Lateral likeness and legion : a psychoanalytic film study of siblingship in <em>The color wheel</em>

Abstract

Narcissism not only influences, but can define the sibling relationship in psychoanalytic theory. The distinction of the sibling relationship is identified and discussed in psychoanalytic theory and film theory. Upon analysis, it is clear that film can relate the reality that siblings are substantial psychic forces on one another and against others. “Lateral Likeness and Legion” involves discovering how the sibling relationship can be significant in psychoanalytic film theory. Literature surrounding psychoanalytic theory and film theory is reviewed and correlated to a case study of Lateral likeness and legion : a psychoanalytic film study of siblingship in <em>The Color Wheel</em>. This study shows how narcissism can define siblingship cinematically through the emergent themes in the literature of labour, loss, and legion [correlative to the Self]. Lateral likeness and legion : a psychoanalytic film study of siblingship in <em>The Color Wheel</em> depicts this in its narrative of siblings. The film follows a brother and a sister who reunite after being estranged. Siblings are distinct markers of narcissism in addition to development and catharsis in film. This project establishes the significance of siblings in psychoanalytic film theory.