A Kernbergian Psychoanalysis of Pathological Narcissism in Todd Field’s TÁR (2022)

Abstract

Narcissism is a psychological phenomenon that is relevant these days. This phenomenon can be analyzed through characters in a film. The object of this research is the film TÁR (2022) by Todd Field, with a focus on the character of Lydia Tár. This research aims to analyze how the concepts of primitive defense mechanisms and grandiose self are represented by the character of Lydia Tár’s behavior in accordance with Otto Kernberg’s pathological narcissism theory. This research used a descriptive qualitative method by interpreting and analyzing each scene from the film, especially Lydia Tár's characteristics, dialogues, and behavior. This research found that Lydia Tár predominantly operates primitive defense mechanisms through splitting, as well as omnipotence and devaluation, while her grandiose self is most strongly represented through an inflated self-concept and a shallow emotional life. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Lydia Tár is a person with a pathological narcissistic personality because she operates primitive defense mechanisms and represents a grandiose self in her behavior. This research also shows that Kernberg's pathological narcissism theory framework can be applied to research characters in a film.