Freudian - Application to films

Batman - The Dark Knight

Joker - ID:

The joker wants to bring chaos, a weapon on society and a man that just wants to watch the world burn. Even though this character may have a plan, it's still a route that is bad for people to go anywhere near. Someone who wants to break the rules. These correlate with elements of an Id in an extreme manner but bad for the conscience.

Batman - Ego:

Torn between the two characters of The Batman and Bruce Wayne, he shares both sides and takes inspiration from the Superego and the Id. From 2:53 until the end of the clip, it is clear to see that Bruce Wayne is more prominent but he is still wearing the suit. His judgement is clouded by anger but asks Alfred for words of advice in his time of need.

Alfred - Superego:
He encourages love and wisdom to anyone who needs it but more towards Bruce. As seen in the clip above "Rachel's Death" the character is there to comfort Bruce and to offer advice on how to conquer the Id/Joker. 

The Ego (Batman/Bruce Wayne) is being pushed and pulled by the Id and the Superego. Bruce wants to be able to do the right thing but sometimes when either the Id or Superego is more present than the other the Ego tends to lean that way. In this case as the Ego chooses to save Harvey over Rachel but the Eg would never know if that's the better option. Letting Rachel die as the diegetic sound of Harvey screaming in dread over the phone, she tries to comfort him but with the non-diegetic electric cello which plays the Famous Joker theme (a D note) that's a cue for the audience that something may go wrong. Just like a canted/dutch tilt angle.
Cutting to the 3 minute mark the Superego joins the Ego and the Id is not around. This happens throughout the film as only one or the other is paired with the Ego, it's never all three parts of the mind or in this case, characters. Trying to comfort Bruce, Alfred prepares tea. In the open yet dark room the camera is positioned to be tilted up at Alfred and level with Bruce yet both mid shots. With words of wisdom but staying close to the ground, Alfred offers help and takes away Rachels note as he feels it's not time for Bruce to know. For Freud this is the mind holding back certain/suppressed information so that the Ego and think clearer for now as there may be too many issues that the mind is trying to solve all at once. "Rachel believed in what you stood for, what we stand for". This is Alfred reminding Bruce how to think in stressful situations and how the Superego wants what's best for the Ego. Sometimes to solve an issue like the Id, the Superego has to 'burn the forest down' to draw out the Id to confront it but as the Id clouds the Egos judgement we make mistakes. That is why everyone has a Superego to help us learn from those mistakes. In my opinion, this makes perfect sense to how the mind works and encapsulates the mind and Freuds way of thinking.

Fight Club 

Quickly edited shot but mainly shot reverse shot over the shoulder. However, when the camera is aimed at Tyler, only he is in frame. Whereas when the camera is on Jack, they both fill the screen over-the-shoulder. mixed with mid shots as Jack is across the room, then as Tyler tells him to sit, the camera place out wide as a side on two shot. This shot is also slightly tracked and tilted down so that they both stay in frame.
A slight montage takes place as Jack is working out what is actually going on; that him and Tyler are the same person. As the non-diegetic sound keeps the audience in suspense the miss-en-scene is edited so that we can see Jacks thinking process back to key moments but instead of Tyler it's him in his place. As Tyler helps jack understand the situation it is clear that is what happens when someone, who suffers from an identity disorder, lets it go too far. "You were looking for a way to change your life, you could not do this on your own. All the ways that you wish you could be, that's me. I look like you want to look, I fuck like you want to fuck; I am smart, capable and most importantly, I am free in which all the ways that you are not". This is direct from how Freud splits up someones sub-conscience. Yet in the real world, most people never act upon it and they stay trapped and not free in how we all want to live our lives.

Tyler Durden:
A rebellious character that doesn't obey the law. It is common for the Ego to aspire to be like the Id as they also stand as a more free entity. He is impulsive and irrational, he expresses himself by physical desires such as sex with Marla and causing damage to society 'Project Mayhem'.

The Narrator/Jack:
Once again, swayed by both the Id and the superego.

Marla:
The Superego that has a firmer grasp on reality and is there to remind the ego of what is good from bad, right from wrong. Pushes you to be a better person but compared to how the Id is portrayed in Fight Club, is also more trapped and not free.

Shot technique ideas

All three have been documented with the hyper lapse function.

1. Tracking of corridors and hallways at was it or slightly lower heights.
2. A motion-lapse panned shot
3. A tracking and mounted gimbal shot focussed on me (the camera follows me to keep me in frame).

My plan for film studies

My overall thoughts on this piece are a lot different than when I first started to think about it. Using simple equipment (Logic Pro X, Final Cut Pro and a Shotgun mic attached to the top of my DSLR) I wish to achieve a monologue as the inside of my mind is displayed on screen. Iwill most likely add some non-diegetic sound. The idea of distorting the images as memory is never 100% accurate is nice as it helps show how an addiction is in the mind and to obsess over something so much actually changes from it's original shape to another I find very interesting.

Freudian Analysis

Notes:

what it is:

The theory itself is looking at the conscience of a person. And when presented with choices throughout life, which option should they choose. In this case the Id represents the 'devil on your shoulder'. The Superego is meant to represent the 'angel on your shoulder'. Overall the Ego (you) decides which one to listen to and which option they should act upon.

The three aspects of self

• ID - void of morality or rules (wanting to kick a baby across a room) if you have empathy you wouldn't want to do bad things in society. It makes you lie, cheat or steal. The Id is more or less in every person - the devil on the shoulder - the horse. want. 
• Ego - is the conscience. To do the right thing (you want a chocolate bar but you'd have to wait till you can afford it, don't steal) - the horseman.
• Superego - to have morals - the angel on the shoulder. - horseman's father (judge) 

References:

Freud believed that "[dreams are] the royal to the unconscious" and they contained important clues into the human psyche (Weiter, 2004:195) 

Mulvey Analysis

What is her theory?

Laura Mulvey is "best known for her essay on Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema"  

This idea focusses on how media is used and edited to be more appealing to the male gender and or homosexual women. Hence, 'The Male Gaze', in films there's is normally shot or dialogue that discusses the women body/shows off.

This theory also involves the topic of Voyeurism: the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity. This can be said that it is also the enjoyment from seeing the pain or distress of others. Overall, voyeurism is the act of looking on, which is why people enjoy the art of cinema so much. But this is also aimed at men like to look at women during film.

Effectively the theory states that, when aimed at women, the camera fragments them. This gives them no identity as a character and ultimately sexualises her. Here are a few examples.

In 'A married Women it is clear that only the body of the women has no identity as we cannot see her face. The mans hands on her dory indicate that she is being controlled and that she has no power.
In The Minion Movie, a little more of the woman is shown but the same rules apply. Even though it can be used as added mystery to a character, but also it can be used to, in this case, focus on her legs. I feel that this is a subtle way of portraying it but even in children's films it happens. For most kids to see this, a parent would have to be there to take them. This gives the adult something to look out for so that the movie is suitable for everyone. Much like an adult joke in a kids film, where the children won't get it but it's there for the parents.
Finally in the recent Wonder Woman movie. Yes, it allows for the idea that women are powerful but in this poster she doesn't even have an identity. Part of her face is shown but to most, the audience still doesn't know who it is. The focus in this mid/close up shot is the lips. Usually this aspect of a woman is sexy and allows for men to fantasise about the character. Even in the movie, yes she has power but she still obeys the laws when it comes to the love interest in the text.
I believe that these examples fit pretty well with Mulvey's theory. Mulvey states that in a narrative the rile of a female character has two functions. One is where 'she' is used as an erotic object for characters within the narrative to view. The second is so that spectators out of the narrative, such as audience members in a cinema, to view.







References:
https://www.filminquiry.com/film-theory-basics-laura-mulvey-male-gaze-theory/

Fol, I. (2004) p.25 The Dominance of the Male Gaze in Hollywood Films 

Lacan Analysis

Mirror Stage

• 50's - the first time a baby sees itself in the mirror, it thinks that they are the most beautiful and perfect human being there is. For the rest of their life, it tries to live up to at and it can never be achieved.
• Unrealistic expectations. he called this "lack".
• It causes desire.
• Similar to the ID, like fight club, he wants to be Tyler but never will be.
• Hedonistic features - taking drugs and alcohol, being more than yourself, to be a better person and trying to be something they're not.

The three lacks 

• Symbolic castration - object related is the imaginary phallus
• Imaginary frustration - object related is the real breast 
• Real privation - object related is the symbolic phallus 

The three corresponding agents are: real father, symbolic mother and the imaginary father. Castration is the most important to these factors.

Risk Assessments

What is a risk assessment?

Risk assessment is a term used to describe the overall process or method where you: Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification). Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation).

Why is risk assessment important?

Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan. They help to: 

• Create awareness of hazards and risk.
• Identify who may be at risk (e.g., employees, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc.). 
• Determine whether a control program is required for a particular hazard.
• Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done. 
• Prevent injuries or illnesses, especially when done at the design or planning stage.
• Prioritize hazards and control measures.
• Meet legal requirements where applicable.

What is the goal of risk assessment?

The aim of the risk assessment process is to evaluate hazards, then remove that hazard or minimize the level of its risk by adding control measures, as necessary. By doing so, you have created a safer and healthier workplace. 

The goal is to try to answer the following questions:

1. What can happen and under what circumstances?
2. What are the possible consequences?
3. How likely are the possible consequences to occur?
4. Is the risk controlled effectively, or is further action required?

When should a risk assessment be done?

There may be many reasons a risk assessment is needed, including:

• Before new processes or activities are introduced.
• Before changes are introduced to existing processes or activities, including when products, machinery, tools, equipment change or new information concerning harm becomes available.
• When hazards are identified.

How do you plan for a risk assessment?

In general, determine:

• What the scope of your risk assessment will be (e.g., be specific about what you are assessing such as the lifetime of the product, the physical area where the work activity takes place, or the types of hazards).
• The resources needed (e.g., train a team of individuals to carry out the assessment, the types of information sources, etc.).
• What type of risk analysis measures will be used (e.g., how exact the scale or parameters need to be in order to provide the most relevant evaluation).
• Who are the stakeholders involved (e.g., manager, supervisors, workers, worker representatives, suppliers, etc.).
• What relevant laws, regulations, codes, or standards may apply in your jurisdiction, as well as organizational policies and procedures.

How is a risk assessment done?

Assessments should be done by a competent person or team of individuals who have a good working knowledge of the situation being studied. Include either on the team or as sources of information, the supervisors and workers who work with the process under review as these individuals are the most familiar with the operation. 

In general, to do an assessment, you should: 

• Identify hazards.
• Determine the likelihood of harm, such as an injury or illness occurring, and its severity. 
  • Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as maintenance, shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, extreme weather, etc. 
  • Review all available health and safety information about the hazard such as Safety Data Sheet (SDS), manufacturers literature, information from reputable organizations, results of testing, workplace inspection reports, records of workplace incidents (accidents), including information about the type and frequency of the occurrence, illnesses, injuries, near misses, etc. 
  • Understand the minimum legislated requirements for your jurisdiction.
• Identify actions necessary to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk using the hierarchy of risk control methods. 
• Evaluate to confirm if the hazard has been eliminated or if the risk is appropriately controlled.
• Monitor to make sure the control continues to be effective.
• Keep any documents or records that may be necessary. Documentation may include detailing the process used to assess the risk, outlining any evaluations, or detailing how conclusions were made.

When doing an assessment, also take into account:

• The methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling or storage of the substance, etc.
• The actual and the potential exposure of workers (e.g., how many workers may be exposed, what that exposure is/will be, and how often they will be exposed).
• The measures and procedures necessary to control such exposure by means of engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices and facilities. 
• The duration and frequency of the task (how long and how often a task is done).
• The location where the task is done.
• The machinery, tools, materials, etc. that are used in the operation and how they are used (e.g., the physical state of a chemical, or lifting heavy loads for a distance).
• Any possible interactions with other activities in the area and if the task could affect others (e.g., cleaners, visitors, etc.). 
• The lifecycle of the product, process or service (e.g., design, construction, uses, decommissioning).
• The education and training the workers have received.
• How a person would react in a particular situation (e.g., what would be the most common reaction by a person if the machine failed or malfunctioned).

It is important to remember that the assessment must take into account not only the current state of the workplace but any potential situations as well.

By determining the level of risk associated with the hazard, the employer, and the health and safety committee (where appropriate), can decide whether a control program is required and to what level.

How are the hazards identified?

Overall, the goal is to find and record possible hazards that may be present in your workplace. It may help to work as a team and include both people familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not - this way you have both the experienced and fresh eye to conduct the inspection. In either case, the person or team should be competent to carry out the assessment and have good knowledge about the hazard being assessed, any situations that might likely occur, and protective measures appropriate to that hazard or risk.

To be sure that all hazards are found:

• Look at all aspects of the work.
• Include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning.
• Look at accident / incident / near-miss records. 
• Include people who work off site either at home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, with clients, etc.
• Look at the way the work is organized or done (include experience of people doing the work, systems being used, etc). 
• Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example: possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, etc.).
• Determine whether a product, machine or equipment can be intentionally or unintentionally changed (e.g., a safety guard that could be removed).
• Review all of the phases of the lifecycle. 
• Examine risks to visitors or the public.
• Consider the groups of people that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers. 

It may help to create a chart or table such as the following: 

Example of Risk Assessment
Task	Hazard	Risk	Priority	Control
Delivering product to customers	Drivers work alone	May be unable to call for help if needed
	Drivers have to occasionally work long hours	Fatigue, short rest time between shifts
	Drivers are often in very congested traffic	Increased chance of collision
		Longer working hours
	Drivers have to lift boxes when delivering product	Injury to back from lifting, reaching, carrying, etc.

How do you know if the hazard will cause harm (poses a risk)?

Each hazard should be studied to determine its' level of risk. To research the hazard, you can look at:

• Product information / manufacturer documentation.
• Past experience (knowledge from workers, etc.).
• Legislated requirements and/or applicable standards. 
• Industry codes of practice / best practices.
• Health and safety material about the hazard such as safety data sheets (SDSs), research studies, or other manufacturer information. 
• Information from reputable organizations.
• Results of testing (atmospheric or air sampling of workplace, biological swabs, etc.). 
• The expertise of an occupational health and safety professional. 
• Information about previous injuries, illnesses, near misses, incident reports, etc. 
• Observation of the process or task.

Remember to include factors that contribute to the level of risk such as: 

• The work environment (layout, condition, etc.). 
• The systems of work being used. 
• The range of foreseeable conditions. 
• The way the source may cause harm (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, etc.).
• How often and how much a person will be exposed.
• The interaction, capability, skill, experience of workers who do the work.

How are risks ranked or prioritized?

Ranking or prioritizing hazards is one way to help determine which risk is the most serious and thus which to control first. Priority is usually established by taking into account the employee exposure and the potential for incident, injury or illness. By assigning a priority to the risks, you are creating a ranking or an action list. 

There is no one simple or single way to determine the level of risk. Nor will a single technique apply in all situations. The organization has to determine which technique will work best for each situation. Ranking hazards requires the knowledge of the workplace activities, urgency of situations, and most importantly, objective judgement. 

For simple or less complex situations, an assessment can literally be a discussion or brainstorming session based on knowledge and experience. In some cases, checklists or a probability matrix can be helpful. For more complex situations, a team of knowledgeable personnel who are familiar with the work is usually necessary. 

As an example, consider this simple risk matrix. Table 1 shows the relationship between probability and severity. 

Severity ratings in this example represent:

• High: major fracture, poisoning, significant loss of blood, serious head injury, or fatal disease
• Medium: sprain, strain, localized burn, dermatitis, asthma, injury requiring days off work
• Low: an injury that requires first aid only; short-term pain, irritation, or dizziness

Probability ratings in this example represent:

• High: likely to be experienced once or twice a year by an individual
• Medium: may be experienced once every five years by an individual
• Low: may occur once during a working lifetime

The cells in Table 1 correspond to a risk level, as shown in Table 2.

These risk ratings correspond to recommended actions such as:

• Immediately dangerous: stop the process and implement controls
• High risk: investigate the process and implement controls immediately
• Medium risk: keep the process going; however, a control plan must be developed and should be implemented as soon as possible
• Low risk: keep the process going, but monitor regularly. A control plan should also be investigated
• Very low risk: keep monitoring the process

Let's use an example: When painting a room, a step stool must be used to reach higher areas. The individual will not be standing higher than 1 metre (3 feet) at any time. The assessment team reviewed the situation and agrees that working from a step stool at 1 m is likely to:

• Cause a short-term injury such as a strain or sprain if the individual falls. A severe sprain may require days off work. This outcome is similar to a medium severity rating.
• Occur once in a working lifetime as painting is an uncommon activity for this organization. This criterion is similar to a low probability rating.

When compared to the risk matrix chart (Table 1), these values correspond to a low risk. 

The workplace decides to implement risk control measures, including the use of a stool with a large top that will allow the individual to maintain stability when standing on the stool. They also determined that while the floor surface is flat, they provided training to the individual on the importance of making sure the stool's legs always rest on the flat surface. The training also included steps to avoid excess reaching while painting.

What are methods of hazard control?

Once you have established the priorities, the organization can decide on ways to control each specific hazard. Hazard control methods are often grouped into the following categories: 

• Elimination (including substitution).
• Engineering controls.
• Administrative controls.
• Personal protective equipment.

Why is it important to review and monitor the assessments?

It is important to know if your risk assessment was complete and accurate. It is also essential to be sure that any changes in the workplace have not introduced new hazards or changed hazards that were once ranked as lower priority to a higher priority.

It is good practice to review your assessment on a regular basis to make sure your control methods are effective.

What documentation should be done for a risk assessment?

Keeping records of your assessment and any control actions taken is very important. You may be required to store assessments for a specific number of years. Check for local requirements in your jurisdiction.

The level of documentation or record keeping will depend on: 

• Level of risk involved.
• Legislated requirements.
• Requirements of any management systems that may be in place.

Your records should show that you: 

• Conducted a good hazard review.
• Determined the risks of those hazards.
• Implemented control measures suitable for the risk.
• Reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace.

The HSE suggests that risk assessments should follow five simple steps:

• Step 1: Identify the hazards.
• Step 2: Decide who might be harmed and how.
• Step 3: Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions.
• Step 4: Record your findings and implement them.
• Step 5: Review your assessment and update if necessary.

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/risk_assessment.html