Abstract
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal presents a visceral exploration of masculinity, violence, and repressed desire, operating at the intersection of psychoanalytic and cognitive psychology. This paper dissects the film’s portrayal of hypermasculinity, emotional vulnerability, and homoerotic undertones, examining how its protagonist embodies a psychological struggle between aggression and intimacy. Drawing from Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis, the study explores the unconscious conflicts, shadow self, and archetypes that shape the film’s narrative, mirroring broader cinematic trends. Additionally, cognitive film theory helps unpack audience reception, emotional contagion, and identification with the protagonist’s fractured psyche. By situating Animal within a global cinematic context, this research highlights how masculinity is deconstructed across cultures and how similar narratives reflect evolving psychological and societal tensions. The study also examines how cinematic techniques intensify emotional engagement and contribute to audience perception of power and desire. This interdisciplinary approach aims to contribute to discussions on gender, cognitive perception, and the psychological underpinnings of contemporary cinema, offering a nuanced perspective on the complex interplay between violence, vulnerability, and identity.
Presenters
Basudha SinghaStudent, Master of Science in Applied Psychology, Bethune College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Psychoanalysis Cognitive Science Homoeroticism Undertones Audience Perception
