UNCONSCIOUS DRIVES AND DEFENSE MECHANISMS IN “BULLET TRAIN” (2022): A PSYCHOANALYTIC ANALYSIS

• ABI YAHYA DWI MATRA
• 2026

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Abi Yahya Dwi Matra (33200144), Unconscious Drives And Defense Mechanisms In “Bullet Train” (2022): A Psychoanalytic Analysis

 

This research examines Bullet Train (2022), directed by David Leitch, using a Freudian psychoanalytic approach to analyze how unconscious drives and defense mechanisms influence character behavior and narrative conflict. Although the film is presented as a fast-paced action-comedy, it contains deeper psychological representations of internal conflict, repression, aggression, and moral tension beneath its stylized violence and dark humor. The purpose of this study is to identify the manifestation of Freudian concepts specifically the id, ego, superego, unconscious drives, and defense mechanisms within the main characters of the film, including Ladybug, The Prince, Tangerine, Lemon, and The Wolf. This research aims to reveal how unconscious psychological processes shape character motivation, interaction, and narrative development. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with Freudian psychoanalytic theory as the primary analytical framework. Data are collected from selected scenes, dialogue, and character actions identified through specific timestamps in the film. The analysis focuses on various defense mechanisms such as repression, denial, projection, displacement, rationalization, sublimation, reaction formation, and acting out as expressions of unconscious drives. The findings indicate that the characters’ actions are largely governed by unconscious impulses, particularly aggression, fear, and unresolved emotional tension. These impulses frequently emerge through impulsive violence, repetitive behavior, and irrational decision-making. The ego attempts to regulate these drives through defense mechanisms that both stabilize and intensify conflict. This study concludes that Bullet Train functions as a psychological narrative, demonstrating the continued relevance of Freudian psychoanalysis in interpreting contemporary cinema.

 

Keywords: Psychoanalytic Film Analysis, Defense Mechanisms

• Psychoanalytic Film Analysis
• Defense Mechanisms

https://repository.bsi.ac.id/repo/82860/UNCONSCIOUS-DRIVES-AND-DEFENSE-MECHANISMS-IN-“BULLET-TRAIN”-(2022):-A-PSYCHOANALYTIC-ANALYSIS
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