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 on the cause and impact of the double’s self-presentation, and the self Keywords: self-model that can relate to the main character. The doppelgänger in Self-Presentation, most films reflect the dark side of the character. However, the character’s Mind and Body, double in this film is a better version of himself. This paper aims to Double – Dualism – analyze the background of the characters’ insufficiency, study the Doppelgänger, inspiration behind the characters’ actions, observe the projection and Low Self-Esteem, functioning of the self-presentation, and discuss the main character’s Desire, 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 18 Vol.3 / No.2 July-December 2020 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. Thai 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 Thailand, 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. 20 Vol.3 / No.2 July-December 2020 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.