Film, Theater

Film, theater, and similar forms of art can sometimes be seen as expressions of the "archetype of life." The history of humanity, as well as the life of an individual, is often likened to a drama, sometimes with a predetermined plot—“the theater of life.” At times, this preordained drama is mirrored in a way that expects the dreamer to play along, to improvise; much like one is expected to fulfill one's role in the drama of life, whether one feel prepared or not.  

Watching a theatrical performance, especially one that makes a strong impression on the dreamer, reflects the "leitmotif" of the dreamer's life, at least in relation to his or her current life situation. More generally, theater and film can be viewed as stages where our complexes are played out.  

Being a participant in a theater production can, more rarely, reflect this archetypal framework, but it can also symbolize that the dreamer is simply "acting".  

Viewing images in a book, watching a film, or television can be a way for the unconscious to create distance between the dreamer and the content, signaling that it isn’t real—or at least, not as threatening as the dreamer might believe; or, on the other hand, that the dreamer does not have real relationship to what is seen. (See also THIRD PERSON.)

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