Psychology technique · used in 6 films
Letting a character's belief about themselves undermine their talent or fortune. They wreck their own chances because of how they see who they are.
Examples
Federico Fellini · 1953
Fausto sees himself as a charming ladies' man, and that image wrecks his marriage and job. He keeps chasing the next conquest as Sandra waits at home.
Where to see it: Fausto and Sandra: after the shotgun wedding he keeps cheating, and she leaves with their baby.
Woody Allen · 1994
David believes he is a serious artist, but Cheech has the real gift. Cheech wants no credit, so the praise goes to David. The film makes you laugh at the vanity and then feel the sting.
Where to see it: David's confession. After the play's success, David admits to Flender that he lacks talent.
Woody Allen · 1997
Harry can write beautifully and cannot live decently. In his unfinished story he travels to Hell, where he and the Devil argue over which of them is more evil. He ends the film by starting a book about a man who can only function in art. You can read the film as Allen accepting that art grows from failure.
Where to see it: The Hell story. In Harry's unfinished story, he goes to Hell to win back Fay, and he and the Devil argue over who is more evil.
Woody Allen · 1999
Ray believes a great musician should not settle down. He marries a socialite, Blanche Williams, instead of staying with Hattie. When he returns to Hattie he finds her married with children, and he regrets it. You can read his talent as the thing he hides behind.
Where to see it: The return. Ray goes back to Hattie and finds her happily married, and regrets what he gave up.
Sam Mendes · 2008
The Wheelers see themselves as different from their neighbors, and that belief is what holds them back. Frank talks big about Paris and then grabs a safe promotion. Their idea of themselves as special is the thing that keeps them from changing.
Where to see it: The Paris plan falls apart: Frank is offered a promotion and April becomes pregnant again, and the next day Frank takes the promotion.
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen · 2013
Llewyn turns down royalties for a novelty song to take $200 right away, then turns down Bud Grossman's offer of a place in a trio. He later heckles a singer at the Gaslight. You watch him make the choice that costs him the most.
Where to see it: The Chicago audition. Llewyn plays for Bud Grossman, who offers a place in a trio, and Llewyn rejects it.
Questions
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