In the film Inception, how is the Oedipal Complex present?
To determine how the Oedipal Complex is present in the film Inception, we first need to understand what the Oedipal Complex is. The Oedipal Complex is a psychoanalytic theory proposed by Sigmund Freud, which suggests that young children possess unconscious sexual and emotional desires for their opposite-sex parent, while harboring rivalry and hostility towards their same-sex parent. This theory is based on the Greek myth of Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother.
In Inception, we can observe elements that parallel the Oedipal Complex:
1. Dominance of the father figure: The character Dom Cobb, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, serves as the father figure in the film. He is the leader of the group, holding the knowledge and power to manipulate dreams. His dominant role is similar to the authority that exists in the Oedipal Complex, where the father is seen as a figure of power and control.
2. Desire for the mother figure: Ariadne, portrayed by Ellen Page, represents the mother figure in Inception. She is introduced as a young and inexperienced architect who designs dreamscapes. Cobb takes on a mentorship role toward Ariadne, guiding and teaching her. This dynamic reflects the desire for the mother figure, as defined by the Oedipal Complex.
3. Competition with the same-sex figure: In Inception, the character of Robert Fischer Jr., played by Cillian Murphy, represents the same-sex figure. Cobb and his team attempt to infiltrate Fischer's dreams to implant an idea. This creates a sense of rivalry and competition between Cobb and Fischer, mirroring the Oedipal Complex where the child unconsciously competes for the attention and affection of the same-sex parent.
While it's important to note that Inception does not explicitly depict or explore the Oedipal Complex, these elements can be seen as symbolic representations that parallel Freud's theory. Understanding the Oedipal Complex and recognizing these elements in the film can enhance our interpretation and analysis of the characters' motivations and relationships.