Whilst looking for the aspects of our preferred genre, we found some critical theory based on Jungian Archetypes in Horror films by James F. Iaccino. This critical theory is what we'd like to be the deeper message within our teaser trailer, as the subgenre of Psychological thriller and horror are based quite heavily on the mind and state of self.
Iaccino based his article on the psychological theories on Cinematic horror by Carl G. Jung
According to Jung:
"The persona archetype originally referred to the "mask" that an actor wore when assuming a role in a play. Jung acknowledged that the persona is not real; it is a deception that the human uses to convince others that he[or she] can conform to society and be an upright and law abiding citizen. With the persona, the human can "take a name, earn a title, exercise a function"...
..." In horror, the recurrent Dr. Jekyll and Mr.Hyde syndrome simulatneously evokes our outward persona and repressed part of ourselves. In society, we have learned to act oroperly, to love appropriately, and to prize our intellectual gifts- that is to appreciate our "Jekyll" persona. But there is another side to us, "one that wants to do all the things we don't allow ourselves to do, who is everything that we are not, the Mr. Hyde to our Dr. Jekyll."...
..."We try to excuse our rages and strong emotions when they come out , denying these inner feelings by expressing the sentiment that "I don't know what came over me". What came over us was that shadow side of our personality, reflecting those uncontrollable animal impulses that we try to keep in check and hide from others as much as possible, as Jekyll does to his Hyde. The reality is that we are two selves, not one. It's no coincidence that each time the Jekyll and Hyde story is filmed, the same actor, is used to portray both roles, since outer and inner faces are "parts of the same self"...... Jung explored this shadow archetype in great detail and concluded that it's potentially the most powerful and dangerous image of the lot. Because of its evolutionary roots, the shadow possesses a demonic strength that knows no bounds or restraints. Moreover, the shadow has a strong desire to live and wants to express itself just as outwardly as the persona. Looking in the mirror and "seeing your own shadow" is the first step in confronting that "dark self", yet it must be done, no matter how painful the process, if we are ever to acknowledge the bestial part within our unconscious"...
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| A diagram detailing the overlap of our psyche according to many famous psychologists. |
..." Within the medium of [psychological] horror film, one message is continually expressed; The dark shadow "cannot and perhaps should not be repressed". One technique that has been used to depict this shadow side is the insertion of a "divided" figure into the story line. This character outwardly projects a very normal, perhaps even noble persona, but underneath this exterior, a demon lurks, waiting to be unleashed."
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