The duality of identity in the superhero film

This thesis examines the development of identity in superhero movies, specifically in the films Spider-Man 2, The Dark Knight, and Hulk. Referencing the concept of the shadow persona employed by Carl Jung and examining the notion of dual identity and the relationship between the real self and the imagined self, I will explore the essence and core of the personas of Peter Parker, Bruce Wayne, and Bruce Banner, and how they apply to the relationship between the viewer and the main character. Through the concept of spectatorship, the paper will analyze how Peter Parker, Bruce Wayne, and Bruce Banner are characters saddled with real-world issues and problems, and how their triumphs and tribulations enable them to become accessible to the audience.