Object Relations Theory and American Beauty: An Analysis of Jane Burnham’s Character
1. Introduction
The character of Jane Burnham in the film American Beauty is an interesting one to examine from an object relations perspective. This paper will explore Jane’s development from an intrapsychic and interpersonal perspective, looking at her relationships with her parents, friends, and boyfriend. In addition, this paper will discuss how Jane’s schemas develop throughout the course of the film and how they impact her relationships.
2. Literature review
Object relations theory is a psychodynamic theory that focuses on the relationships between objects, specifically the self and others (McDougall, 1989). It is based on the idea that these relationships are internalized and impact our sense of self (Kohut, 1977). The theory has its roots in Freudian psychoanalysis, but it has been expanded upon by many other theorists, including Melanie Klein, Wilfred Bion, and Otto Rank (Hartmann, Kris, & Lowenstein, 1946).
There are three main concepts in object relations theory: the paranoid-schizoid position, the depressive position, and object constancy (Winnicott, 1960). The paranoid-schizoid position is a stage of development where the self is not yet differentiated from others and there is a lot of anxiety and fear. The depressive position is a later stage of development where the self is more differentiated from others and there is more capacity for empathy and love. Object constancy is the ability to maintain a positive view of others even when they are not physically present.
3. American Beauty: an object relations perspective
Jane Burnham is a high school student who is going through a lot of changes in her life. Her parents are going through a divorce, she is starting to question her sexuality, and she is trying to figure out who she is. These changes are all reflected in her relationships with others.
Jane’s relationship with her father is strained throughout the film. Her father is preoccupied with work and does not seem to be interested in his family. This causes Jane to feel neglected and unimportant. She becomes very angry with him and lash out at him verbally. However, despite all of this, Jane still loves her father and Is hurt when he does not reciprocate her feelings.
Jane’s relationship with her mother is also difficult. Her mother is preoccupied with her own problems and does not seem to be available for Jane emotionally. This causes Jane to feel abandoned and alone. She becomes very withdrawn and withdraws into her own world. However, despite all of this, Jane still loves her mother and wants her to be happy.
Jane’s relationship with Ricky Fitts, her next door neighbor, is one of the most important relationships in the film. Ricky is a strange boy who doesn’t fit in at school. He spends most of his time filming everything around him. Jane is initially scared of Ricky because she doesn’t understand him. However, she eventually comes to trust him and they become friends. Ricky helps Jane to see the world in a different way and he teaches her about beauty.
Jane’s relationship with Angela Hayes, her best friend, is also very important. Angela is a popular girl at school who seems to have everything going for her. However, underneath all of that surface perfection, Angela is actually quite lonely and insecure. Jane is the only person who really knows her. Angela confides in Jane and relies on her for support.
Jane’s relationship with her boyfriend, Jordan Catalano, is also significant. Jordan is a bad boy who doesn’t care about anything. He is popular with the girls at school, but Jane is the only one who really knows him. Jordan is actually quite vulnerable and he needs Jane’s support.
Jane goes through a lot of changes throughout the course of the film. She starts off in the paranoid-schizoid position, but she eventually moves into the depressive position. This is reflected in her relationships with others. In the beginning of the film, Jane is scared of Ricky and she doesn’t understand him. However, by the end of the film, she has come to trust him and they have become friends. Similarly, in the beginning of the film, Jane is scared of Jordan and she doesn’t understand him. However, by the end of the film, she has come to care for him and they are in a relationship.
Object constancy is also an important concept in understanding Jane’s character. Object constancy is the ability to maintain a positive view of others even when they are not physically present. This is reflected in Jane’s relationship with her father. Even though her father neglects her and doesn’t seem to care about her, Jane still loves him and Is hurt when he does not reciprocate her feelings.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, object relations theory can be used to understand Jane Burnham’s character in the film American Beauty. From an intrapsychic perspective, object relations theory can be used to understand Jane’s relationships with her parents, friends, and boyfriend. From an interpersonal perspective, object relations theory can be used to understand how Jane’s relationships change throughout the course of the film.