The human mind is undoubtedly one of the most complex things that exist. It has the power to influence the decisions we make every day. Not only can the mind make us see realities that exist, but it can also make us ponder things that are not real. Many filmmakers have capitalized on this to create movies about the power of the mind.
If you’re eager to discover some of these films, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll share with you everything you need to know about the top 5 movies about the human mind. We’ll take you on a journey through the history of cinema, exploring real-life stories, award-winning films, and even animated movies that have delved into the power of the mind.
Are you ready? Let’s start with an intense movie that conquered the box office and attracted a large audience.
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Black Swan
“Black Swan” was released in 2010. It is an intense story, filled with pain, suffering, and psychological terror. Natalie Portman, who won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and the award for the American Critics and Writers Association for her role, is our guide in this film.
The movie is an adaptation of the classic ballet, but it shows us that we are capable of controlling the mind to the point of doing things that would be beyond the limits of any human being. The protagonist, Nina, embarks on a mental journey through the use of drugs, experiencing different realities that are out of place.
Her greatest dream is to become the best ballet dancer and perform both roles in the same play. This leads her on a torturous journey, battling addictions and confronting her mind with hallucinations that make her harm herself.
“Black Swan” demonstrates that the mind has the power to cause both good and evil, and it shows us that obsessions can take us to places we’ve never known before.
Inside Out
In 2015, Pixar’s animated world brought us a gem of a film that delves into the human mind. “Inside Out” revolves around Riley, an 11-year-old girl who is uprooted from her familiar environment due to external factors related to her parents. Upon arriving in San Francisco, nothing feels the same as it did in her old home.
The movie takes us inside the mind, where we encounter various characters that represent emotions. These emotions take on the form of characters, but as Riley journeys through adolescence, everything changes. As a child, happiness is paramount and dominates everything, as “Inside Out” shows us.
But as you grow into adulthood, emotions combine, playing off each other, and sometimes you need moments of sadness, anger, or discomfort to find happiness. This film is undeniably emotional, but above all, it is inspiring and shows us that even when everything is not okay in our minds, we have the power to be happy.
Split
“Split” stars James McAvoy and is an example of dissociative identity disorder. It is a suspenseful thriller that takes you on a journey through the protagonist’s 23 personalities.
This disorder makes a person believe that they truly are each one of those personalities. While the movie may lean towards horror for entertainment purposes, upon closer analysis, we can see how it directly impacts what the mind can do, creating realities that don’t actually exist.
At its core, “Split” explores the power of the mind and how a psychiatrist attempts to understand and treat the disorder to make the protagonist’s life easier.
Ex Machina
Long before Alicia Vikander won her Academy Award but in the same year she garnered recognition for “The Danish Girl,” we have “Ex Machina” from 2015. Vikander takes on the lead role in this science fiction film that explores how the human mind is much more complex than any scientific expert could believe.
A programmer fights to prove that his robot, which is based on artificial intelligence, can reach the levels of human consciousness. This film received mixed reviews, but it is undoubtedly ideal for anyone looking to explore the power of the mind.
It encourages us to deeply analyze what the human mind truly is and how it directly influences our emotions, something that machines cannot replicate.
Silver Linings Playbook
Our last film is one of the most emotionally charged selections. After undergoing extensive therapy for an assault, Pat, played by Bradley Cooper, has to rebuild his life. However, things have become more challenging for him as he has been diagnosed with various mental disorders.
Through psychological therapy and, above all, love, he manages to regain control of his mind. When he meets Tiffany, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, a woman who is also struggling with mental health issues, they embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and mental recovery.
How do they do it? By finding the best in life and seeking out its silver linings. This film truly touches the soul and shows us that even when our minds are not in the best place, even when we need professional help and we have to live with it every day, we have the power to make our minds strong and find the good things in life.
Why watch movies about the power of the mind?
Watching movies is often more than just entertainment; it’s a way to learn and understand life. These 5 films about the power of the mind are undoubtedly essential additions for anyone looking to understand that the mind has more power than any human being could imagine.