Hollywood LOVES Hypnosis

Several Hollywood movies and TV shows have explored hypnosis as a trope, often depicting it in a sensationalised or exaggerated manner for dramatic effect. While these portrayals may be entertaining, they are typically far from an accurate representation of how hypnosis works in reality. Here are a few examples and a critical analysis of why they can be seen as complete fiction:

1. Get Out (2017):

   • In "Get Out," hypnosis is a central theme where characters use it for nefarious purposes. The film's portrayal of hypnosis leans heavily into the realm of science fiction, with the hypnotic process depicted as a way to transfer consciousness. In reality, hypnosis is not a method for controlling someone's mind or stealing their consciousness.

      

2. The Manchurian Candidate (1962, 2004):

   • Both the original and the remake of "The Manchurian Candidate" involve brainwashing and mind control, including the use of hypnosis to manipulate individuals into carrying out political assassinations. While the concept of brainwashing has been explored in various forms in psychology, the extreme scenarios presented in these films are highly exaggerated for dramatic effect.

      

3. Office Space (1999):

   • In "Office Space," the character Peter undergoes hypnosis to become more relaxed and carefree. The portrayal of hypnosis here is a comedic exaggeration, suggesting that it can transform someone's personality drastically in a short amount of time. In reality, hypnosis is more commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction rather than a complete personality overhaul.

      

4. Now You See Me (2013):

   • While this film focuses on illusion and magic, it features a hypnotist character who uses hypnosis to control people's actions. The depiction of hypnosis as a tool for instant and total control is purely fictional. In reality, hypnosis requires the cooperation and willingness of the individual being hypnotised, and it cannot make someone act against their moral or ethical principles.

      

5. Hypnotic  (2023):

   • This is different to the trailer for the 2021 Netflix film shown at the end of this post,  and features Ben Affleck's character working against people, trained by a government division, who have developed incredibly powerful mind control abilities through hypnotic constructs and suggestions. It goes on to illustrate the concept of "mass hypnosis", which is a trope dear to the heart of cookers everywhere.

In these examples, hypnosis is often portrayed as a mystical or magical force that can be used for mind control or extreme behaviour modification. In reality, hypnosis is a therapeutic technique that relies on the subject's suggestibility and willingness to cooperate. It cannot be used to force someone to act against their will or to achieve fantastical results portrayed in fiction. The Hollywood portrayals of hypnosis tend to sensationalise and misrepresent the practice for the sake of entertainment.

Here are some more Hollywood movies and TV shows that feature hypnosis as a trope, along with a critical analysis of why these portrayals can be seen as complete fiction:

1. The X-Files (TV Series, 1993-2018):

   • "The X-Files" often explored paranormal phenomena, including episodes involving hypnosis. While the show presented hypnosis as a tool for uncovering suppressed memories and accessing hidden truths, it oversimplified the complexities and ethical considerations of hypnosis. The rapid revelation of information under hypnosis is exaggerated and not reflective of real-world hypnotherapy.

      

2. Batman: The Animated Series - "Perchance to Dream" (1992):

   • In this animated episode, the Mad Hatter uses a dream-inducing device to trap Batman in a perfect dream world. The portrayal of hypnosis in this context leans towards fantasy and mind control, as the character's reality is altered through a hypnotic device. This representation oversimplifies and sensationalises the potential effects of hypnosis.

      

3. Zoolander (2001):

   • In "Zoolander," the protagonist, Derek Zoolander, is brainwashed and reprogrammed as an assassin through a series of trigger words. While this comedic approach to mind control serves the film's satirical tone, it distorts the actual capabilities of hypnosis. In reality, hypnosis cannot turn someone into a programmed killer or override their fundamental personality traits.

      

4. The Mind's Eye (2015):

   • This science fiction thriller involves a government experiment that grants telekinetic abilities through hypnosis. The film blends hypnosis with supernatural elements, creating a narrative that is more aligned with fantasy than the realistic applications of hypnotherapy. The idea of using hypnosis to induce paranormal powers is pure fiction.

      

5. The Simpsons - "Homer the Great" (1995):

   • In this animated sitcom episode, members of a secret society use hypnotic techniques to control individuals. The portrayal of hypnosis here is exaggerated for comedic effect, with characters mindlessly following commands. The depiction oversimplifies hypnosis and perpetuates the misconception that it can be used for complete mind control.

1. • Another episode where hypnosis is shown is from Season 13, Episode 5 - "The Blunder Years" - Homer gets hypnotised and relives a horrible childhood memory. It misrepresents the myth that people can get stuck in hypnosis.

      

2. Trance (2013):

   • Directed by Danny Boyle, this psychological thriller involves a fine art auctioneer who, after suffering a head injury, undergoes hypnotherapy to recall the details of a stolen painting. The film explores themes of memory manipulation and psychological twists.

      

3. Black Magic (1949):

   •  The story of Joseph Balsamo (played by Orson Welles) who was a French gypsy boy who  was tortured under the command of Viscount de Montaigne. Some years later, he learns the secrets of hypnosis from Dr. Franz Mesmer (from whom we get the term "mesmerised"). Ignoring the doctor's advice that he use his powers for healing, he exploits his new talent to the full, gaining wealth, fame and prestige. After changing his name to Count Cagliostro, he becomes famous throughout Europe. Things begin to go downhill when he enters a plot to substitute a young girl called Lorenza for Queen Marie Antoinette. King Louis XV dies and Marie Antoinette becomes queen. She orders Cagliostro to leave the country. Cagliostro gets Lorenza to impersonate the Queen and pretend to be in love with de Montaigne. He buys the necklace and the Queen's reputation is damaged (which actually happened: Affair of the Diamond Necklace).

     Lorenza agrees to testify against Cagliostro, but at the trial, Cagliostro hypnotises her into stating that she knows nothing. Cagliostro then hypnotises Lorenza's true love into testifying against the queen. Dr. Mesmer then uses the necklace to hypnotise Cagliostro into confessing. Cagliostro awakens from his trance and escapes with the still-hypnotised Lorenza. Lorenza's true love pursues them and kills Cagliostro in a sword fight.

     The mixture of fact and fiction in this story made it a seminal work in building the Hollywood trope into what it is today.

In these examples, hypnosis is often employed as a plot device for sensational and fantastical purposes. These portrayals contribute to the misrepresentation of hypnosis, promoting ideas of mind control, memory manipulation, and instantaneous behavioural and personality changes that go beyond the scope of what is achievable through actual hypnotherapy. It is important for viewers to approach such depictions with a critical mindset and recognise the fictional nature of these scenarios.

But what about when the good guys use it?

In Hollywood, the use of hypnosis as a plot device for solving crimes is a common trope that has been depicted in various movies over the years. The portrayal often involves a skilled hypnotist who helps unlock repressed memories or reveal crucial information buried in a character's subconscious. While this makes for compelling and dramatic storytelling, it's important to note that these depictions are often exaggerated and do not accurately represent the scientific understanding of hypnosis.

Here are a few examples of some movies that feature hypnosis as a plot element in crime-solving:

1. "Trance" (2013): While "Trance" (mentioned above) explores the theme of hypnosis, the film takes liberties with the portrayal of memory manipulation and control. The story-line involves hypnosis being used to access hidden memories, leading to a complex and convoluted plot. While it adds suspense and intrigue to the narrative, the film diverges from the reality of therapeutic hypnosis. 

    

2. "Trance" (2021): This is a different film from the 2013 version, directed by Anwar Rasheed. In this Malayalam-language psychological drama, hypnosis plays a significant role as the protagonist uses it to delve into his past and uncover hidden memories related to a crime.

    

3. "Spellbound" (1945): Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this classic film revolves around a psychiatrist (played by Ingrid Bergman) who uses psychoanalysis and hypnosis to help a man suffering from amnesia. The story unfolds as they attempt to uncover the truth about a murder.

    

4. "The 7th Victim" (1943): A film noir directed by Mark Robson, this psychological thriller involves a woman searching for her missing sister, leading her to a cult involved in mysterious activities. Hypnosis is used as a tool to explore the characters' motivations and secrets.

It's essential to recognise that these movies take creative liberties with the concept of hypnosis for entertainment purposes. In reality, the use of hypnosis in crime-solving is far more nuanced and controversial, with limited scientific support for its reliability in extracting accurate and unbiased information.

Luke O'Dwyer

+61 407 88 45 43

SwitchUpHypnotherapy@gmail.com 

See if you can pick the fictional elements in the movie trailer below.

Then go here to see if you are right in your suspicions.