Film and Philosophy: Thunderbolts*, Carl Jung, and My Depression

There was something inherently grounded in the film. Beyond epic fight scenes and witty quips infused into the script, each character served a role in the group dynamic that would eventually become the “New Avengers”. They’re real. The coloring was drab. Void of CGI or galactic worlds. It took place on Earth, grounded in our reality as dark as it is. It felt familiar. Human. Individuals plagued by trauma or regret who just happen to possess otherworldly abilities. Through introspection, each member of the group must confront their past to move forward as a collective. But for the sake of this post, we'll focus on a critical character in particular.

It’s a story, like mine, of memory, depression, and healing. 

Carl Jung’s Philosophy (Briefly)

Jungian philosophy builds upon Sigmund Freud’s foundational arguments, taking them one step further. That is, the “integration of the subconscious and conscious” will allow one to achieve what we consider to be a complete identity profile. 

An AI Overview, in Brief:

Carl Jung's philosophy on identity, rooted in analytical psychology, centers on the concept of individuation – the process of integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche to achieve wholeness and self-realization. He believed identity is not fixed but a dynamic process influenced by both personal experiences and universal, inherited archetypes.

Analytical psychology, also known as Jungian psychology, is a school of thought developed by Carl Jung that explores the human psyche, focusing on the conscious and unconscious mind, and the interplay between them. It emphasizes the individual's journey towards wholeness and self-realization through individuation, a process of integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the personality.

Read more here.

Jungian Theory in Thunderbolts*

Bob embodies Jungian theory. His journey towards self-actualization and the discovery of identity is far from over, but we see the beginnings of healing in Thunderbolts. He’s complex (As most humans are). This is perhaps the most enticing part of the film, as there is a blurred line between hero and anti-hero. Thus, he (along with his New Avengers counterparts) represents multiple archetypes as proposed by Jung. But it’s Bob I’m most fascinated by. 

“Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.” - Carl Jung

Bob is representative of an innate struggle with depression and mental woes that are not often talked about due to the fear of further isolation. The Void is an ultimate example of that darkness growing too fast, too far. Not only does he engulf himself in an aura of nothingness, but he projects this unto the streets of New York City. But if we all experience some resemblance of that struggle, why can’t we discuss it? 

“Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one’s being, but by integration of the contraries.” - Carl Jung

So, how did Bob become Sentry, and by extension, The Void? A careful [ ] of his shattered past left him repressed and lacking support in his present life. He can’t remember his questionable actions when taking on his superhero (villain?) role, but it is very much a part of him. As is the darkness. And, for better, the ignorantly innocent persona we meet at the beginning of the film. A sound analysis of the character must integrate the three. 

“The highest, most decisive experience is to be alone with one’s own self. You must be alone to find out what supports you, when you find that you can not support yourself. Only this experience can give you an indestructible foundation.” - Carl Jung

Bob is ultimately alone. He’s an all-powerful being and perhaps the strongest, both mentally and physically, in Marvel thus far. A former criminal used as a test subject in an [ ] much like Super Soldiers, Bob is the only remaining person and proves to be a success in their efforts. He’s a manufactured soldier, designated as “Sentry.” As he grows stronger, his inner darkness floods through the other aliases, eventually becoming “Void.” These separate entities exist in a single body, despite being wholly different. To heal, he must converge the three - and endure a battle within himself which takes over altogether. 

“In every adult there lurks a child-an eternal child, something that is always becoming, is never completed, and calls for unceasing care, attention, and education. That is the part of the personality that wants to develop and become whole.” - Carl Jung

Bob’s identities are challenged when he enters his 'mind map'. We are placed within his deepest traumatic memory, residing in his childhood home surrounded by abuse and neglect. This serves as the catalyst for his split personality, fueled by fear, anger, and vengeance. It’s here that he must return to heal his inner child and, as a result, his fractured sense of being. 

So What? 

It’s been some time since I worked on a Film & Philosophy post. I’ve been stuck lately and found it difficult to produce sound analysis without being burdened by the weight of it all. In a way, Thunderbolts brought me out of this state of mind as I watched the characters on screen deal with similar matters through thematic metaphors. 

Similarly, Thunderbolts* projected a dramatic representation of my mental prowess on screen. After a few-month bout of deep depression, which comes in cycles I have yet to understand. Submit to the darkness engulfing my mind, acting out in anger, or even severe ideations.  I’ve finally emerged from my mindmap of trauma into the real world, solidifying my identity (for now). 

I left that theater with a reminder that I can be fractured. That there are lighter parts to my identity, and the darker ones, which, while I try to hide, I indulge in on occasion. And that’s okay (I think). I have a support system, like Bob. I contain the strength to battle them and contribute to a world larger than myself (like Sentry) and possess a darkness used to protect myself from the two, with the knowledge that it can harm others (like The Void). 

I’m still Ilana, regardless. And Bob is still Bob.