Intinct, A Narrative Analysis

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Instinct- A Narrative Analysis The movie Instinct, starring Anthony Hopkins as Ethan Powell, Cuba Gooding Jr. as Theo Caulder, and Donald Sutherland as Ben Hillard provides parallels to various aspects of education in our public school system. There are similarities that can be drawn between characters, institutional settings, and school systems. The symbolism tends to establish deeper meaning with each viewing. Cuba Gooding, the young Psychologist, exhibits many transformation in the movie. In the first scenes, he can be found symbolizing “the take” as well as one who “plays the game.” His goal is to be viewed as the best in his class. He will attain this by saying and doing anything that might elevate others’ opinions of him. By “playing the game” he assures his advancement in the community, family, or clan, ultimately providing him with what he views as success and a sense of belonging. Along with this success come financial security, fame, and power. The young Psychologist transforms throughout the movie, finally discovering freedom and a sense of being when he is able to stand up for what he believes in, buck the system as much as he is able, and feel good about the job he has done and the man he has become. It seems that eventually he shifted paradigms to become more human resource oriented and person-centered. The Veteran Psychologist, played by Anthony Hopkins, seemed rather autocratic. His messages were deep and harshly taught. He perceived others to be “takers” whose mission was to control the world around them. This control included people, places, and things. He immediately identifies the “Ace”, the deck of cards as a form of control by a corrupt system. Rather than buy into the system, he defies it. In doing so, he reveals the deeper motivation that he possess’ within himself. He further exposes himself by stating, “he chose” the young
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