Inside and Out of the Intersection of Psychology and Filmmaking
By: Marlee Sidor
‘Inside out’ Director Pete Docter Named Pixar Creative Chief
Did you know that animated films can teach us as much about emotional intelligence as a psychology textbook?
Filmmaking, as a form of artistic expression, is deeply intertwined with psychological principles. Directors and screenwriters use these principles to craft stories that engage and move audiences, conveying complex emotions and narratives. Films like Inside Out utilize these themes, drawing viewers into the emotional journey of the characters while encouraging them to reflect on their own emotional responses and patterns of behavior.
Exploring the Intersection:
Inside Out–which recently released a sequel–directed by Pete Docter, follows 11-year old Riley Anderson and her five core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. These personified emotions manage Riley’s cognitive functions and guide her through significant developmental and environmental changes. For example, Joy, the leader, often attempts to suppress Sadness by keeping her in an isolated circle, symbolizing the natural human tendency to repress uncomfortable emotions. The filmmakers employed animation—a universal medium—to create a connection with audiences of all ages. Inside Out not only contextualizes emotional responses but also encourages viewers to reflect on their own behavioral patterns. Its appeal lies in its accessibility: depending on one’s level of maturity, each viewer interprets the film through a different lens and walks away with a deeper understanding of themselves. In a sense, we aren’t watching Riley's story; we are watching our own stories.
Furthermore, the creation of Riley’s character was inspired by real-life observations, including Docter’s own childhood experiences and those of his daughter, Elie. The film’s authenticity is what makes Inside Out resonate so deeply with audiences.
Psychological Foundations in Filmmaking:
Filmmaking offers a compelling medium for artists to express complex emotions and ideas. Through visual storytelling, filmmakers can translate abstract psychological concepts into relatable experiences. In Inside Out, the portrayal of emotions as anthropomorphic characters allows viewers to explore the interaction of feelings in a way that is both entertaining and insightful. The film also teaches skills rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a type of psychotherapy that helps people learn to manage emotions and improve interpersonal skills, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness and regulation. For example, when Riley confronts her feelings and expresses sadness to her parents, she demonstrates the DBT practice of radical acceptance—acknowledging rather than suppressing her emotions.
Similarly, Joy’s transformation at the end of the film further underscores the concept of mindfulness. She learns to embrace Sadness as an integral part of Riley’s emotions and growth, reflecting DBT’s principle of emotional regulation, which teaches that labeling emotions can aid in managing them. Riley’s emotional awareness becomes especially apparent when she expresses her sadness about leaving Minnesota. The act of recognizing her feelings is what allows her to regain a sense of emotional balance. By personifying emotions and weaving DBT practices into its narrative, Inside Out bridges the gap between abstract psychological ideas and everyday experiences. This creative approach makes the inner workings of the mind–and the vision of the filmmakers–accessible and relatable to diverse audiences.
The Methodology Behind Inside Out:
During its development, Pete Docter consulted psychologists Dacher Keltner and Paul Ekman, exploring questions like, “How do emotions govern the stream of consciousness?” and “How do emotions color our memories of the past?” Their insights influenced the film’s portrayal of emotions, ensuring it was both scientifically grounded and emotionally impactful.
For example, the concept of core memories in the film reflects the psychological idea that certain emotional experiences have a lasting impact on identity and behavior. In the film, Joy exclusively selects memories that are “desirable” and “happy.” However, when Riley introduces herself at school, Sadness inadvertently touches one of Riley’s core memories, leading her to cry unexpectedly. This moment illustrates cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon in which a person’s actions and beliefs conflict. The film’s portrayal of how memories can shift in emotional tone over time elucidates how our perception of past events is influenced by our current emotional state, an idea rooted in psychological research on memory and emotion, and suggests that our memories are continually changing based on new experiences and emotions.
Inside Out is renowned for its seamless intersection of psychology and filmmaking. The team created a narrative that resonates both emotionally and intellectually by personifying emotions, utilizing expert animation, and addressing universal experiences like moving, puberty, grief, and even themes of depression. The film exemplifies how filmmaking can be a powerful medium for exploring and communicating complex psychological concepts in a way that is accessible and relatable for audiences of all ages.
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