Psychology technique · used in 1 film

Violence as Cure for Despair

Showing a depressed character revived by a dark goal. Their mood lifts as the plan takes shape, which makes you uneasy about their recovery.

Examples

Where you can see it

  1. Irrational Man (2015) poster

    Irrational Man

    Woody Allen · 2015

    Abe starts the film drinking and depressed, seeing no meaning in life. Once he decides to kill the judge, his mood lifts and he is happier with both Rita and Jill. The film asks you to be disturbed by how well it works for him.

    Where to see it: The change after the decision. Abe becomes energetic and affectionate, and can finally have sex with Rita.

Questions

Quick answers

What is violence as cure for despair in film?
Showing a depressed character revived by a dark goal. Their mood lifts as the plan takes shape, which makes you uneasy about their recovery.
Which films use violence as cure for despair?
Irrational Man (2015).
What kind of technique is violence as cure for despair?
It is a psychology technique. Related psychology techniques include Psychological Doubling, Unreliable Reality, Body Horror.

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