A Freudian Analysis of Joseph Cooper’s Id in Interstellar

Abstract

Psychoanalysis plays an important role in understanding human behavior by revealing the influence of unconscious processes on actions and decisions. In literary and film studies, however, many analyses tend to apply Freud’s structural model broadly without focusing on a single dominant component, particularly the id as the primary driving force of behavior. This study aims to analyze the representation of the id in the character of Joseph Cooper in Interstellar. This research employs a qualitative method using documentation techniques, including screenshotting, note-taking, and highlighting selected dialogues and scenes from the film. The data are analyzed using a descriptive qualitative approach based on Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, focusing specifically on the characteristics of the id. The findings reveal that the id functions as a dominant psychological force in Cooper’s character, manifested through impulsive anger, protective instinct, emotional urgency, and resistance to separation from his family. These instinct-driven responses emerge in various contexts, ranging from everyday interactions to moments of crisis, demonstrating that the id operates dynamically depending on emotional situations. In conclusion, this study shows that focusing on the id provides a deeper understanding of character behavior in cinematic narratives and highlights the relevance of psychoanalytic theory in interpreting psychological complexity in film.