“Adventure is out there”: Exploring the Themes of Positive Psychology through the Analysis of Movie “UP”

Description

Page: 128-137

Surabhi Duggal¹ and Gargi Bansal² (Department of Psychology, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi¹ and Department of Psychology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Delhi²)

Emotions form the basis of human existence and can primarily be categorised into 2 types: – Negative emotions, characterised by fear, sadness, and disgust, as well as positive emotions, defined by subjective well-being and flourishing. The present article discusses theoretical underpinnings of positive psychology together with their application to real-life situations. The profound relationship between cinema and psychology is highlighted while emphasising how cinema can powerfully instil positive psychological themes in human lives. Thematic analysis is utilised to explore multiple positive psychology themes emerging from the movie “UP”. The movie revolves around a widowed, elderly man, Carl Fredricksen, who fulfils his late wife’s dream by embarking on an adventure to Paradise Falls. The major themes identified and discussed were -adaptation to life changes, holistic life satisfaction, transformative positivity and formulation of new goals. The paper calls attention towards cinema as an impactful and redoubtable source of evoking emotions. The interplay of atmosphere, colours, music, and characters draws audiences from reality to fiction, offering emotional catharsis through its captivating nature. The article concludes with widespread appreciation of how narratives in media can illustrate key psychological concepts and possess the power to instil positive emotions into the lives of audiences.