Exploring Childhood Trauma Beyond Kalki Koechlin and Deepti Naval’s 'GOLDFISH'
Here’s a look at some other movies showing childhood trauma.
The upcoming film 'Goldfish', directed by cinematographer Pushan Kripalani, is set to feature Indian acting maestros Kalki Koechlin and Deepti Naval in its lead roles. The film delves into the poignant subject of dementia, presenting a touching narrative that revolves around Anamika. Anamika, portrayed by Kalki Koechlin, is a woman with a mixed Indo-Eng heritage who finds herself returning to her UK homeland. Her journey back is driven by the need to confront both her mother's battle with dementia and the lingering emotional wounds from her past years.
'Goldfish' promises the audience to be a compelling cinematic experience, combining the talents of accomplished actresses with the sensitive direction of Pushan Kripalani.
Check out its trailer here:
But, not just 'Goldfish', historically there are some other films that show childhood traumas with emancipated depictions.
The globally acclaimed movie "Joker," directed by Todd Phillips and portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, presents a unique and standalone take on the origin story of the iconic supervillain. The movie delivers the psychological aspects of Arthur Fleck's transformation into the Joker.
The film masterfully explores the theme of childhood trauma and systemic neglect, as Arthur grapples with his complex relationship with his mother. The revelation of his mother's abusive history and her deceit shakes his already fragile sense of reality. Arthur's decision to confront this trauma leads to a tragic breaking point where he takes her life. This vital moment showcases how Arthur's descent into criminality is a culmination of his experiences, rather than a purely inherent evil.
Overall, "Joker" stands as a thought-provoking exploration of mental illness, societal neglect, and the impact of childhood trauma on the development of a supervillain. It's a departure from the traditional comic book adaptation, opting for a more grounded and psychologically driven narrative that adds layers to the character's complexity.
"Forrest Gump," directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the novel by Winston Groom. At the heart of the narrative lies Jenny's painful past and the impact of childhood trauma.
Jenny's traumatic upbringing, marked by an abusive household and an alcoholic widowed father. Jenny's ongoing struggles as an adult reflect the deep-seated wounds that childhood trauma can inflict. Her self-destructive behavior, inability to form stable relationships, and constant search for love and belonging are all indicative of the lasting impact of the abuse she endured during her formative years.
"Forrest Gump" not only highlights the pivotal moments in American history but also provides a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the enduring consequences of childhood trauma.
Haward Zeiff's "My Girl" takes an active approach to exploring childhood trauma by portraying the experiences of Vada Sultenfuss, an 11-year-old girl grappling with various challenges. The loss of her mother during childbirth and her father's new relationship trigger feelings of insecurity and fear of being replaced.
Vada's friendship with Thomas becomes a crucial element of her coping mechanism. However, Thomas's tragic death further magnifies Vada's trauma. The image of Vada looking at Thomas's casket at the film's conclusion evokes a profound sense of sadness and leaves the audience pondering the long-term impact of such traumatic experiences on her future.
The portrayal of Childhood trauma in movies goes beyond just "GOLDFISH." Several films have tackled these sensitive topics with depth and compassion. Through storytelling, filmmakers shed light on the complexities of memory loss, cognitive decline, and the lingering effects of childhood trauma, sparking important conversations and promoting awareness. By addressing these themes, cinema not only entertains but also encourages us to contemplate the human experience from diverse perspectives.
