Identity Crisis In The Whale Movie By Darren Aronofsky

Abstract

This research discusses the identity crisis experienced by the main character in the film “The Whale” (2022) directed by Darren Aronofsky. The purpose of this study is to identify how identity crisis is depicted through the psychological symptoms, behavioral manifestations, and the ways the main character confronts his identity conflict. This research applies a qualitative descriptive method and uses Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development as the main theoretical framework. The data in this study are taken from scenes, dialogues, and actions of the main character in the film. The results of the analysis show that the main character experiences a severe identity crisis caused by unresolved emotional conflict and personal loss, which manifests psychologically through guilt, emotional instability, and low self-worth, and behaviorally through withdrawal, self-neglect, and self-destructive behavior. Furthermore, the study reveals that the main character attempts to face his identity crisis through emotional relationships, although these efforts remain incomplete. This research concludes that identity crisis is a central theme in The Whale and plays a significant role in shaping the character’s development and the overall narrative of the film.