Reprogramming the Programmed Mind: #Enrichyourweekend ( EYW ): Week 36

I find movies, a powerful medium for learning.

Watching great films has been a liberating experience.

Good movies often require multiple viewings to get a proper understanding.

Understanding of some movies, also seem to improve over a period of time.

Movies stimulate introspection and the individuals can experience Eureka moments.

Movies can also be seen in groups and teams. Since individuals process information in different ways, groups could discuss ideas and arrive at an enhanced understanding.

It has been my endeavour to bring perspectives to movies that can impact the quality of our lives.

I recognize there are other perspectives to great works of art.

I would encourage the readers of this post, to offer their perspectives, so that there can be greater insights and collective learning.

IN the 36th week of #Enrichyourweekend, I visit 'Marnie' and 'The Silence of the Lambs'.

Beneath the superficial layer of who we think we are and how we are perceived by others, there is probably one real person within all of us, waiting to be discovered. The person that has eluded the wakeful consciousness, within. A person with unlimited intelligence and capabilities, who is born to win.

All of us, have demonstrated a capacity to learn, without being taught when we are born. Learning to walk is an extraordinary achievement, and we are at it, until we reach our goal. As a child, we are not conscious of ourselves and make infinite mistakes and learn a language without being taught. Children have demonstrated that they can learn multiple languages. They are not afraid of committing mistakes. They get hurt several times while they are at their mischievous best, are undeterred and continue their mischief. A child is representative of the gay abandon with which a life can be lead.

Researchers believe that the first obstacle to learning, surface at the school, when children are introduced to Mathematics. Incidentally the concept of number and the number line, which does not seem to exist in space or time, when introduced, seem to unsettle the normal learning curve till that point of time. This is the time when the first seeds of doubt are impregnated within people and they start forming opinion about themselves and their capability. Understanding of Mathematics is many times perceived as a reflection of person's intelligence. Many people end up assuming that they may not be good at Mathematics, when there could be a distinct possibility that, they were not lucky enough to be taught Mathematics properly.

The counter is set, and then incremental additions of opinions and perceptions, are regularly augmented with every interaction that the individual has with universe. The interactions can be pleasurable, painful, agreeable, disagreeable, genial, hostile, comforting, intimidating, beneficial, hurting, and a whole range of other diverse experiences. A world view is either being formed or imposed.  These opinions are based on what they perceive of each interaction. These interactions influence at two levels, one at a conscious level and one at the subconscious. The outlook has the propensity to perpetually weigh us down for the rest of our lives or propel us to great heights. During this time, it is also interesting to note that we are also programmed to respond and react to situations that also determine who we are and how we are perceived by others.

Our strongest emotions get formed at an early impressionable age. Our deepest aversions could be formed during that time.  These could be the greatest obstacles to learning . We could be deeply hurt, which could be affecting our normal lives.  It is our fundamental birth right to be happy. After all, we are born to win.

Transactional Analysis is one of the most accessible theories of modern psychology. Whether you're in business, a parent, a social worker or interested in personal development, Eric Berne's Transactional Analysis theories, can enrich your dealings with people, and your understanding of yourself.

I wish Transactional Analysis, is made as a mandatory subject in High School.

In this context, I strongly recommend, ‘Marnie’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’.

Marnie

Hitchcock movies are an education by themselves. The quest for Hitchcock’s perfection is inspiring.

Hitchcock is always a class act. ‘Crass’ is a word that is non-existent in his dictionary. I wish the film makers of today, learn how to make films without a shred of vulgarity. The best example is the rape sequence in ‘Frenzy’ where there is so much dignity about the sequence. I cannot remember any other rape sequence which makes you so much empathetic about the victim on the screen. All of us will do well, to watch all his films. They will not only imbue us with a sense of sensitivity, artistry but also endow us with art of presenting in the most effective and elegant way.

‘Marnie’ remains one of my favourite Hitchcock thrillers. His trademark simplicity of narration devoid of any clutter, most crisply edited, supplemented with top notch acting and sublime English, is a heady mix.

The sheer intelligence of the movie leaves you dazed.

The movie moves at break neck pace,  the elegant narrative style, cloaking its pace, with hero wooing the heroine and trapping her into wedlock, only to discover that she has a deep aversion for sex. It is a treat to watch Sean Connery, in probably one of his best roles, go about, understanding the problem and helping the heroine discover the real reason for her aversion.

In the journey of discovery, there is a message of hope, that our deepest aversions and fear, can be resolved if we are ready to travel in time and understand what triggered our behaviour patterns. May be that can help us not to carry the hurt or lighten our load.

The Silence of the Lambs

Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of the novel by the same name by Thomas Harris is insightful.

The movie is primarily fascinating, thanks to  Dr. Hannibal Lecter(Anthony Hopkins), a forensic psychiatrist and a serial killer, interactions, with Clarice Starling(Jodie Foster), a FBI Trainee.

Dr. Hannibal Lecter, not only provides the necessary clues to help Clarice Starling find the killer, but in doing so helps, Clarice herself to comes to term with her fears.

The first interaction between Dr. Lecter and Clarice Starling is an object lesson for evaluation and assessments. Every recruiter, salesman and anybody aspiring to be one, must watch it over and over again. One of the great sequences which underlines the importance, that the devil is indeed in the details. Relationship can only be built on trust. Trust can be built only on honesty. The importance of eye contact. The presence of mind, the ability to think on your feet. The ability to handle an intimidating opponent. The Importance of making a first impression. The importance of being prepared for the meeting.

The subsequent interactions are enlightening as well. It is pertinent to note Dr. Lecter’s, observation about Buffalo Bill, the serial killer.

Quote

Look for severe childhood disturbances associated with abuses

Our billy was not born a criminal

He was made one through years of systematic abuse

Unquote

Ironically, Clarice Starling, also carries the fears of her childhood, and is deeply disturbed by the slaughter of the spring lambs.

Just as Dr. Lecter, takes leaves, in the final sequence, he, asks, Clarice, If the Lambs have stopped screaming?

I guess it is probably not too late to walk down the memory lane, revisit our childhood, reprogram our programmed minds to, Silence the Lambs, within us.