PSYCHOANALYTICAL APPROACH
Introduction
The lion king is a Disney animated film featuring a young Simba born who is forced to leave he prides land after his father was killed by the wicked uncle named Scar. However, the young lion returned years later to reclaim his throne as the leader of the kingdom. The film has been perceived as the jewel of animation due to its great plot, which utilizes funny and captivating characters in developing the movie’s theme (Lion King, 2018). Scar conspires with hyenas to kill the king, thus overtaking developed powers to establish a strong form of dictatorship. Nevertheless, Simba garners advice from his old counselors, such as Zazu and Rafiki, to destabilize the rule of terror developed by Scar to restore order in the circle of life.
Scar
The five core concepts to describe Scar includes conscious, Id, preconscious, social interest, and fictional finalism. In Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of personality, the conscious concept is exemplified as the mental processing consisting of everything inside our awareness (Cherry, 2019). As such, the conscious concept is applicable to Scar since consciously plotted the death of his brother Mufasa. For instance, Scar tricks mentally adjust young Simba into disobeying his father’s orders, such as not going to the elephant’s graveyard. Besides, the concept is applicable to Scar because the character admits that in terms of brute strength, he is afraid to be at the shallow end of the gene pool (Lion King, 2018). I believe that Scar depicts the concept since the character always has malicious plans in mind, such as the death of Mufasa.
Besides, the Id concept is applicable to the character since the character works out to satisfy personal basic needs and desires. The Id concept is a personality component exhibited by individuals as they unconsciously utilize their psychic energy based on the pleasure principle. Therefore, Scar exemplifies the concept through his interests exhibited by hanging out with the hyenas. For instance, Scar is shown to seduce the laughing hyenas into becoming his posse (Lion King, 2018). I think that Scar shows the Id concept because he controls the hyenas like minions unconsciously hence realizing the pleasure principle. Besides, Scar is seen to threaten other lions whenever he needs to exert his force (Modenessi, 2014).
In addition, the preconscious concept applies to Scar; he exhibited unconscious thoughts but would be easily recalled. The unconscious concept, as described by Sigmund Freud, postulates the influence of the unconscious mind in an individual’s behavior. As such, Scar shows the concept through his personality, which shows his sense of entitlement in the movie (James, 2019). For example, the unconsciousness concept is depicted through his meticulous planning throughout the movie though postulated by a tenacity spanning decades of denial. Therefore, Scar shows the concept because of his bitterness regarding his rank eases the possibility of being a target for ridicule.
Besides, the social concept is applicable to Scar because of his relationship status as a single person. The social concept, as outlines by Adler, seeks to explain the relationship between an individual around him in society. Hence, people develop unique degrees of social interest based on the way they are brought up. So, the concept fits Scar because he is single hence explaining why he has much time. The availability of much time can be attributed as the reason for his hot-tempered behavior. I postulate that the character exhibits the concept because he was neglected by his parents and was always supposed to be the second-best from his brother (James, 2019).
Finally, the fictional finalism concept fits Scar as a character because he is motivated by goals achievement in life. Fictional finalism as a psychoanalytic theory by Adler shows that human beings are encouraged by ideals that are often realizable or unattainable. Scar illustrates the concept through his plans to become more important in the kingdom since he has no real responsibilities. As such, Scar is in constant fights with Zazu, who is the most trusted advisor to Mufasa (Lion King, 2018). Hence, Scar’s bitterness resulted in him doing unscrupulous deals, which led to the death of his brother. I believe Scar illustrates the concept based on the challenge to ascend to the throne previously held by his brother.
Simba
The second character is Simba, who has the following five core concepts: birth order, striving for superiority, social interest, ego, and consciousness. The birth order concept is applicable to Simba since he is the heir to Pride rock and was eager to inherit his father’s kingdom. The birth order concept, as exemplified by Adler, shows that the notion has a direct association with personality characteristics. So, family positions had a direct correlation to Simba’s individual experiences and development (Shuai-yi, 2011). Simba shows the concept through his position as the son of the king. For instance, Simba’s dad shown him the whole kingdom, which he would rule over it all. I believe Simba illustrated the concept through his devastation when Mufasa died since he loved the king.
Also, striving for a superiority concept is applicable to Simba since he tries to overcome his past, having been taunted by the death of his father. Striving for superiority concept, as outlined by Adler, shows how an individual utilizes creative means to empower feelings of insignificance and disempowerment (Horowitz, 2013). Simba shows the concept through his personality, which is guilt-ridden and ought to leave the kingdom. As such, the character strives to be superior because he believes it was his fault that Mufasa died. I postulate the character shows the concept because Simba articulates he ought to administer justice to pride rock since the hyenas had overtaken over the kingdom.
Moreover, the social interest concept is applicable to Simba, as depicted by his oneness with humanity. Adler believed that the social interest concept should promote a healthier attitude while coping with stressful situations (Modenessi, 2014). As such, Simba shows the concept by running away from the kingdom after the death of his father despite being the rightful king. Also, Simba the philosophical practice of “Hakuna Matata” to get over the death of Mufasa (Lion King, 2018). As such, I think the character portrays the concept since he adopts a worry-free guide philosophical approach to cope with the stressful situation after the death of his father. Furthermore, Simba has a cordial relationship with Nala and never gave up on Simba coming back to the kingdom.
Furthermore, the ego concept is applicable to Simba based on his application of the reality principle. The ego concept, as outlined by Sigmund Freud, shows that it regulates an individual personality and its responsible for cognitive functions such as problem-solving (Cherry, 2019). As such, Simba illustrates the concept by coming back to the kingdom hence ending the dark rule adopted by Scar. Hence, Simba’s comeback to the kingdom helped solve critical problems caused by Scar since he was the rightful king following the death of his father. I think the character fully illustrates the concept because he overcame his past, which had hindered him from taking his rightful role in the kingdom at the expense of Scar.
Finally, the conscious concept is applicable to Simba since everything in his awareness influenced his behavior. Freud’s psychoanalytic theory outlines the role of the conscious mind as individual awareness as evident in individual behavior. So, Simba exemplifies the concept as he tells Rafiki that he knew what to do because his father had already induced a high level of awareness in him (Ehrlich, 2019). As such, Simba was much aware of the problems affecting the kingdom despite having run away for a while. I think Simba shows the conscious concept because he understands Scar was behind the death of his father thus came back to rescue the kingdom from the dark rule.
Mufasa
Mufasa is the third character and has the following five core concepts: superego, Id, unconscious, birth order, and fictional finalism. The Superego concept relates to Mufasa since he has a moral code in his personality. The superego concept, as developed by Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, shows that individuals operate on moral conscience and ideals hence guiding a person into undertaking acceptable behavior in the society (Cherry, 2019). As such, Mufasa outlines the concept through his great respect towards Sarabi’s opinion of being something of a queen. Also, Mufasa instills rationality and responsibility to Simba despite conflicting on the rules adopted by the young prince. I think Mufasa illustrates the concept through his personality since he never goes against social guidelines despite being a powerful man.
Also, the Id concept is applicable to Mufasa due to the unconscious conflict which existed between him and Scar. The Id concept, as developed by Freud, shows that an individual experiences unconscious wrangles between different components are hence developing personality. The character shows the concept through his ability to handle pressure from external forces as he tried to groom Simba for the throne. As such, he developed temperament as one of the key personality traits which depicted him as a self-centered king (James, 2019). For instance, Mufasa’s love for his cub and entire pride is instrumental in outlining him as having no concern over social limitations.
Moreover, the unconscious concept, as developed by Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, applies to Mufasa as he has repressed memories responsible for his behavioral changes. The unconscious concept depicts that forgotten memories and thoughts play a critical role in a person’s mental issues and general behavior. As such, Mufasa shows the concept by his occasionally temperamental behavior. For example, Mufasa loses his temper when Simba disobeyed him since he feared to lose his son. his hot-tempered behavior was a result of constant external pressures which he never realized they were affecting him (Lion King, 2018). I think Mufasa shows the unconscious concept based on his reaction to his son’s disobedience.
Besides, the birth order concept impacts on Mufasa since he was destined to be the king of pride lands at the expense of his younger brother. Birth order, as outlined by Adler, shows that firstborn tends to be nurturing and protective (Horowitz, 2013). However, a firstborn like Mufasa tend to fear from being dethroned by second born like Scar. As such, Mufasa shows the concept since he postulates to raising Simba being the best because he would succeed him as the king (Modenessi, 2014). Also, Mufasa was caring and would do anything for his family, especially to Simba, since he was afraid of losing him.
Finally, the fictional finalism concept applies to Mufasa because he works towards meeting the expectations of the future. Fictional finalism, as illustrated by Adler, outlines that individuals continuously improve their current situation for a better future. As such, Mufasa fulfills the requirement for the concept by preparing his son to be the next ruler of his kingdom (Ehrlich, 2019). For instance, Mufasa directs Simba that no one was allowed into the elephant graveyard because the evil hyenas lived there. Therefore, I think the character illustrates the concept based on his cautious approach while ruling the kingdom.
Applicability to Singapore’s context
The film is applicable within the Singaporean context since it outlines different elements as outlined in the psychoanalytic theory to improve the human experience. For instance, Singapore would promote its own film industry through funding and training experiences for its actors. As such, the experience caused by Kirsten Tan’s debut in Singapore would have resulted in extensive investment in the film industry (Siropoulos, 2010). Also, Singapore would start creating movies that represent the country’s culture as Kenya, which provided inspiration towards producing the film (Bruner, 2011). So, films would be capable of developing Singapore’s interests hence increase the applicability of movies acted in the country to raise its international recognition. Lastly, the film provides an opportunity to navigate Singapore’s film industry to give rise to independent movies in the southeast Asia region. Hence, Singaporeans would receive reminisce about their contribution and experiences in the film industry (Cappiccie et al., 2012).
References
Lion King. (2018). Simba, King Lion: An Animated Classic (FULL MOVIE). Retrieved 21 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnPu739DK04&list=PLYV59UDH74ZgJGRc-_s8-FnOcjTTrT61-&index=60
James, C. (2019). Film review: The Lion King. Retrieved 21 May 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190715-film-review-the-lion-king?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
Cherry, K. (2019). The Structure and Levels of the Mind According to Freud. Retrieved 21 May 2020, from https://www.verywellmind.com/the-conscious-and-unconscious-mind-2795946
Horowitz, M. J. (2013). States of mind: Configurational analysis of individual psychology. Springer. Link: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=_rkACAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Concepts+of+Individual+Psychology&ots=S8NIXAL2Tp&sig=eDEccSCk6w8LHTJmQkiKStU_s0U
Ehrlich, D. (2019). ‘The Lion King’ Review: Disney’s Remake Is a Disastrous Plunge into the Uncanny Valley. Retrieved 21 May 2020, from https://www.indiewire.com/2019/07/the-lion-king-review-2019-1202157153/
Shuai-yi, L. I. U. (2011). One Text, Multiple Interpretations—An Analysis of The Movie Lion King I [J]. Overseas English, 8. Link: http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-HWYY201108156.htm
Bruner, E. M. (2011). The Maasai and the Lion King: Authenticity, nationalism, and globalization in African tourism. American Ethnologist, 28(4), 881-908. Link: https://anthrosource.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1525/ae.2001.28.4.881
Modenessi, A. M. (2014). Disney’s “war efforts”: the lion king and Education for death, or Shakespeare made easy For your apocalyptic convenience. Apocalyptic Shakespeare: Essays on Visions of Chaos and Revelation in Recent Film Adaptations, 181-196. Link: https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=SjD_mxfVupAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA181&dq=lion+king+full+movie+analysis&ots=RHPWXSj5R6&sig=XVyPQJ3csYLesVB07A0yTuG7JRw
Siropoulos, V. (2010). The Bohemian Iconoclast and the Corporate Giant: Julie Taymor’s staging of Disney’s The Lion King, or the Portrait of the Avant-Garde Artist as a Corporate Employee’. Gramma: Journal of Theory and Criticism (The Individual and the Mass), 18, 137-50. Link: http://www.enl.auth.gr/gramma/gramma10/siropoulos.pdf
Cappiccie, A., Chadha, J., Lin, M. B., & Snyder, F. (2012). Using critical race theory to analyze how Disney constructs diversity: A construct for the baccalaureate human behavior in the social environment curriculum. Journal of Teaching in Social Work, 32(1), 46-61. Link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08841233.2012.640252