Shutter Island: A Psychoanalytic and Behavioristic Perspective and Critical Evaluation on Andrew/Teddy Daniels
The aim of this paper is to illustrate and critically evaluate the psychoanalytic and behaviorist perspective through the film Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorcese with its lead played by Leanordo Dicaprio. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) will be assessed extensively from both perspectives, relying on heavy references to the film’s character Andrew Laeddis/Teddy Daniels. Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism are two opposite perspectives, yet similar techniques are used in treating this disorder to integrate all personalities into one. Even though the perspectives are accused of being either too scientific or not falsifiable, a merge of both orientations can be of great help to a person suffering from DID to a certain extent.
This film takes place in Boston 1954 where Edward “Teddy” Daniels, a US Marshal and war veteran and his partner Chuck are investigating the disappearance of Rachel Solondo, a patient at Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island. Rachel was admitted after drowning her three children for no apparent reason but she left behind a note: The Law of 4 Who is 67? A reformed alcoholic, haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and World War II visions, Teddy states that he chose this assignment to find Andrew Laeddis, the man who set fire to his apartment, subsequently killing his wife, Dolores Chanal; he believes Laeddis is in Ward C, which is where the most dangerous criminals are kept. Teddy starts to become paranoid that everyone on the island is hiding something, suspecting Nazi experiments on the brain are being conducted. As Teddy tries to uncover the truth behind his conspiracy, he comes to realize that he is actually Andrew Laeddis and is a patient in the asylum, admitted after murdering his bipolar wife two years ago after she drowned their children. The Law of 4 is anagrams for his name and his...