5 movies about the subconscious that have lingered in our subconscious
The subconscious is a powerful and curious aspect of the human mind. It’s what gives horror movies like Blair Witch and Lights Out such power (we involuntarily recall those scary scenes when we’re in similar situations), but it’s also what fuels our most beautiful emotions, like love and sorrow.
It’s no wonder so many movies have been made about the subconscious, thanks to this mysterious appeal. These films connect with us on a subconscious level (pun intended), simply because they are about our subconscious. Whether it’s about love, morality, or simply unfulfilled desires, we can’t deny that we are at the mercy of our subconscious.
So here are five films about the subconscious that we all subconsciously remember. If you find them even the least bit familiar (but can’t quite remember them clearly), you know why now! It’s your subconscious at work.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Credit: Shmoes Know
In one of Jim Carrey’s few serious and successful roles, he plays Joel, a gentle but heartbroken guy who deletes all memories of his girlfriend. But somehow, the last vestige of her memory prompts him to meet her once more (she has also wiped all memories of him), and they begin a relationship as strangers. When they find out that they were former lovers, they decide to go ahead with it anyway.
It is one of the most poignant films about love that don’t involve extravagant gestures. In fact, it’s the subtleties of their relationship that make it so much more authentic than modern day romances. And the fact that their memories of each other cannot truly be erased shows us that their love has permeated their subconscious.
Be right back, need to wipe away some tears.
2. Inception
Inception. Credit: Warner Bros
While we may remember Inception for that infernal spinning top (so is it Cobb’s dream or is it reality?), this isn’t another endless debate about the ending. Inception is about a group of mercenaries who attempt to plant a subconscious idea in their target’s dream by utilising complex dream techniques. Inception is also a film about an unforgettable love – in this case, Cobb’s dead ex-wife. It’s his inability to let her go that jeopardises their mission, because he loves her that much. As with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Inception is a story of how love lingers on in the subconscious, albeit in a much more negative way.
By the way, the ending takes place in reality. All you naysayers who think it’s a dream, go Wiki this!
3. Criminal
Gal Gadot as Jill Pope in Criminal. Credit: Golden Village Cinemas
Criminal sees a secret agent’s memories being implanted in the titular criminal, so as to prevent a global catastrophe. Of course, a despicable and ruthless criminal is picked to house the memories of a brave and loyal secret agent which results in – you can see where this is going. The implanted memories kick in and override the instincts of the criminal, making him do the right thing.
Is there love in this movie? Yes. The criminal ends up having feelings for the secret agent’s wife, which is rather pervy when you think about the implications. While the movie thankfully does not give a concrete resolution to this awkward three way – no it’s a two way – ok, three-way romance, it too surfaces the idea that love transcends all boundaries.
Also, Criminal has Gal Gadot in it.
4. The Science of Sleep
The Science of Sleep. Credit: Macario Mora
Have you ever struggled to stay awake, but found yourself teetering on true consciousness and the seeming reality of a dream? That’s what The Science of Sleep is like, and – you guessed it – it revolves around a man’s love for a woman. It’s got a little bit of magical realism to it (although in this case, it would be dreamy realism?), especially since the protagonist has many fantastical ideas that are silly, but not silly enough to be written off as pure fantasy.
And it also shares the same director as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Sarah Gadon as Natalie Drax and Aiden Longworth as her son Louis in The 9th Life of Louis Drax. Credit: Golden Village Cinemas
And then we have the upcoming The 9th Life of Louis Drax, which sees 50 Shades of Grey‘s Jamie Dornan enter the mind of a child who has survived nine near-death experiences. The trailer has got this surrealistic quality to it, which makes you wonder what secrets the boy holds in his head.
Want to bet that there’ll be a love story in this film as well?
The 9th Life of Louis Drax. Credit: Golden Village Cinemas
The 9th Life of Louis Drax is based on a best selling novel (which is titled “The Ninth Life of Louis Drax” instead of “9th” because, you know, writers). If the novel could paint such a vivid picture of the human mind, imagine how the film version will look! Plus, we’re sure there’s a tragic romance somewhere in side there.
Catch The 9th Life of Louis Drax and see if it sticks in your subconsciousness!
Credits: Schmoes Knows, Warner Bros, Macario Mora, Golden Village Cinemas
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