Films can be much more than entertainment – they also provide mirrors to understand ourselves and the society in which we live. For this reason, “Jungian” film analysis is popular because it provides deep insights into our individual and cultural maturity. In theory, this should help us to develop. However, there is a problem with much allegedly-Jungian film analysis because it has the opposite effect – it holds us back.
Jung said there are two ways in which one can use creative works to help our development. The first, which he called ‘psychological’, contributes very little to our understanding; the second, which he called ‘visionary’, is of significant value (Jung 1930, pp. 103-6).
