Movies

Movies are regarded as one of the most common means of entertainment among people. Most individuals watch movies as a form of leisure but aside from being a source of entertainment, movies are also one of the most effective ways of expression and communication. There are many things than an individual can express and also learn from a movie, may it be from the side of the audience or the creator of movies themselves. Being the case, conducting movie analysis is a good way in order to learn more from a film, especially in terms of the underlying message that an individual can learn from it. In relation to this, the movie Disturbia, which is directed by D.J. Caruso is an interesting motion picture that embodies different methods of cultural analysis, specifically psychoanalytic criticisms and the Auteur Theory.

Daniel John D.J. Caruso is a recognized American director and producer of television episodes and movies. Caruso is a well-known for his distinctive of noir conventions and dark, almost surreal gallows humor (D.J. Caruso Biography). Carusos expertise in Hollywood crime drama is observable in Disturbia wherein he was able to apply his flair for thrillers and horror in the film. It is undeniable that Caruso directed the movie, especially since the protagonist of the Kale Brecht played by Shia LeBouf has this all-knowing characteristic which is similar with the other films that Caruso made. The surveillance theme of the movie, which is seen in the way Kale observed the behaviors and norms of his neighbors is also similar with the film Eagle Eye that is also directed by Caruso. In both films, the sense of omniscient is observed wherein Kale can see almost every move of his neighbors within their homes, which is similar in Eagle Eye wherein the actions of the protagonists of the story is seen by a mysterious caller. In this sense, the auteur theory is indeed observable in the movie Disturbia because it exemplifies the personal creative vision of D.J. Caruso, especially when it comes to his usual crime drama and horror themes as well as his take in the concept of omniscience.

The movie Disturbia is a film which presents the other side of a peaceful community. Through the eyes and observations of Kale Brecht and his friends, they were able to see the different acts of murder done by Robert Turner. The murder is a neighbor of Kale Brecht which enables him to see every action done by Robert Turner. Thus through Kales boredom he was an all knowing entity in the movie. In order to provide psychoanalysis of this movie, the aspect of Kale Brecht as all knowing with the activities of Robert Turner shall be the main basis of the analysis.

In the course of the movie, Kale Brecht became bored in being at home due to his house arrest. His choice of observing people is an act which is not regularly done by anyone. Hence, his form of reality had gone different due to the lack of normal activities that he could do. Based on the concept of The Real which was conceptualized by Slavoj iek, he mentioned that the real is a concept where in a person sees a different situation and creates a world of fantasy (Myers 25). Due to this fact, there is no reality but only fantasy which could lead to positive and negative effects. In the case of the movie Disturbia, the real is caused by the absence of different normal activities of a teenager.  Through this, Kale went into a fantasy world which he shared with his friends.

In addition to this, the aspect of the community of being very peaceful and typical is a very important aspect of the film. In the real world, a peaceful surrounding is a very ideal please to live in. However, there is no such place where in perfection is attained.

Moreover, the cultural aspect of the movie also lies in the environment of the whole community. Throughout the whole movie, the culture of the whole community is seen through cinematic features taken. In the green grasses and well maintained plants there is a killer lurking around. As the trailer mentioned, the more peaceful and dark a place is the more it is dangerous. Furthermore, the cultural representation of the whole community is lacking in terms of representing the reality. Hence, in reality, the movie as a whole is a fantasy world where in there are only a small number of people and a few personalities.

In conclusion, the aspect of the real is present in the society within the movie. A fantasy world is build by Kale due to the lack of normalcy in his life. Through this, Kale was able to see the different and darker side of the community. Hence, the lead character also saw the horrific killing of his neighbor Turner. Through the use of the cinematic style of noir in the film the director was able to capture the beauty of the community and also present the underlying darkness and horror of Tuners killings in the night.