Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 17

Psycho-Physical Character: The Double in Thai Film

Entitled The Whistle (2003)

Wanwarang Maisuwong

Wanwarang Maisuwong ([email protected]) is a Ph.D. Candidate of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Abstract Article Info

Received 17 October 2019 This article studies a psycho-physical character in a film entitled The Revised 6 March 2020 Whistle (2003). The film presents a romantic story that is unique in the Accepted 11 March 2020 Thai film industry. It is based on the doppelgänger concept which the film’s plot centers on a double character. Furthermore, the article focuses Keywords: on the cause and impact of the double’s self-presentation, and the self Self-Presentation, self-model that can relate to the main character. The doppelgänger in Mind and Body, most films reflect the dark side of the character. However, the character’s Double – Dualism – double in this film is a better version of himself. This paper aims to Doppelgänger, analyze the background of the characters’ insufficiency, study the Low Self-Esteem, inspiration behind the characters’ actions, observe the projection and Desire, functioning of the self-presentation, and discuss the main character’s Imagine – Imagination mind and body. To achieve these objectives, the author views the film under levels of impression monitoring, the double and social relations as well as dualism frameworks. In conclusion, this study can provide critical analysis of the appearance of the doppelgänger, the possible motivations of the self-presentation. Finally, the double creation will be indicated in this article.

Introduction In the early days, Thai films were and more diverse film genres and plots. limited to only particular groups of people. Before the film, the Whistle was produced, However, it started to have various film there are different movies in various genres production studios, different kinds of film that are distributed to Thai and foreign technology, better types of film recorders, audiences. In this part, distinct Thai movies

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are referred owing to their reputation on the the existence of this film at its primary IMDB website. Moreover, it is to show that release, yet its overseas success later engages none of the Thai movies like the Whistle is more Thai viewers. ever created and offered previously to local Satree Lek or The Iron Ladies and overseas viewers. (https://www.imdb.com/list/ls052285995/), IMDB website listed some best Thai released in 2000, is also well-known among movies based on their criteria (https://www. Thai audiences because of its comedy style. .com/list/ls052285995/). The selected 40 Significantly, the film may reflect gender films on IMDB are varied in terms of plots, discrimination and belief in Thai society at a characters, production studios, and proposed certain time. The main actors are physically target audiences. The majority are action and mentally men in reality, but they play films, while the rests are romantic and ladyboys role in the film (except one actor, comedy films. Some films are supported by who is transgender). This opposition to role- several private companies, whereas some playing and reality may increase some are funded by the producers themselves. curiosity and attract more audiences because Reasonably, private companies’ films could the film presents that ladyboys are talented hire more famous actors and actresses. and nationalists. They can be funny and Perhaps, the budget films mostly rely on friendly in many (or every) situations. comedians, and less well-known actors and The Overture, distributed in 2004 actresses, for instance. The examples of films (https://www.imdb.com/list/ls052285995/), that are listed by the IMDB are as of is based on an anecdotal background followings. of the famous Thai musician in history. The Tears of the Black Tiger (https:// traditional instrument that he played in the www.imdb.com/list/ls052285995/) , released Thai xylophone. The film is known among in 2000, is the first Thai film which was Thai as well as international audiences. shown in the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. According to its success, the film is later re- Additionally, the film was also distributed in produced as television series and musical the USA in 2007. Although the film gained play. The plot is about life and music that the some recognition worldwide but failed to character devotes himself to play the impress Thai audiences. It is allegedly said instrument at his best capability. It is further that the film contains a unique plot from other considered as a discrete plot from other Thai films. It composes of traditional clothing previous films. styles and living in the past. The dressing Regarding these examples, it could code is as well portrayed through the fight refer that Thai film categories mainly rely on between polices and thieves (good and bad). action, drama, and comedy. Although The The film story considers the thieves as threats Whistle, which is released in 2003, is linked who must be arrested and destroyed, while to the usual romantic-drama plot, the film is the polices must protect the rightness and live relatively different from the above-mentioned of ordinary people. do not realize examples. The film contains the doppelgänger

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 19 theme and is considered as the first of its kind character is ordinary for everyone. This point in , which may further expand the might be applied to the film. film market and audience groups. Seemingly, The film portrays two stages of the the film’s double character does not have human mind: conscious and unconscious. psychological diagnose. Perhaps, the creation The conscious and unconscious mind can be of his double derives from his desire. caused by desire and passion, as such. The film’s romantic part is recognized as According to the theories of mind (Priest, a love miracle which cannot happen in 1991), the film might be produced on the reality. Moreover, it may rely on a belief of dualism basis where the mind is identical to Thai people to articulate this doppelgänger. the body. The mind is a soul and Majority Thais religiously believe in ghost consciousness while the body is a physical and life after death. The audience might object. Hence, they are the unity and interpret the doppelgänger appearing in the compositions of selves. This film shares the film as a ghost or a spirit. Some critics may belief that every human being relies on the find the main character as credibly romantic mind. The mind creates desires and later while some believe that he is the spirit or regulates the appearance and performance of deceased soul. the body. On the other hand, the film may Film Plot Analysis provoke an idea that the main character could Referring to the psychoanalytic study be a dream or a memory. Dream and memory (Rank, 1971), the film presents the idea of can be affected by life anecdotes and personal dualism which a person comprises of the experience, for instance. The male character psycho-physical aspect (mind and body). has a memory of Nam and a dream to be Nevertheless, the person each time is either skinny. This memory and dream can initiate mind or body. The human’s psychological his double identity or self. Additionally, the perspective can control the physical part. This female character may have a dream of beauty means that the mind rules the body. The and a memory of her senior friend. She, person considers his or her mind, whereas therefore, forces herself for many occasions, others consider the person's body examples include study and career. The male (performance). The film, therefore, produces character’s and female character’s memory the characters to present themselves under and dream unite their soul and body. their consideration and wish. The characters’ However, they are distinguished since self-presentation will be discussed in the Moohtorn creates his double to compensate following part. for the limit of his life and to impress Nam. In anthropology, it is generally Oppositely, Nam does not organize her mentioned that every child is born with the double character, because she probably does double (Leary, 1996). This can be interpreted not know her true self. She seems to be that having the doppelgänger or the double someone else rather than herself.

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The film began with the female his manner and distance. Moohtorn appears protagonist facing work and life obstacles. when Nam needs assistance, for instance. Nam is not confident about her physical At one point, Moohtorn disappears glamour. Noticeably, she grows up in a like a spirit. This could confuse the audience female-family oriented. She shows her girly about his previous performance towards identities such as speaking, behaving, Nam. In the end, the film displays that dressing, and eating. When Nam finds Moohtorn is an ordinary man who is not difficulties in work and life, she does not try handsome and strong. Conversely, he is sick to solve it. Instead, she leaves problems to be and sleeping forever in his bed. The previous healed by time. She follows the man whom image of Moohtorn may stipulate that his she falls for university and work. She does desire over Nam is powerful. He could be a not favor of what she has done and is doing. straightforward person who wants to honestly It gives Nam a bitter life during study and communicate his feeling. Consequently, profession. This character displays a high Moohtorn’s love for Nam inspires him to school girl’s sweet moment that the audience appear as a gentle and protective man. may find this impressive, but annoying. Nam In sum, these two characters suggest may represent a traditional character of dissimilar definitions. Nam is love and general Thai women who are shy and possession, whereas Moohtorn means unconfident. In Thai society, it’s not typical passion and protection. Nam loves her senior that women express their feeling to men first. friend and wants to own him in a relationship, Nam falls for her senior friend for a long time otherwise, Moohtorn loves Nam without the but could not conveys the feeling. From the demand to possess. His love can be analyzed beginning until the end, Nam always requires as pure, innocent and unconditioned. support and assist from her friends and Consistently, Moohtorn and Nam symbolize mother. the lack of self-satisfaction. Their On the contrary, the male protagonist performances occur as a result of their reveals a different aspect of life. In the desires, self-esteem and self-confidence, and beginning, Moohtorn appears as an ideal man passion. In this case, they both deficient in who is a hero for women. He is considerate self-esteem and self-confidence (low self- and smart: he manages to help and protect esteem and self-confidence) Nevertheless, Nam in various situations, for example. Nam and Moohtorn act distinctively. This Moohtorn immediately becomes Nam's hero may cause them to be complementary to each and close friend. His characteristics are other. opposite to Nam. Although the character’s More substantially, the film further family and career background are anonymous indicates another character who is compatible otherwise his confidence, enthusiasm and with Nam and Moohtorn, whose name is generosity are demonstrated throughout the Tonrak. She is Nam’s niece and appears in a film. Moohtorn might function as a solution few scenes. Tonrak is a wordless character to Nam’s problem. Nonetheless, he maintains who becomes quiet after her parents passed

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 21 away. She may carry low self-protection due further finds out that Madeleine and Judy are to her parents’ death. This pain might in fact the same person. He then tries to make influence feelings and emotions. Her silence Judy confess by forcing her to go up the bell might bring more attention as well as tower. Judy later admits that she is Elster’s protection. She presents herself as mentally mistress who is paid by Elster to possess weak who needs special care from other Madeleine’s look. Meanwhile, Madeleine’s family members. real body is thrown away from the bell tower Even though the film presents a by Elster. unique story it as well raises some In comparison, Madeleine (Judy) is a controversy. The film limits the audience to fake identity, while Moohtorn is an imagined only an imaginary world. The male character body. Judy only dresses up herself and is surreal while his characteristics do rarely behaves like Madeleine, but she does not exist. It could be difficult for the audience to have anything relating to Madeleine. believe and trust Moohtorn. Additionally, the Moreover, Judy is not a better version of film can stimulate an argument of the bully Madeleine: she only engages in this make-up case. The main characters’ bodies are inferior identity to fool Scottie who does not know that they do not wish for. This could lead to Madeleine before. Perhaps, Moohtorn might fat men and non-pretty women to have low dream to be a better version of himself, as self-esteem. As a result, they become this new version is created through thought struggling with their physical appearance, for and appears through physical appearance. example. Original Moohtorn and the imaginary identity are the same person, even though they are Hollywood Prototype of Doppelgänger bodily different. Films Psycho (1960) is also an American Vertigo (1958) is an American horror film, which is directed by Alfred directed by . Hitchcock. The film begins with Marion Detective John Scottie faces an instant shock Crane and her boyfriend, Sam, discussing when a policeman falls from the building marriage that they cannot afford. Marion later while they are at a rooftop chase. After decides to run with an amount of cash, which retiring, Scottie is hired by his friend, Gavin the client pays for his property at a company Elster to follow his wife, Madeleine, claiming where she works as a secretary. Marion that she is in danger. Scottie and Madeleine drives with the money to for her finally fall in love with each other. When boyfriend. On the way there, Marion stops by they walk up a bell tower, Madeleine Bates Motel and meets Norman Bates who is happens to plunge from the top, which drives the owner, which She later disappears there. Scottie into a deep depression and a A week later, Lila meets Sam sanatorium. When recovered, he meets Judy because of the disappearance of her sister. who reminds him of Madeleine although she They also confront private investigator, carries different physical appearances. Scottie Arbogast, who informs them that Marion is

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wanted by stealing cash of 40,000 US dollars. Black Swan (2010) is an American After the investigator finds that Marion psychological horror film directed by Daren checked in at Bates Motel and exchanges Aronofsky. The film revolves around conversation with Norman, he also disappears. Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake ballet by the When Sam and Lila do not receive any news prestigious New York City Ballet company, from Arbogast, Sam then arrives at the motel which Nina is proposed as a swan queen. As and witnesses the existence of an old woman a swan queen, Nina must portray the in a house behind the motel, who Sam and the black swan. She becomes more assumes to be Mrs. Bates. At the motel, Sam stressed when she keeps practicing her swan also talks to Norman and finds something queen role. She starts to witness a strange. hallucination of her doppelgänger following Sam and Lila then come to the motel her and unexplained scratches on her back. together that Sam distracts Norman and Lila As the rehearsal goes by from time to time, goes up to the house. At the house, she Nina becomes even more anxious because screams out loud after discovering a skeleton she does not sense the feeling of the black of a human. Norman then carries a knife and swan role. She wants to dance perfectly, but wears his mother’s clothes intending to attack she lacks uninhibited quality. Later, Nina is Lila, but she is secured by Sam. Psychiatrist haunted that her swan queen role will be explains that Norman killed his mother and stolen by Lily who has a better imagination her lover because of jealousy. However, he and a more relaxed personality. This delusion cannot overcome his guilt, then he keeps his and concern cause Nina to be sometimes mother's corpse inside the house and treats emotionally aggressive. On the performance her as she is alive. His mother, therefore, day, Nina dances the white swan queen becomes his alternative personality, which perfectly, perhaps she is still worried about she killed other women engaging with the black swan. While she is preparing for a Norman for the reason of jealousy. As a black swan dance, she sees an image of Lily mother, Normal earlier murdered two young that her swan queen role is being taken. She girls before stabbing into Marion’s body. then stabs into Lily’s body and leaves her in Conversely, Norman is completely the dressing room. The film reveals at the end dissimilar to Moohtorn because Norman that Nina indeed stabs herself. At the final becomes a bad version whereas Moohtorn scene of the show, Nina mentions that she always helps others with a positive mind. In feels “perfection” even though she is other words, Norman is psychologically sick bleeding. who is afraid of being abandoned and This film is similar to The Whistle ignored, hence he kills people who seem that the main characters mentally create to be happy. Nevertheless, Moohtorn’s doppelgängers. Nina constructs a hallucination doppelgänger is a mental picture who because she is nervous and restless. delivers good wishes to other people: he Meanwhile, Moohtorn creates other body self represents an optimism. because he wants to inspire the woman he

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 23 loves. Though these two characters are is conscious. It means that the ego is well- differently motivated, they can represent aware (conscious) of making the other-self. psychological illness. Nina turns to be an However, Moohtorn’s real self is forgotten. emotional young girl, whereas Moohtorn His mind could be buried under his desire. becomes an enthused man who is willing to After the bullying and struggling support the people around him. Moohtorn time, Moohtorn might start to see himself can overcome his greed by love, nevertheless, differently. Assumedly, instead of changing Nina cannot conquer her fear and grudge his consumption habit, he decided to take the toward others. diet pills which produced severe illness. When the body fails to cooperate with his From Insufficiency to Self-Presentation desire, Moohtorn thus consciously imagines With disturbing and painful life himself to another soul and body. He may background: Moohtorn reasonably has a self- want to be a good-looking and a perfect struggle. He was bullied when he was fat person who is attractive to every woman. The which may cause him to distress his external image that he presents can be composed of image. Hence, he imagines another self his desire, belief, self-awareness, and which includes mind and body. He generates imagination. To sum up, Moohtorn’s real self opposition to the real self. Moohtorn’s new is undesired whereas Moohtorn’s imagined self presents a positive image and an self is a desired (or a wished) self (Leary, optimistic mind to others. Essentially, his 1996). strong desire over Nam can create another Nam has also been facing self- Moohtorn’s self-image. This new self-image struggling since high school. With low self- appears when he is with Nam, Nam’s friends, esteem, Nam does not have self-protection and Nam’s family. Nevertheless, Moohtorn towards herself. She does not respect her occurs in his original self when he is with his characteristics. She lives and acts according mother (at the final session of the film). This to the others' desires and expectations. This may prove that Moohtorn can be very could as well convey that Nam searches for dependent on Nam. His self-built and self- herself. Her body is not consistent with her presentation could also represent Thai’s desire. Nonetheless, she does not imagine to value: physical image is a primary concern. be someone else (or to be graceful as she On the other hand, Moohtorn’s wishes). She rather receives help from desired self is possibly a visual hallucination. Moohtorn to turn herself to be a better- His real self might consciously desire for a looking person. Nam may carry high self- wise look, while his desired self may be awareness of being realistic. Her desire is not created subconsciously. Therefore, Moohtorn’s relatively stronger than the conscious mind real self could carry some demands of the id, and awareness. She might as well aware of which causes him to have an imagination (or her ability and circumstance. Therefore, she hallucination). As a result, this imagined self is not sufficiently confident to change or can potentially be considered as ego. The ego imagine other-self. Perhaps, the change that

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Moohtorn gives her is the desired self for people want others to perceive them Nam. (Leary, 1996). positively. People may select proper images “People are in fact very concerned they want others to see from the collection of about how other people perceive and evaluate true images. They don’t present a whole story them” (Leary, 1996, p. 1). The film relies on of life towards society and others. More the inferior and the insufficient self of the significantly, they demonstrate some parts main characters (for their external and keep the other parts, which could be appearance). They are not satisfied with their darker and more aggressive. image and desire for a better look. The self is The self-concept consists of the set of the cognitive structure (what a person believes that a person holds about himself or perceives under their mind and consciousness) herself. The portion of these believes is in that allows people to think about themselves: conscious awareness (Leary, 1996). People the way they want to be and the way they tend to present their image (of self) that is want others to receive. (Leary, 1996). Self- consistent with the society’s and institution’s presentation, or impression management, is norms, as such. The image and self that they the process where the person manipulates present must enrich their personality. In other their image to impress others. This self- words, people potentially secure their social presentation reflects the person’s value. status through their images. In this case, they People desire for their certain characteristics are likely to obtain more credibility among a to gain recognition among others and to group of friends, colleagues, and others for ensure their status in society. This desire can instance. affect self-presentation and regulate a person to behave in certain manners. A man might How Moohtorn’s Self is projected and not show his anger and brutal side in front of functioned? the desired woman, while a woman could not Theoretically, Moohtorn might share some habits for the first date, as such. compose his other self owing to his self- In other words, the self-presentation might evaluation. He has low self-esteem because encourage the person to stay closer to his or he finds himself more inferior than other her desired self. people. Figure 1 shows the Self Model which People manage their selves to can explain Moohtorn’s self situation and impress others. Therefore, other people will desire (The model is composed of the see them the way they desire to be seen. "Our author’s conclusion of Leary, 1996, and concern with others' impressions helps keep Wood, Tesser and Holmes, 2008). our behavior within socially appropriate limits" (Leary, 1996, p. 1). On the whole,

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Figure 1 The Self Model

The Self Model focuses on the low impress and influence others, to contact a self-esteem part which is related to Moohtorn person he desires for, and to get along in a case. When Moohtorn carries low self-esteem particular society. The bully case of with low confidence and belief, he, therefore, Moohtorn in primary school could cause him organizes his protection and enhancement. an unfamiliarity with society. He may be This self-protection and self-enhancement are depressed in his body that it does not make complementary: they both can also be a result him be a part of friends, school, and of one another. The self-protectin, as well as community. He later tries to change himself enhancement, can provide an emergence of because he wishes to be accepted and loved. self-desire. Moohtorn wants to protect his The self-desire then projects a new real self and to improve his image, hence, he self-image as well as a new soul and body. desires to create another self (the better one). This new self-image could not be real. Since In contrast, the self-desire may derive before the film is a combination of imagination and the self-protection and enhancement. After reality, thus the ideal self could be seen and evaluating himself, Moohtorn might desire to touched in the film. Moohtorn’s new self- enhance and to protect his real self from image is an ideal self that is visible to every society. The self-desire could be aimed to character. However, the audience consciously

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realizes that this ideal self is unrealistic. The creation and impression-monitoring (Leary, film convinces the audience at the beginning 1996). The first level is impression oblivion that Moohtorn’s image is the original self. which the person is unaware of how he or she Otherwise, the end discloses that Moohtorn’s is possibly perceived. In other words, the image appears to be his imagination and person presents some particular manners of desire. He creates the ideal self, regarding his the desired self. He or she does not desire to be skinny and nice-looking. acknowledge how other people view him or Moohtorn also forms his new soul and body her. This could be a blind communication for the new self-image. The soul could be where the person minds only his or her composed of a pure and positive mind that he message. The second level is pre-attentive shows intelligence and thoughtfulness for impression scanning. It occurs when the every situation. Besides, the body is person controls other people's impressions at consciously created to be perfect that every their unconscious level. At this level, other girl dreams about. The self-desire explains people may not aware of the person’s self- Moohtorn’s new self-projection. presentation. They may perceive this After the new image is projected, presentation as genuine and natural. The third Moohtorn manages himself of how he wants level is impression awareness: the person is others to perceive and understand. The self- aware that the others could be forming management manifests the functional process impression towards him or her. The person of the self-image. Moohtorn handles his potentially thinks about the impression that image to be seen constructively. He does not he or she may receive from others. And the occur frequently, but when the problems and fourth level is impression focus. At this level, difficulties arise. This management illustrates the person fully concentrates on the others’ his heroic side that he helps Nam to impression towards him or her. Moreover, he overcome obstacles. Finally, the self- or she concerns the likely consequence that presentation is a controlling of the self. It is may happen. quite similar to self-management, but it is According to the film, Moohtorn can more of the monitoring process of the be at the first and second levels. Moohtorn performance and action. The self- may not realize how he is seen by Nam. The presentation might relate to the reception self-image that he presents might be from his within humans’ mind. How Moohtorn is seen subconscious mind of desire. In this does not relate to only his external self. impression oblivion, he proposes to advise Nevertheless, it might involve his soul and Nam. On the other hand, Moohtorn’s self- intention. This may identify that Moohtorn’s presentation can also be at the pre-attentive new self can express sincerity from the impression scanning level. He may be internal mind. monitoring Nam to perceive him as good, The self-presentation ultimately purposes perfect and smart, but he does not want to impress others and control the person’s real anything in return from Nam. Unconsciously, self. Perhaps, there are levels of impression- Nam does not realize this self-presentation

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 27 and controlling. She possibly thinks that accepted in society (Swann, 1983 & 1990, as Moohtorn wholeheartedly enunciates his real cited in Wood, Tesser and Holmes, 2008). In self. She is then unconsciously regulated by other words, the self-verification can help the Moohtorn’s self-image and self-presentation. person to achieve his or her social acceptance Moohtorn is not at the third and the desire. Referring to this theory, the film fourth levels due to reasons. First, the film reflects that Moohtorn would like to remain does not reveal the complete feedback of his self-concepts of being a caring and Moohtorn’s self-image and self-presentation. thoughtful person. Essentially, he wants to be Assumedly, Moohtorn is not worried about a part of society. He may highly need social the impression that he may receive from acceptance. The former life background other people. His focus is on Nam and her influences him to build protection and happiness. Second, the film does not allow regulation over himself and other people. As the audience to see Moohtorn’s personal life. a sense of relation, “people need to feel safe Moohtorn dresses himself generally and and protected from potential hurts” (Wood, casually. This could mean that he does not Tesser and Holmes, 2008, p. 3). Low self- need outstanding costumes. And third, esteem and insecure attachment can cause Moohtorn is not aware of the potential effect people to short-term happiness in the that can happen if Nam sees his real self. He relationship. Moohtorn then might need to may not be afraid of Nam’s anger if his real protect his body self and secure the relations self is portrayed. with others, particularly Nam. Moreover, the This film is highly unrealistic. It sense of oneself is shaped by others' demonstrates only the optimistic side of the expectations. Moohtorn, therefore, must characters, situations, and narration. Moohtorn is orient himself to be significant to people. The not miserable owing to his health condition; film makes Moohtorn the most attractive he tries to be happy (possibly for the last character in the story. Following his desire’s stage of his life). Conversely, Nam does not purpose, Moohtorn regulates his act, thought, get upset after she sees Moohtorn’s real self. and performance when his image appears. Moohtorn’s self-presentation could be His self-image and self-presentation create considered as a lie. Nevertheless, the film positive relations with every character whom displays that every character worries only for he engages with. Moohtorn’s self-devotion and love for Nam. Through self-verification and self- presentation, Moohtorn earns acceptance Moohtorn’s Self and Social from Nam, her friends, and her family. Relations Considerably, he is a favorite person for the Swann 1983 and 1990’s self- female characters. Although there could be verification theory proposes that everyone is only Nam who witnesses his real self, other motivated to verify, validate and sustain the characters might understand his necessity of original self-concepts. However, the self- creating the desired self. This recognition is verification might serve the desire of being not longstanding (with other characters)

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because Moohtorn finally dies. Perhaps, he in which the person is not his or her body can be memorized over some time. The (Priest, 1991). The subject-object might split remembrance of Moohtorn is portrayed at the in self-certainty. The self-certainty might be beginning when Nam still sees Moohtorn’s based on mental imaginary, fancy viewing image. and hearing, belief, and recalled memory (Ryle, 1984). At this self-certainty, the mind Discussion and Controversy: Dualism and body can create the mock performance – Doppelgänger – Double which is called, unitary. The unitary can be a The dualism is believed to be the constructing of the single unit. The mind and product of binary thinking (Priest, 1991). It the body could be together created, but can be developed through powerful love or separately function. hate. Moreover, it might hide in a person's Moohtorn forms his double self instinct. The dualism can produce another referring to his excessive love over Nam. His identical self that can be a protector or an amount of love influences him to bring out enemy of the original self. This duality may his protector from the innate. It is considered potentially generate astonishment and fear, as a protector because this self secures him for instance. The dualism could also be a from being bullied. The double self defends splitting of the mind, a delusional belief, or a his real self against social criticism and mind projection at the mirror stage (Priest, negative comments. More importantly, 1991). Moohtorn’s doppelgänger produces confidence “A man without a shadow is a fallen and passion, for himself and other people man” (Priest, 1991, p. 75). A shadow in this surrounding him. This dual self turns to be context could refer to the honor. Therefore, his positive twin. the man without honor is like a loser. This On the other hand, Moohtorn’s may refer to a person's mind and body. The second self can be perceived as a splitting of body always needs the mind; otherwise, it mind and body which may occur from his cannot make a person. The mind is identical hallucination and projection. He might carry to the body: the mind controls the body. sufficient desire to imagine his delusional More simply, the mind can be a subject while self. His self and mind projection, therefore, the body can be an object. The subject could be touched and sensed. regulates the situation, whilst the object is the The film shows that Moohtorn’s and target. Humans’ thoughts and emotions can Nam’s minds are subjects while Moohtorn’s affect body movement. Perhaps, physical body is an object. Moohtorn’s mind can activity may affect humans' ideas and desires. control the body to go everywhere he wishes. The mind can be similar to the soul. To take His mind might be genuinely strong that he an example, the soul thinks whereas the mind can project the body to walk, talk, and eat, as relates to the problems and solve them. such. Also, Nam's mind can order the Oppositely, the mind can be appearance of Moohtorn when she is weak. separated from the body into two substances This might signify that Nam’s mind can

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 29 nonetheless direct Moohtorn’s body. Moohtorn’s In this case, Moohtorn can be desires cause his body movement and reflection, transformation and narratology occurrence. However, his physical action doubles. The double self can reflect his wish. might generate his mental projection of the Moohtorn desires to lose some weight and to dual self. be stunning, the double self, therefore, Besides, the splitting of Moohtorn’s mirrors his conscious demand. Additionally, self can be caused by his illness, fancy Moohtorn’s double is as well a transformation. viewing, and previous memory. His severe His original self is transformed into a positive sickness may subconsciously inspire him to appearance. This transformation doubles follow his dream to be skinny, handsome and might turn his perspective brighter and better. gentle. The symptoms may as well persuade Moohtorn’s double becomes a caretaker him to do such practices for an important and a self-sacrificing person. Moreover, person. Fancy viewing might happen when Moohtorn as a narratology uses his double he was fat and bullied. He could picture and self to create different characters. In this imagine for a perfect body. Besides, Nam can context, his double can be divided into be his recalled experience that he spent some various characters: handsome character, good time with. His earlier days lead him to thoughtful character, smart character, and express sincerity towards Nam. Consequently, self-devoted character. These four characters he always wants to protect her. The character might be insightfully constructed by as well indicates his pure mind and intention. Moohtorn’s original self. There are four broad groups of Dualism can be connotations doubles (Priest, 1991). First is physical (Meixner, 2004). The person creates his or doubles which the double self is bodily her double to obscure the fact about the real similar to the original. Second is reflection self. This obscurantism (obscurantism, means doubles which could rather reflect the the practice of deliberately preventing the original, than duplicating. The third is facts or full details of something from transformation doubles. The person creates becoming known, https://en.oxforddictionaries. double which may transform positive com/definition/obscurantism) can be surrealistic. behavior into the negative one and vice versa. The double self or dualism can be dreamlike, It might turn the optimistic person into a imagined and hallucinated self. It could be a pessimistic view, for example. And fourth is person's illusion and delusion. Moohtorn narratology doubles which the original self might try to protect his real self from being may use the double self to produce another seen and touched. This conscious double self (other) character(s). The narratology doubles potentially manifests another aspect of his can potentially carry the insights: the double intention. Moohtorn may intend to bring self might be maintained inside the original good entities to Nam and her family. self. Furthermore, the potentially wants to perform some actions at the final stage of his life. Moohtorn is likely to be a role model for

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Nam to dream positive and become a doppelgängers are existing in each society. success. He may aim to develop Nam’s The film states that Moohtorn’s performance confidence over friends and family. and idea become the practice and norm in a In general, the original self and the small society. His behavior is acceptable and double self are not physical states (Meixner, admirable. Although his double self is not 2004), which the man holds a soul, the real, his intention and honesty make his dualism could be the soul (mind and mental) doppelgänger the most interesting point. The of the person. The physical body may doppelgänger attracts others to compliment demonstrate the movement of humans; his appearance. whereas the soul could represent the The film story can be compared to thoughts, mindset, consciousness, and sense, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941, science- for instance. fiction film). Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Moohtorn illustrates that he obtains Moohtorn are similar in terms of physical and both soul and body. His body acts and mental change. From the beginning, Dr. performs, while his mind controls his Jekyll is well-respected by other scientists behavior and mobility. In other words, his and the general public. He portrays a positive soul decides what to do and where to go. and optimistic man. More importantly, he is When Moohtorn appears in each scene, he calm and kind to his servants as well as has his soul and body together. The soul and neighbors. Dr. Jeklyy is also charming with a body are unitarily established. Hence, the smart personality. Perhaps, after he becomes audience is convinced that the body and the obsessed with his experiment, he then soul are consistent. However, when the real discovered an odd mind. Mr. Hyde is his self is revealed, the audience possibly finds doppelgänger, who is an absolute opposition. that Moohtorn’s soul is everywhere (always He is emotional and brutal to the people with Nam), while his body is attached to the surrounding himself. Significantly, his bed. Moohtorn’s soul, in this case, can be physical appearance is unattractive, but scary doppelgänger. As a result, this double could because he is seen as an incapable person. travel according to his wish and Nam's. This Mr. Hyde always walks himself with a helper may mean that Moohtorn’s body is not stick, which can make people treat him controlled only by his soul. Nonetheless, it is differently from the original Dr. Jekyll. In also regulated by Nam’s situation. The body brief, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are different and soul occur when Nam is sad, weak and from the inside out, considering that their tired. physical looks and internal mindsets are In many societies, dualism can be precisely dissimilar. Nonetheless, other committed as a part (Maybury-Lewis & people in the film are not aware of this Almogor, 1989). Dualism might be social doppelgänger: once Dr. Jekyll appears, Mr. thought and social action where people's Hyde is hiding inside. Perhaps, when Mr. thoughts and performance can become Hyde plays an active role, Dr. Jekyll is kept common social practices. Doubles or in Hyde’s deep mind. Seemingly, the movie

Communication and Media in Asia Pacific (CMAP) 31 tries to present that Dr. Jekyll does not like (there is no evidence that if Moohtorn’s and feel guilty about what Hyde does. On the orginal self was a good person or not): his contrary, it is revealed that Mr. Hyde tries to identical self and his double are completely occur as much as possible, which he seems to antagonistic. Obviously, the performance of get rid of the real Dr. Jekyll. The film further Moohtorn’s double, specifies the desire and demonstrates that Mr. Hyde is an evil, who willing of his real self. His mind might can kill anyone getting in his way. What Mr. influence the appearance of the doppel- Hyde does is also Dr. Jekyll’s performance gänger. Hence, the double body acts in being essentially the same person, they, certain ways to fulfil the real self’s wish and therefore, can receive the same consequence. demand. Figure 2 shows the comparison of Dr. Jekyll turns from a good and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and this film (The literate man into a cruel and impolite comparison is organized under the author’s character. In contrast, Moohtorn becomes a analytical understanding). better person in term of physical appearance

Figure 2 The Relations of the Doppelganger

The model illustrates that Dr. Jekyll evil side of Dr. Jekyll whereas Moohtorn’s is an ordinary person who reflects his positive double is the heroic aspect of Moohtorn. side and mind, while Mr. Hyde is the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as well as opposite. He is violent, impolite and savage. Moohtorn’s real and double self, are In contrast, Moohtorn’s real self is not physically and mentally unalike. Mr. Hyde desirable and handsome. He is weak and ill, looks uglier and darker (represents the dark sleeping in his bed. Nevertheless, Moohtorn’s side) while Moohtorn’s doppelgänger seems doppelgänger is entirely contradicted. He is a more charming (reflects Moohtorn’s more dream-like person who presents the smart brilliant mind). The action and thoughts of and the generous side. Moreover, he is strong Mr. Hyde and Moohtorn’s double always and trustworthy. He inspires Nam and always provide consequence(s) to the real selves as solves her problems. In sum, Mr. Hyde is the they are psychologically the same person.

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Conclusion enough to organize his body to be touchable Although “The Whistle” is different and see-able. The double presents a disparate among other Thai films because it’s the first side of his life. Even though his body is doppelgänger film ever produced in Thailand. attached to the bed but his soul and mind are However, its story-telling is consistent with and committed to Nam. similar to many Hollywood films such as Dr. Moohtorn’s doppelgänger discloses Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941), Doppelgänger that his conscious and subconscious desire (1993), Black Swan (2010), Enemy (2013), can generate both mind (subject) and body and The Double (2013). (object) to be visible. In some other The film provides a unique narrating doppelgänger films, the main characters only style in which the story may try to convince construct the new soul and thought within the the spectators from the beginning that same body. Nonetheless, this film denotes Moohtorn’s double is a real personality. that the main character is very ambitious There is no obvious clue showing that about the physical look. Meanwhile, this part Moohtorn is an ideal character. The viewers may reflect the Thai’s value that most people are fascinated with Moohtorn’s physical have a fancy for beauty and attraction, for appearance and his gentleness as well as the example. romance between the main characters. The The film’s ending further emphasizes audiences might overwhelm the facts that that Moohtorn’s double is wholeheartedly an Moohtorn’s characteristics and charisma are ideal person since his desired appearance is a surreal. Accordingly, the film may achieve its contrast to his true self. Additionally, purpose of being exclusive. Moohtorn’s and Nam’s daughter should not Nevertheless, the film displays occur because Nam has all the time been with Moohtorn’s real self at almost the end where Moohtorn’s soul and imagined body. It might all doubts can be clarified. The story provides strengthen the point that Moohtorn is the cause and effect of Moohtorn’s life and idealistic while the film is surrealistic. The desire. His imagination is influenced by story that takes place in the film cannot insight pain as well as wish. As he was happen in everyday life. Perhaps, it could be bullied by being fat, he then tried to only Nam’s imagination of Moohtorn. overcome those insults. On the whole, he is Conversely, the film may intend to likely to make the wrong choice in which the show the passion of a person towards another diet pills kill his soul over a period. As a person. It can be the most romantic love of all sleeping prince, he might be consciously forms and all the time which the man is self- desired. He wants to be smart, good-looking devoted. He can sacrifice everything for the and preferable. Seemingly, Moohtorn obtains woman he loves. Subsequently, he does not some attention from all the female characters. require anything in return, but happiness and Regarding his strong desire and sincere smile. passion for Nam, he may subconsciously create his double. Besides, his desire is strong

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References

Freud, S. (1954). The Interpretation of Dreams. trans. J. Strachey. London: G. Allen und Unwin. ______. (1980). The Psychopathology of Everyday Life. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books. Fuery, P. (2004). Madness and Cinema: Psychoanalysis, Spectatorship and Culture. Basingstoke, New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Gabbard, G. (ed.). (2001). Psychoanalysis and Film. London: Karnac. IMDB, List of 40 Best Thai Movies. Retrieved June 10, 2019 from https://www.imdb.com/ list/ls052285995/. Kaplan, A. (1990). Psychoanalysis and Cinema. New York, London: Routledge. Lacan, J. (1987). The Four Fundamental Concepts of Psycho-analysis. trans. A. Sheridan. Harmondsworth and New York: Penguin Books. Lacassagne, A., Nieguth, T., & Dépelteau, F. (eds.). (2011). Investigating Shrek: Power, Identity, and Ideology. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. Leary, M. (1996). Self-Presentation: Impression Management and Interpersonal Behavior. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press. Lebeau, V. (1995). Lost Angels: Psychoanalysis and Cinema. London, New York: Routledge. Maybury-Lewis, D. & Almagor, U. (eds.). (1989). The Attraction of Opposites: Thought and Society in the Dualistic Mode. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, cop. Meixner, U. (2004). The Two Sides of Being: A Reassessment of Psycho-Physical Dualism. Paderborn: Mentis, cop. Oxford Dictionaries. Obscurantism. Retrieved May 10, 2019 from https://en.oxforddictionaries. com/definition/obscurantism. Priest, S. (1991). Theories of the Mind. London: Penguin Books. Rank, O. (1971). The Double: A Psychoanalytic Study. trans. Tucker, H. North Carolina: The University of North Carolina Press. Ryle, G. (1984). The Concept of Mind. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Smith, J. & Kerrigan, W. (eds.). (1987). Images in Our Souls: Cavell, Psychoanalysis, and Cinema. Baltimore, London: The Johns Hopkins University Press, cop. Wood, J., Tesser, A. & Holmes, J. (eds.). (2008). The Self and Social Relationships. New York: Psychology Press.

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Appendix: List of Film (which the author watched)

Vertigo (1958) Psycho (1960) The Man Who Haunted Himself (1970) Possession (1981) Raising Cain (1992) Dave (1993) Doppelgänger (1993) Suture (1993) The Prestige (2006) Black Swan (2010) The Double (2013) Enemy (2013) Split (2016)