychological manipulation, where the abuser seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a person’s perception of reality, is effectively depicted in the film through the gradual breakdown of the wife’s trust under her husband’s calculated schemes.
The term “gaslighting” has evolved directly from this film, cementing its place in the vernacular to describe this type of “crazy-making” abuse, signaling the beginning of wider societal recognition of this insidious form of psychological manipulation that is still associated with society. today.
The vanity of the stepmother in Snow White
The archetypal tale of Snow White presents a classic depiction of narcissism through the character of the jealous stepmother. Her obsession with beauty and control leads her to attempt murder, demonstrating the potential for narcissism to cause catastrophic damage within the family environment.
Many films have covered this story, the following two being the most famous.
“Mirror Mirror” (2012), directed by Tarsem Singh, is a whimsical and comedic portrait of Snow White (played by Lily Collins) and the jealous Queen Clementiana (Julia Roberts). Despite mixed reviews, the film managed to gross a whopping $183,018,522 worldwide.
“Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012) takes a darker route, highlighting Snow White’s struggle against the spiteful Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron). The film was a commercial success, grossing $401.3 million worldwide, despite the mixed reviews it received.
Grimm’s Snow White (2012) and Blancanieves (2012) also offered new perspectives on the Snow White mythology, although both films received negative to mixed reviews.
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Each film presents a unique portrait of Snow White and her narcissistic stepmother, focusing on the theme of maternal jealousy and the perception of daughters as rivals. This narrative selection showcases a range of characters, from the whimsical to the sinister, and reinforces the enduring importance of this timeless fairy tale.
The dangerous obsession with fatal attraction
The 1987 film Fatal Attraction, directed by Adrian Lyne, became a cultural phenomenon and a talking point for its depiction of disturbing romantic entanglements. It explores the horrific consequences when narcissistic obsession, from someone who initially appears to be so charming, crosses the line into possessiveness and violence.
The film stars Michael Douglas as Dan Gallagher, the family patriarch caught up in his betrayal, and Glenn Close as Alex Forrest, whose performance brilliantly captures the terrifying escalation of a rejected lover’s rage. And Anne Archer, who plays Beth, Dan’s unsuspecting wife, ratchets up the tension when the stakes get dangerously personal.
The outstanding cast and tense direction of Lin brought the film critical acclaim and box office success, cementing its place in cinema history.
Glenn Close’s character, Alex Forrest, embodies the deep sense of entitlement that characterizes narcissistic individuals who refuse to accept rejection or denial of their desires.
As the film progresses, Alex becomes increasingly aggressive and dangerous. Her terrifying progression toward violence is a cinematic example of “narcissistic rage”: an intense and often destructive reaction fueled by the narcissist’s wounded ego when faced with opposition or loss of control.
MotherMonster in Dear Mother
Mommy Dearest, a 1981 biographical drama, paints a harrowing portrait of narcissism under the guise of motherhood. Based on the memoir of the same name by Christina Crawford, it exposes the turbulent and abusive relationship between actress Joan Crawford and her adopted daughter.
Joan Crawford, portrayed by Faye Dunaway, is an example of a narcissistic parent, whose obsession with perfection and control often manifests in emotionally and physically abusive behaviors.
The film’s most famous scene, in which Crawford scolds her daughter for using a wire hanger, has become a symbol of the extreme measures a narcissist may take to ensure dominance and attention.
Mommy Dearest not only provides a dramatic depiction of narcissistic abuse within a family, but also invites a broader dialogue about the often hidden dynamics of family dysfunction.
The duality of perfection in The Black Swan
Black Swan, Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 psychological horror film, offers a haunting depiction of the quest for artistic perfection and the devastation it can wreak on the self.
The novel’s heroine, Nina, played with wonderful fragility by Natalie Portman, displays symptoms of narcissism that are deeply intertwined with her pursuit of perfect performance.
In her dual role as the White Swan and the Black Swan in the New York City Ballet Company’s production of Swan Lake, Nina embodies a duality that represents not only the purity and innocence of the White Swan but also the sensuality and aggression of the Black Swan. .
The pressure to embody both flawlessly leads her into a spiral of self-obsession, hallucinations, and competitive paranoia that strains her personal and professional relationships.
The film delves into the psyche of a character whose narcissism, fueled by the high stakes of artistic endeavor and an oppressive maternal figure, unfolds in a harrowing tale of psychological breakdown.
