Psychopathic personality on twin brothers (Bo and Vincent) characters in the film House of Wax
PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON TWIN BROTHERS
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTERS IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
Arranged by:
DESI WULANDARI
NO. 105026000930
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON TWIN BROTHERS
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTERS IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for
The Degree of Letters Scholar
Arranged by:
DESI WULANDARI
NO. 105026000930
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
ABSTRACT
Desi Wulandari. Psychopathic Personality on Twin Brothers (Bo and Vincent)
Characters in the Film House of Wax. Thesis, Jakarta: Adab and Humanities
Faculty, English Letter Department, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University.
Strata One Degree 2010.
The thesis examines psychopathic personality on twin brothers (Bo and
Vincent) character in the film House of Wax. The thesis focuses on two problems:
What is the Psychopathic Personality reflected on twins’ brother (Bo and Vincent)
characters? And what is the Cause of twins’ brothers Psychopathic Personality?
The objectives of the research are: to know how the abnormalities showed on
character of the twin brothers and to know the causes that twin brothers possess
abnormal psychology experiences and become psychopathic personality in this
film.
The method of the research is descriptive qualitative, which tries to
explain about the characters and psychopathic personality that suffered by main
characters in this film. At first, the writer focuses on the characters of the film
such as the dialogue and the picture that the writer chooses as the sequences and
analyzes the psychopathic personality. This film is analyzed carefully and
accurately using the general theory of abnormal psychology.
In this film twin brothers suffered from psychopathic personality when
they had bad experiences since they were children. Formerly, they lived with their
parents in some place called Ambrose. Until one day, their mother becomes ill and
died. Their fathers committed suicide after his wife death, because he was
depressed. Their experiences of their family make them as sadistic persons, and
also their obsession to make their creation become real.
i
APPROVEMENT
PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON TWINS BROTHER
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTER IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
The Degree of Letters Scholar
Desi Wulandari
NO. 105026000930
Approved by:
Advisor
Elve Oktafiyani, M.hum
NIP. 19781003 200112 2 002
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
ii
LEGALIZATION
The thesis entitled “Psychopathic Personality on Twins Brother (Bo and
Vincent) Character in the Film House of Wax” has been defended before the
Letters and Humanities Faculties Examination committee on May 20, 2010. The
thesis has already been accepted as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Letters Scholar.
Jakarta, May, 20, 2010
Examination Committee
Signature
1. Dr. Muhammad Farkhan, Mpd (Chair Person)
NIP. 19650919 200003 1 002
2. Drs. Asep Sefudin, Mpd
(Secretary)
NIP. 19640710 199303 1 006
3. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum
(Advisor)
NIP. 19781003 200112 2 002
4. Inayatul Chusna, M.Hum
(Examiner I)
NIP. 19780126 200312 2 002
5. M. Supardi, M.Hum
(Examiner II)
iii
Date
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by
another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the
award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of higher
learning, except where due acknowledgment has been made in the text
Jakarta, March 2 2010
Desi Wulandari
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of ALLAH SWT, the most Gracious, the most merciful. All
Praise is to Allah SWT, the Lord of Universe, who always gives His guidance to
her in completing this thesis. That’s highly important for her. Peace and Blessing
be upon our Prophet Muhammad SAW for his conveying the words of God, the
light for humanities, his family, his companions and his followers.
In this good opportunity, the writer wants to say many thanks to his
beloved parents: mother (Mrs. Mumuy) and father (Mr. Memed As), brother and
sister: brother (Ade Rahmatullah) and sister (Dewi Rahmawati), and her beloved
(Ardi Sarli Iswanto) who always support her spiritually and financially and also
never stop to pray for her success day and night. Their sacrifices will never be
equally paid.
The writer also wants to give her gratitude to Mrs. Elve Oktafiyani,
M.Hum, as her advisor for her time, guidance, patience, kindness, and
contribution in correcting and helping her in finishing this paper.
In writing this thesis, the writer also would like to express her deepest
gratitude to the following persons:
1. Dr. Wahid Hasyim, M. A as the Dean of Letters and Humanities Faculty.
2. Dr. Muhammad Farkhan, M.Pd as the head of English Letters Department.
3. Drs. Asep Saefuddin, M.Pd as the secretary of English Letters Department.
4. All lecturers of English Letters Department for always educating her
during the study.
v
5. The staff and officers of the libraries of UIN, UI, Lembaga Bahasa
Atmajaya, American Corner, for giving permission to the writer to use
their books.
6. All best friends that the writer cannot mention them one by one for always
helping and giving support to her in accomplishing this “thesis”. The
words are not enough to say any appreciations for their help.
May Allah, the Almighty bless them all, amen.
Jakarta, March 2, 2010
The writer
vi
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………
i
APPROVEMENT ………………………………………………………
ii
LEGALIZATION ………………………………………………………
iii
DECLARATION ……………………………………………………….
iv
ACKNOWLEDMEN ……………………………………………………
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………..
vii
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………….
1
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Background of the Study ………………………………………….
Focus of the Study ………………………………………………...
Research Question ………………………………………………...
Objective of the Study …………………………………………….
Significances of the Study ………………………………………...
Research Methodology …………………………………………....
1. Method of the Research ……………………………………….
2. Technique of the Data Analysis ………………………………
3. Unit Analysis ………………………………………………….
4. Instrument ……………………………………………………..
G. Place and Time of Research ….…………………………………...
1
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
CHAPTER II. THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK ……………………….
6
A. Character and characterization ……………………………………. 6
B. Abnormal Psychology …………………………………………….. 10
1. Mental Retardation ……………………………………………. 11
2. Unconventional Sexual Behavior and Human Sexual Inadequacy 12
3. Psychoneuroses ………………………………………………… 14
4. Psychosis ………………………………………………………. 15
5. Psychopath …………………………………………………….. 17
C. Psychopathic personality ………………………………………….. 18
CHAPTER III. ANALYSIS ……………………………………………
22
A. Analysis of Characters in the Film House of Wax ………….. 22
B. The causes of psychopathic personality ……...……………… 36
vii
CHAPTER IV. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ………………… 41
BIBLIGRAPHY …………………………………………………………
43
APPENDICES …………………………………………………………... 45
viii
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
The behavior of human relates to psychological aspects. Specifically, the
reality of psychology can be seen from any psychological phenomena which are
suffered by human being when they respond or make a reaction toward
themselves and surrounding. The phenomena are discussed in a field of study
named abnormal psychology.
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that mainly deals with
human behavior, especially human being who cannot adapt with the environment
situation or defeat from norm. In Encyclopedia Britannica Article, abnormal
psychology also called psychopathology is study of mental disorders and unusual
or maladaptive behaviors or of mental phenomena such as dreams, hypnosis, and
altered states or levels of consciousness. 1 Abnormal psychologies are discussed in
many films.
Along with the development of film in this world, many films describe
abnormal psychology, for examples film Silent of the Lamb. The film tells about
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. 2 In the
film, Hanibbal Lecter killed people and skinned them without reason. Another
film which describe about abnormal psychology is Halloween. It tells about
1
2
“Abnormal psychology”, Encyclopedia Britannica, XXII, 921
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_Lambs_(film)
1
Michael Myers ten years old, a broken home child, who hates and kills his sister,
her boyfriend and his father in a day. Michael becomes fixated on his masks,
closing himself off from everyone, even his mother until he is adult 3 . Then, the
last example is Zodiac. It tells the story of murderer sequences, the mysterious
serial killer known as "Zodiac" who killed his victims and around the San
Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving several victims
in his wake and taunting police with letters and ciphers mailed to newspapers, 4
and etc.
The film which depicts abnormal psychology that the writer is going to
discuss is House of Wax produced in 2005. House of Wax is very interesting from
its narration. This film was first appeared in 2005 and got many publics attention
and won many Awards at that time, such as MTV movie Award, Golden
Raspberry Awards (2006), Teen Choice Awards (2006), and many other Awards 5
The film begins with a scene set in 1974. A woman was boiling hot wax to
make wax masks while her young son is eating his breakfast in a high chair.
Suddenly the father comes in holding a near hysterical second son who was
kicking and screaming wildly. The second child needs to be strapped down in his
high chair due to his apparently violent nature, and is compared negatively to the
other child. Apparently Dr. Victor Sinclair and his wife Trudy moved to Ambrose
when Victor was fired for performing experimental procedures on. Once in
Ambrose, his wife Trudy discovered a passion for sculpting wax figures but
3
http://en.wikipedia.org/ patients wiki/Halloween_(2007_film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_(film)
5
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/house_of_wax.com
4
2
eventually fell ill and died. A depressed Victor then committed suicide, leaving
the Sinclair children as orphans.
Vincent (the "evil" twin who had been violent and tied down in the
opening scene) simply wanted to continue his mother's work of creating wax
figures and Bo (the "good" twin who was seen behaving well in the opening
scene) convinced him to start murdering people to make more realistic wax
figures out of their victims.
Based on the background of the study, the writer is interested in analyzing
the twin brother’s characters in this film. Furthermore, the writer wants to know
deeper about abnormal psychology of the twin brother’s characters in the film
House of Wax by Charles Josiah Belden.
B. Focus of Study
The writer would like to limit the research on psychology, uses abnormal
psychology and psychopath using psychology approach on twin brothers.
C. Research question
Based on the background of the study above, the writer would to like to
make research question as follow:
1. What is the Psychopathic Personality reflected on twin brothers (Bo and
Vincent) characters?
2. What are the Causes of twin brothers Psychopathic Personality?
3
D. Objective of the Study
The objectives this research is to make the readers analyze to understand
especially in abnormal psychology and psychopath approach in the film.
1. To know how the psychopathic personality showed on characters of the
twin brothers in this film
2. To know the causes that twin brothers possessed abnormal psychology
experiences and becomes psychopathic personality
E. Significances of the Study
The writer hopes this research will help the readers to understand
especially the psychology approach about psychopathic personality in the
movie House of Wax by Charles Josiah Belden and could be inspiration for
another researches about character and other psychology
F. Research methodology
1. Method of research
This research uses descriptive method. Therefore, it is necessary to
know explicating of the main point of the film “House of Wax” and the
objective of this research are to know how the Psychopathic Personality
are reflected on twin brothers (Bo and Vincent) character and what are the
causes of twin brothers Psychopathic Personality
4
2. Technique of the data analysis
In this research the writer uses qualitative method with collected
data are analyzed using psychology approach. Therefore, the study begins
by analyzing the script of the film “House of Wax” and then focuses on
the character of twin brothers.
3. Unit analysis
The study conducted by analyzing the script of film company
“House of Wax” written by Charles Josiah Belden in 2005
4. Instrument
The instrument of research in this analysis is writer herself. The
writer collected data, identification, classification, watching the film and
reading the script of film repeated. In addition the writer analysis film
House of Wax accurately and carefully with descriptive analysis.
G. Place and time of the research
The research takes place on Augustus until February 2010 in state Islamic
university Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta.
5
6
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Since the writer will discuss about the reflected of psychopathic
personality in the twins brother (Bo and Vincent) and what the causes that twins
brothers psychopathic personality. The writer uses three theories, the first about
character and characterization, second about abnormal psychology and the third
about psychopathic personality it is useful to know about abnormal human
behavior, in particular human itself that cannot adapted with environment
situation
A. Character and Characterization
In order to able to analyze the psychopathic personality contained in a
literary work, it’s necessary for the writer to analyze the characteristic of the
image of character.
Character is a person in the story whose potentialities.6 The characters
in the film must seem real, understandable, and worth caring about. For the
most part, the characters in a story are believable in the same way that the
story is believable. In other words, they either conform to the law of the
probability and necessity, conform to some inner truth of they are made to
seem real by the convincing art of the actor.
6
Henry Guntur Tarigan, Dasar-Dasar Sastra, (Bandung: Angkasa, 1998), p. 148
6
If characters are truly believable, it is almost impossible to remain
completely neutral toward them. The viewers must respond to the in some
way: admiring them for heroic deeds and their nobility for their failures.
Identifying with them for their ordinary human qualities, but if the viewer’s
reaction to them is negative; the viewer may detest them for their greed,
cruelty, selfishness, and underhanded methods.
According to the book The Norton Introduction to Literature, character
is someone who acts, appears, or is referred to as playing a part in literary
work. 7
Characters have emotional lives which define the character just as their
attitudes define them. Their emotional responses expand this definition. It's the
emotional response to events and to other people in the story that makes the
character understandable and believable. How she/he feels creates sympathy
in the audience, and creates identification with the character, wherein we
experience vicariously the character's journey through the emotions and the
story. 8
Viewed from the role aspect and the importance level of a character in
a story, there are characters that appear continuously and seem that the
characters dominate the story, but on the other hand, there are characters who
appearance or several times only. The first kind of the characters is called as
main character and the other one is called as a minor characters. Analyzed
from the function appearance of the characters, they can be classified into two
7
Jerome Beaty, et al., The Norton Introduction to Literature (London: W. W. Norton and
Company, inc, ), p. 102
8
http://www.writing-world.com/screen/film3.shtml
7
kinds of character, protagonist and antagonist, and according to the
characterization, they can be classified as flat and round characters 9
Flat character is a character having one certain personality or one
characteristic, meanwhile, a round character is a character having several
characteristics round character is a character whose personality is complex and
many sided and flat character is a character whose personality is summed up
in one or two traits 10
Another says a flat character (also known as a type or a twodimensional character) is defined by a single quality without much
individualizing detail. A round character is a complex individual incapable of
being easily defined. The degree to which characters are given roundness and
individual complexity depends upon their function in the plot--some only need
to be seen at a distance, like strangers or acquaintances, rather than known
intimately. 11
Beside on the criteria or the development of character, it can be
distinguished onto two parts, static and developing character. Static character
is a character of a story that is essentially undeveloped, or the development of
the characteristic is just as the result of the events or phenomena in a story.
The developing character itself is a character of the story that is experiencing
9
Burhan Nurguantoro. Teori Pengkajian Fiksi (yogyakarta: gadjahmada University press, 2002) p.
165
10
Samhita, topic in literature
http://bcs. Bedfordstmartins.com/virtualit/fiction/elements.asp?e=2. p.1
11
http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/LTCharacter.html
8
the change and character development in accordance to the developments and
the changes of the events of the story. 12
Characterization is the art, craft, method of presentation, or creation of
fictional personages – involves a similar process. 13 Other says that
characterization is the method used by a writer to develop a character. The
method includes (1) showing the character's appearance, (2) displaying the
character's actions, (3) revealing the character's thoughts, (4) letting the
character speak, and (5) getting the reactions of others. 14
The revelation of true character, in contrast to characterization, is
fundamental to creating real and memorable characters who not only are
driven by the story, but who themselves drive the story. 15
Based on definition above, the writer concludes that character is a
person in literary work. Character in literature is extended verbal
representation of human being, specially the inner self that determines
thought, speech and behavior. Through dialogue, action, and commentary,
literature makes these interaction interesting by portraying characters who are
worth caring about, rooting for, and even loving, although there are also
character whom public may laugh, dislike or even hated.
12
Jabrohim. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra (yogyakarta: Pt Hanindita Graha Widya, 2002) p. 158159
13
Jerome Beaty, et al., The Norton Introduction to Literature (London: W. W. Norton and
Company, inc, ), p. 103
14
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/characterization.html
15
Ibid
9
B. Abnormal Psychology
Alex Sobur in his book Psikologi Umum explains “The abnormal
psychology is infraction of social norm (Calhoun and Acocella, 1990;
Atkinson dkk, tt; supraktiknya, 1995; Soedjono, 1983),” beside of infraction
from statistic norms, personal discomfort, maladaptive behavior, and
maladjustment. 16
Abnormal psychology is branch of psychology that especially talks
bout human behavior, in particular human itself that can not adapt with
environment situation. Society has norms or certain standard for appropriate
conduct. Abnormal psychology deal with/how it feels to be different, the
meanings that get attached to being different, how society deals with people
whom it considers to be different. 17
Behavior, thought, emotion, and people that are considered different
are called abnormal. In other words, it deals with the feeling and the
assumption of being different. Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of
psychological disorders. These disorders affect the way people feel, think,
speak, and behave. The field of abnormal psychology may be called
psychopathology. 18
Sarlito in his book Pengantar Psikologi Abnormal explain abnormal
psychology is a discipline or branch of psychology that studies pattern of
abnormal behavior as well as personality disorders. Abnormal psychology is a
16
Alex Sobur, Psikologi Umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 339-340
Irwin G Sarason. Abnormal Psychology: the problem of maladaptive behavior. (Washington :
Book Press, 1999), p.4
18
http://www.a2zpsychology.com/articles/abnormal.htm
17
10
branch of psychology that studies patterns of mental illness. That causes
happen abnormal behavior 19
Beside that, abnormal psychology is concerned with the origins and
treatment of abnormal behavior disorder. Abnormal psychology is concerned
with mental and emotional disorders (eg., neurosis, psychosis, mental
deficiency). Sarlito also describe that the classification of abnormal behavior
divided into five elements; 1) mental retardation; 2) unconventional sexual
behavior and human sexual inadequacy; 3) psychoneurosis; 4) psychoses; and
5) psychopath; 20
1. Mental retardation
Mental retardation is term for a pattern of persistently slow
learning of basic motor and language skills during child hood and
significantly below normal global intellectual capacity as an adult and
mental retardation is tested intelligence quotient of 70 or below 21
Mental retardation is a generalized disorder, characterized by
significantly impaired cognitive functioning and deficits in two or more
adaptive behaviors with onset before the age of 18. Once focused almost
entirely on cognition, the definition now includes both a component
relating to mental functioning and one relating to individuals' functional
skills in their environment. 22
19
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982),
p.126-127
20
Ibid
21
www.wikipedia. Mental Retardation
22
ibid
11
In Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life, James and William
explains that mental retardation, is disorder in which person’s overall
intellectual functioning is well below average, with an intelligence
quotient (IQ) around 70 or less. Individuals with mental retardation also
have a significantly impaired ability to cope with common life demands
and lack some daily living skill expected of people in their age group and
culture. The impairment may interfere with learning, communication, self
– care, independent living, social interaction, play, work, and safety.
Mental retardation appears in childhood, before age 18. 23
The classification of degrees of mental retardation is borderline
mental retardation (IQ 68-83), mild mental retardation (IQ 52-67),
moderate mental retardation (IQ 36-51), severe mental retardation (IQ 2035), and profound mental retardation (IQ under 20). 24
2. Unconventional Sexual Behavior and Human Sexual Inadequacy
Master and John define and discuss the following type of human
sexual inadequacy:
(a) Primary impotence. The man has never been able to achieve a reaction
sufficient
for
successful
intercourse,
either
heterosexual
or
homosexual.
(b) Secondary impotence. The man is at present unable to achieve an
reaction sufficient for successful intercourse, either heterosexual or
homosexual, but he has in his story at least one intromission
23
James C. Coleman and William E. Broen, Jr, Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life (united
states of America University of California at Los Angeles ), p.562-564
24
Ibid
12
(c) Premature ejaculation. The man is unable to inhibit ejaculation long
enough for his female partner to have organism in 50 percent of their
contact. Master and Johnson were keenly aware that this definition
raises problem, for woman vary widely in the amount of stimulate
required for organism
(d) Ejaculatory incompetence. A man with this rare disability cannot
ejaculate intra vaginally although erection and intromissions are not
problematic
(e) Dyspareunia. Intercourse is painful in some way for the man or woman
(f) Primary organism. The woman has never had an orgasm either from
masturbation or intercourse
(g) Situational Orgasmic Dysfunction. The woman is unable to have
orgasms in particular situation.
(h) Vaginismus. The outer third of the vaginal barrel is subject to
involuntary spastic contraction, often making the insertion of the penis
or finger impossible. 25
3. Psychoneuroses
Supratiknya in Mengenal Prilaku Abnormal book, according to
Behavioristik, neurosis is maladaptive lifestyle as behavior defensive
characteristic with the purpose to avoid or decrease of feel worry. 26
The psychoneurosis are minor mental disorder characterized by
inner struggles and disturbed social relationship. Two essential features of
25
Gerald C. Davison and John M. Neale, Abnormal Psychology: An experimental Clinical
Approach, (Canada, Similtaneously in Canada, 1974), pp. 288-299
26
A. Supratiknya, Mengenal Perilaku Abnormal (Kanisus, 1995), p. 37
13
psychoneurosis are that they are precipitated by emotional stresses,
conflicts and frustrations and those they are most effectively treated by
psychological techniques. They are not produced by physical disorders and
do not respond to routine medical attention. 27
Neurosis technical term created by the master of English, William
Cullen (1769). That neurosis is interference from nerve system. Therefore,
firstly nerve interference looked as source of neurotic behavior. Second
century later, Sigmund Freud remand opinion the source of neurotic is
Intra-psychic conflict. 28
J.P. Chaplin (1972) explains neurosis as:
A benign mental disorder characterized by, incomplete in sight into
the nature of the difficulty, conflicts, anxiety reactions, partial impairment
of personality, offen, but not necessarily, the presence of phobias,
digestive disturbance, and obsessive-compulsive behavior 29
James D. Page explain psychoneurosis or neurosis as individuals
who “go to pieces” easily when affronted
with a difficult or trying
situation and exhibit a variety of mental and physical symptoms that
persist for several weeks or months are known as “psychoneurotic”. 30
Psychoneuroses are relatively mild personality disorders that
distress and inconvenience the patient but do not disrupts his social
adjustments or interfere with his everyday activities to the point of
27
http://www.depression-guide.com/psychoneurosis.htm
A. Supratiknya, Mengenal Perilaku Abnormal (Kanisus, 1995), p. 36
29
Alex Sobur, Psikologi Umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 343-344
30
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 2-3
28
14
necessitating supervision or compulsory commitment to a mental
hospital. 31
The symptoms of psychoneurotic are such that compulsory
hospitalization or segregation is unnecessary. A few patients voluntarily
seek hospital treatment, but the majority lives at home and usually
continue with their customary business and social activity. 32
4. Psychoses
Noman L. Munn explains that Psychoses is much more serious
than psychoneuroses. There is usually a marked psychological
deterioration. The individual is often out of contact with reality. He may
have hallucination (false perception).
Psychoses are serious mental illnesses. Those suffering from such
illnesses are known to day as psychotic or, to use a medico-legal term,
‘insane’. 33
James D. Page in book abnormal psychology says “psychoses are
several mental disorders that tend to shatter the integration of the
personality and disrupt the individual’s social relationships. The behavior
of the psychotic is too bizarre, unreasonable, and inappropriate to be
understood by a normal person.” 34
31
Ibid
http://www.depression-guide.com/psychoneurosis.htm
33
Norman L Munn. Introduction to Psychology, (Boston: 1962), p.15
34
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 5
32
15
Sarlito explain that psychosis is a symptom of feature of mental
illness typically characterized by radical changes in personality, impaired
functioning and a distorted or non existent sense of objective reality. 35
Whereas, in Encyclopedia Americana, psychosis is a major mental
disorder in which a person’s ability to think and respond emotionally is so
seriously impaired that he is unable to meet the ordinary demands of life.
It is often characterized by regressive behavior, inappropriate mood,
diminished impulse control, and such abnormal mental content as
delusions and hallucinations. 36
This constitute of symptom “Denial of Major Aspect of Reality”
with symptom and pattern (Soedjono, 1983:97):
(a) Reaction “Schizophrenic” concern emotional process and intellectual.
The symptom is not referring what happening in surrounding or
personal character which (berbelah) two.
(b) Paranoid reaction, individual always imagined by cases as if threatens
himself. Furthermore, he would “attack” most previous.
(c) Affective and evolutional reaction, individual felt strongly depress. 37
There are two main categories from psychoses interference,
schizophrenia (skizofrenia) is psychotic interference signed heavy
distorts on realities, self draw from social interaction, disorganization
35
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982), p.
130
36
Encyclopedia Americana : volume 22,1829, p. 731
37
Alex Sobur, psikologi umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 348-350
16
and fragmentation perception, mind, and emotion (Supraktiknya,
1995:71) 38
5. Psychopath
Psychopath disorder is a condition in which people show a
pervasive disregard for the low and the rights of other. People with
psychopath disorder may tend to lie or steal and often fail to fulfill job or
parenting
responsibilities.
The
term
“sociopath”
and
“antisocial
personality disorder” are sometime used to describe a person with
psychopath disorder 39
Whereas, in Encyclopedia Britannica Article, abnormal psychology
also called psychopathology is the study of mental disorders and unusual
or maladaptive behavior or of mental phenomena such as dreams,
hypnosis, and altered state or levels of consciousness. 40
According to explanation offered by abnormal psychology, the
abnormal psychology is a method of studying psychological problems of
human (including animal) character and an attempt to account for the
activities for human (including animal) characters in the literature work
Types of abnormal behavior that writer chooses is abnormal
behavior of psychopath.
38
Ibid
Psychopath from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antisocial-personality-disorder/DS00829
40
“Abnormal Psychology”, Encyclopedia Britannica, XX11, 921
39
17
C. Psychopathic personality
A psychopath is defined as having no concern for the feelings of others
and a complete disregard for any sense of social obligation. They seem
egocentric and lacking insight and any sense of responsibility or consequence.
Their emotions are thought to be superficial and shallow, if they exist at all.
They are considered callous, manipulative and incapable of forming lasting
relationships, let alone of any kind of love. It is thought that any emotions
which the true psychopath exhibits are the fruits of watching and mimicking
other people's emotions. They show poor impulse control and a low tolerance
for frustration and aggression. They show no empathy, remorse, anxiety or
guilt in relation to their behavior. In short, they truly seem devoid of
conscience. 41 The psychopath has antisocial traits coupled with and enhanced
by callousness, ruthlessness, extreme lack of empathy, deficient impulse
control, deceitfulness.
In book Pengantar Umum Psikologi Sarlito, psychopath is
psychologies behavior which he always looking for gratification of his wrong
behaviors. Psychopath hasn’t ability for identifying and learning from
mistakes. But he has higher analysis and intelligent. 42
Psychopath, a general term for a range of personality disorders
characterized by lack of empathy, socially manipulative behavior, and
occasionally criminality or violence 43
41
http://www.geocities.com/seemyoh/psychopathy
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982), p.
133
43
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5110
42
18
James D Page in his book Abnormal Psychology says, antisocial
personalities or psychopathic personalities included in this category are two
overlapping but more or less independent, group that shares a common
propensity for antisocial behavior. One group is made up convicted law
violators, and the other consists of individual’s whit psychopathic
personalities. 44
Individuals classified as “psychopathic personalities” possess adequate
intelligence, and exhibit neither the conflicts nor anxieties of the
psychoneurotic nor the delusions, hallucination, and mental confusion of the
psychotic. 45
Psychopathic personalities are not classifiable as mentally retarded,
neurotic, or psychotic. Their outstanding characteristics are a marked lack of
ethical or moral development and an inability to follow approved models of
behavior. Basically, they are un socialized and incapable of significant loyalty
to other persons, groups, or social values. Typically intelligent, spontaneous,
and very likeable on first acquaintance, they seem lo live in a series of present
moments, without consideration for the past or future and with callous
disregard for the right and well-being of others 46
In the book of abnormal psychology and modern life, James C.
Coleman and William E. Broen, describe about the category of antisocial
(psychopathic) personality are
44
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 10
Ibid
46
James C Coleman. And William E Broen. Abnormal psychology and modern life, op. cit., p.
366-367
45
19
(a) Inadequate conscience development and lack of anxiety or guilt. The
antisocial personality is unable to understand and accept ethical values
except on a verbal level.
(b) Irresponsible and impulsive behavior: low frustration to tolerance.
(c) Ability to put up “a good front” to impress and exploit others and to
project the blame for his own socially disapproved behavior.
(d) In ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships
Cleckley's original list of symptoms of a psychopath:
(a) Considerable superficial charm and average or above average intelligence.
(b) Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking
(c) Absence of anxiety or other "neurotic" symptoms considerable poise,
calmness, and verbal facility.
(d) Unreliability, disregard for obligations no sense of responsibility, in
matters of little and great import.
(e) Untruthfulness and insincerity
(f) Antisocial behavior which is inadequately motivated and poorly planned,
seeming to stem from an inexplicable impulsiveness.
(g) Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior
(h) Poor judgment and failure to learn from experience
(i) Pathological egocentricity. Total self-centeredness incapacity for real love
and attachment.
(j) General poverty to deep and lasting emotions.
(k) Lack of any true insight, inability to see oneself as others do.
20
(l) Ingratitude for any special considerations, kindness, and trust.
(m) Fantastic and objectionable behavior, after drinking and sometimes even
when not drinking--vulgarity, rudeness, quick mood shifts, pranks.
(n) No history of genuine suicide attempts.
(o) An impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated sex life.
(p) Failure to have a life plan and to live in any ordered way, unless it is one
promoting self-defeat. 47
47
http://www.cassiopaea.com/cassiopaea/psychopath_2.htm
21
22
CHAPTER III
TWIN BROTHERS CHARACTERS AND PSYCHOPATHIC
PERSONALITY DISORDER
In this chapter, the writer would like to analyze the characters of film
House of Wax. Afterward, the writer wants to analyze the twin brothers’
characters and psychopathic personality that the writer analyzed from the
subtitles. The writer will use the general psychology theory that will help the
writer to analyze the psychology problems in this film.
A. Analysis of character in the film House of Wax
The main characters in this film are twin brothers; the older twin’s
name was Bo and the younger one’s was Vincent. Formerly, they lived with
their parent, and being harmonious family like other families. Their mother
worked as an actress of sculptor wax and their father was a doctor in a big
city, but one day he got his license revoked for doing surgeries on the side
because most of doctor didn’t dare do. They then moved to a small city,
Ambrose. In the beginning of the film, it is described that before moving to
this city, the twin brothers had good personality. Bo was the older twin who
was lucky in having good looking face; he had a pointed nose and short hair.
He used to wear hat. He was the type of man who cares about what he worn
and it made him look more fashionable than his brother (Vincent).
22
Different from Bo, Vincent did not care for his appearances. He did
not take any interest in his outfit, hair style and entire things related to
performances. It can be seen from the picture below.
PICTURE I
PICTURE 2
PICTURE 3
PICTURE 4
The pictures above show the differences of their appearances, because
part of Vincent face was wax, his talent makes him easily to make wax
masker.
Bo was the "good" twin who seemed to be behaving well in the
opening scene. We can see in the beginning of the scene that Bo always
followed what his mama said and he had just been a good boy.
Trudy Sinclair: You are being such a good boy. Would you like
some more cereal, sweetheart? Here you go.
In dialogue above his mother loved him so much than his brother
(Vincent). She always gave the best for him, because he was being a good
boy. She also called him sweetheart, it is describes that his mother was more
enthusiastic about him. Although he saw violence toward his twin brother
23
from his father, he was still being a good boy and unheeding what happen at
the moment.
Vincent was a bad twin in the first scene; he always kicked and
screamed wildly every day. It made his parent less enthusiastic about him. We
can see from the dialogue below.
Trudy Sinclair:
Victor Sinclair:
Trudy Sinclair:
Victor Sinclair:
He's really being a monster again today.
Trudy, goddamn it, help me.
Can't you be more careful?
I'm doing the best I can.
He's out of control.
Sit still. Stop it!
Please hold him.
Don't do that. Stop kicking
Why can't you be more like your brother?
Be quiet!
Shut up!
PICTURE 5
In the dialogue above, it is described that Vincent was behaving as a
monster again like usual. He lost of control again; he kicked his father’s hand
and screamed wildly, when his father fastened his hands on his high chair. He
tried to release himself from his father; his attitude made his father did
violence to him.
In this film, twin brothers have same characters; both of them have
loving characters. After their mother died and their father suicide, leaving
them as orphans in Ambrose, they lived and grown up together without loves
24
from their parent. Bo loved his twin brother so much and always tried to give
the best for Vincent, and they decided to continue what their mother had done
for a living, as a sculptor of wax in that town.
Bo: Hey, the town's looking real good.
Almost finished what
We Mama started. Those two are good.
They'll fit perfect.
The dialogue above described that he loved his brother (Vincent) and
wanted to give support to Vincent’s talent as a sculptor of wax. He supported
him to make the town like a real wax as their creation/won, and he was also
confident about his talents and to make their mother proud with what they had
done.
Vincent was also a loved brother. When he saw Bo came to the house
with his sustained injuries on his body, he was worried about his condition,
but he couldn’t do anything.
PICTURE 6
Bo: Don’t
I said don’t. Get
Fucking freak
In the dialogue above, Vincent tried to help Bo when he was in the
house with many injuries in his bodies. He cared and loved him because after
25
their parent’s death, they lived and spent time together. But Bo tried to
convince him, that he could handle his problem.
Bo: Hey, you don't ever leave here
Without me.
You know better than that.
Don't be so stupid.
What's the matter with you?
PICTURE 7
Bo is an attentive brother. In the dialogue above, we can see how
he cared about Vincent when he leaved the house without him. He was very
angry to Vincent when he saw Vincent outside of their house. He just tried to
protect his from people who came to that town; it is made him disturbed with
his (Vincent) condition. Bo didn’t like if Vincent leaved the house alone,
because he thought it was dangerous for his safety.
Bo is an attractive person, it is shown from his good looking
appearance, and he also could communicate with other people who arrived to
that town and needed his help. We can see in the dialogue below:
Bo
: Hey I’m sorry, you know, someone very special to me
passed and i didn’t mean to take it out on you
Carly :No no no its totally understanable I reckon things will
wrap up soon.
Bo
: Why don't I meet you guys back at the station in about a
half?
Carly : That'd be great, if that's okay.
26
PICTURE 8
PICTURE 9
PICTURE 10
In the picture above, they had little discussion after they had
misunderstanding. In here, it is described that Bo tried to convince them that
he could became the person who could give them help and solve their
problem.
Vincent is a secondary character in the film House of Wax. He’s
different from Bo’s characters; he kept completely silent from the beginning
until the end of film.
Vincent was a mysterious person. In this film Jaume Collet-Serra as a
director tried to describe Vincent character as a bad twin with kept completely
silent from the beginning until the end of film, it made more mysterious to his
characters.
He
never
communicated
and
concealed
himself
from
environment/social. Even though he was a mysterious person, but in this film,
he had talent of creating wax sculpture, different from his brother.
Vincent was an actress. He inherited his mother’s talent. His creation
almost finished and became a real wax, as in the picture below, when he was
doing wax sculpture.
27
PICTURE 11
From the description and the picture about his creation of wax
sculpture, he tried to decide what his mother did in Ambrose. Because when
they were children his mother had some dreams in this place, his mother
thought that she can made something incredible but she felt ill and than died.
Bo characteristics represent one of the symptoms of abnormal
psychology. It is anti social disorder or psychopath. People who suffered from
psychopathic personality are usually intelligent people. He was a brilliant
person, he suffered from psychopath but he could communicate with another
people and conceal his true condition. This can be seen when people came to
their town and needed help.
Bo
Carly
Bo
Wade
Bo
Carly
Bo
Carly
Wade
Bo
: You don’t have any inches. I do at the house
: I hope you’re not getting
The wrong idea that we’re in here.
: No it’s okay.
: Does that cover it?
: It close enough
Why don’t we get the one you need?
It’s only a couple of blocks
: Yeah, all right. You keep fan belts at your house?
: I get things delivered there when I’m not here
If you wanna hold on to that’s fine by me
: No, no, no. its okay
: Hey you mind if I use your restroom real fast?
: Oh, up at the house that ones one of order
28
His communicate showed him as a manipulator. Bo was manipulating
his character when there was someone who came to this town. He looks like a
normal person with his interaction with them and gave what they need in his
house not far from the gas station, whereas he was spy on and pretended in
front of them. He successfully brought them to his house and follows him.
By communicate and gave what they need, Bo tried to convince them
and made the situation being normal like usual town. One of characteristics
from psychopathic personality is manipulate behaviors. Bo had manipulate his
character to make his victims believed and doesn’t suspect and follow him
without suspicious to him. This behavior showed that he suffered psychopath
disorder. He was a psychopath person with intelligent and manipulates
behavior.
After communicating, they went to his house and arrived at night. Bo
thinks it is the time for him to kill them. When Wade needed some facilities of
his house, Wade wanted to go to the bathroom but he contrary gone to another
room similar to a surgery room. Suddenly his friend pushed car horn to make
sign to wade. Bo directly cut Wade’s feet and chest with his scissor, until him
unconscious, when Bo heard car horn from outside. Bo felt Carly has known
about him. He was worried when Carly has known about him; he think that he
will disturb his plan.
Carly
Bo
: Where’s wade?
: Oh, he’s not out here?
Guess he’s still in the bathroom, then.
I got the fun belt.
You’re not in a hurry, are you?
Because I wanted to load the truck up with some stuff first.
29
Carly
Bo
Carly
Bo
What are you doing?
: Waiting Wade?
: Open the damn door
This is my truck
Hey what is the matter with you?
If you don’t open this door, I’m gonna call the cops
: You are the guys from the campsite
Wade!
: Get out from the truck. Stop it.
I’m just trying to help you.
Give me the keys. Hey. Hey.
Stop it, or I’m calling the cops
After a hard debate between Bo and Carly, she ran away from him and
went to the church to hide, but he followed and chased her when she ran away
and she was discovered by Bo from the sculpture that was broken in the
church. He looked another people as his object, and brought out her from the
church and brought her to the gas station; because he heard there is someone
who came to that town. Bo was threatened her with his knifes if she called his
friends and say one word again; he said that he would kill her. It can be seen
from the dialogue at gas station.
Bo
Charly
Dalton
Carly
Bo
Dalton
Nick
: What? What?
I’m sorry mama.
These people just have no respect.
: Help! Help, please!
Will you help, please?! Over here!
Help me! What are you gonna do to me?
: Hello?
Carly? Wade? Hello?
: Dalton!
: All right. Listen.
One word and this is going through your throat. Yeah?
: Man, there’s music playing, but I don’t think anyone’s
here
: No one’s here.
30
After they had gone, Bo tried to remain silent her mouth with glue and
blower with his mouth to make the glue dried. Bo doesn’t cares about his
victim, he haven’t guilty feeling when he doing this. It is showed him as
psychopath again who lack of anxiety or guilty to his victim. He’s behavior
show that he never pleases other or his victim if he felt that it could made
trouble and disturb his project. Afterward he left her and tried to handle
another people who came to this place.
Bo
Nick
Bo
PICTURE 12
: Sorry. Can’t help you?
: What was that?
: Nothing. That was my dog
PICTURE 13
PICTURE 14
In the dialogue above, Bo tried to manipulate his character again to
made his victim believed that he was a normal person and tried to offered his
help to Nick. Nick heard voices when he walked back. When he asked what
that voices, Bo lies to him and says that is his dog voices. He poor impulse
control and a low tolerance for frustration and aggression when he cut a finger
of his victim with his tongs without paying attention to her. Psychopath hadn’t
ability for identifying and learning from mistakes. He is being happiness when
he hurt his victim.
In other place, his twin brother (Vincent) met with other people in his
house. He tried to kill him with his knifes, immediately Dalton run a way from
him and go to the underground of house, it Vincent’s place for making wax
31
sculpture. Dalton fall from stairs when Vincent chased him, and Vincent killed
him with his knifes on his chest. Psychopaths look other people as object of
his creation. We can see from dialogue below when he killed him.
Dalton
: Oh, my God.
All right, all right.
What hap
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTERS IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
Arranged by:
DESI WULANDARI
NO. 105026000930
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON TWIN BROTHERS
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTERS IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for
The Degree of Letters Scholar
Arranged by:
DESI WULANDARI
NO. 105026000930
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
ABSTRACT
Desi Wulandari. Psychopathic Personality on Twin Brothers (Bo and Vincent)
Characters in the Film House of Wax. Thesis, Jakarta: Adab and Humanities
Faculty, English Letter Department, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University.
Strata One Degree 2010.
The thesis examines psychopathic personality on twin brothers (Bo and
Vincent) character in the film House of Wax. The thesis focuses on two problems:
What is the Psychopathic Personality reflected on twins’ brother (Bo and Vincent)
characters? And what is the Cause of twins’ brothers Psychopathic Personality?
The objectives of the research are: to know how the abnormalities showed on
character of the twin brothers and to know the causes that twin brothers possess
abnormal psychology experiences and become psychopathic personality in this
film.
The method of the research is descriptive qualitative, which tries to
explain about the characters and psychopathic personality that suffered by main
characters in this film. At first, the writer focuses on the characters of the film
such as the dialogue and the picture that the writer chooses as the sequences and
analyzes the psychopathic personality. This film is analyzed carefully and
accurately using the general theory of abnormal psychology.
In this film twin brothers suffered from psychopathic personality when
they had bad experiences since they were children. Formerly, they lived with their
parents in some place called Ambrose. Until one day, their mother becomes ill and
died. Their fathers committed suicide after his wife death, because he was
depressed. Their experiences of their family make them as sadistic persons, and
also their obsession to make their creation become real.
i
APPROVEMENT
PSYCHOPATHIC PERSONALITY ON TWINS BROTHER
(Bo and Vincent) CHARACTER IN THE FILM HOUSE OF WAX
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
The Degree of Letters Scholar
Desi Wulandari
NO. 105026000930
Approved by:
Advisor
Elve Oktafiyani, M.hum
NIP. 19781003 200112 2 002
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
LETTERS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY “SYARIF
HIDAYATULLAH” JAKARTA
2010
ii
LEGALIZATION
The thesis entitled “Psychopathic Personality on Twins Brother (Bo and
Vincent) Character in the Film House of Wax” has been defended before the
Letters and Humanities Faculties Examination committee on May 20, 2010. The
thesis has already been accepted as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of Letters Scholar.
Jakarta, May, 20, 2010
Examination Committee
Signature
1. Dr. Muhammad Farkhan, Mpd (Chair Person)
NIP. 19650919 200003 1 002
2. Drs. Asep Sefudin, Mpd
(Secretary)
NIP. 19640710 199303 1 006
3. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum
(Advisor)
NIP. 19781003 200112 2 002
4. Inayatul Chusna, M.Hum
(Examiner I)
NIP. 19780126 200312 2 002
5. M. Supardi, M.Hum
(Examiner II)
iii
Date
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by
another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the
award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of higher
learning, except where due acknowledgment has been made in the text
Jakarta, March 2 2010
Desi Wulandari
iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of ALLAH SWT, the most Gracious, the most merciful. All
Praise is to Allah SWT, the Lord of Universe, who always gives His guidance to
her in completing this thesis. That’s highly important for her. Peace and Blessing
be upon our Prophet Muhammad SAW for his conveying the words of God, the
light for humanities, his family, his companions and his followers.
In this good opportunity, the writer wants to say many thanks to his
beloved parents: mother (Mrs. Mumuy) and father (Mr. Memed As), brother and
sister: brother (Ade Rahmatullah) and sister (Dewi Rahmawati), and her beloved
(Ardi Sarli Iswanto) who always support her spiritually and financially and also
never stop to pray for her success day and night. Their sacrifices will never be
equally paid.
The writer also wants to give her gratitude to Mrs. Elve Oktafiyani,
M.Hum, as her advisor for her time, guidance, patience, kindness, and
contribution in correcting and helping her in finishing this paper.
In writing this thesis, the writer also would like to express her deepest
gratitude to the following persons:
1. Dr. Wahid Hasyim, M. A as the Dean of Letters and Humanities Faculty.
2. Dr. Muhammad Farkhan, M.Pd as the head of English Letters Department.
3. Drs. Asep Saefuddin, M.Pd as the secretary of English Letters Department.
4. All lecturers of English Letters Department for always educating her
during the study.
v
5. The staff and officers of the libraries of UIN, UI, Lembaga Bahasa
Atmajaya, American Corner, for giving permission to the writer to use
their books.
6. All best friends that the writer cannot mention them one by one for always
helping and giving support to her in accomplishing this “thesis”. The
words are not enough to say any appreciations for their help.
May Allah, the Almighty bless them all, amen.
Jakarta, March 2, 2010
The writer
vi
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………
i
APPROVEMENT ………………………………………………………
ii
LEGALIZATION ………………………………………………………
iii
DECLARATION ……………………………………………………….
iv
ACKNOWLEDMEN ……………………………………………………
v
TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………..
vii
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………….
1
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Background of the Study ………………………………………….
Focus of the Study ………………………………………………...
Research Question ………………………………………………...
Objective of the Study …………………………………………….
Significances of the Study ………………………………………...
Research Methodology …………………………………………....
1. Method of the Research ……………………………………….
2. Technique of the Data Analysis ………………………………
3. Unit Analysis ………………………………………………….
4. Instrument ……………………………………………………..
G. Place and Time of Research ….…………………………………...
1
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
CHAPTER II. THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK ……………………….
6
A. Character and characterization ……………………………………. 6
B. Abnormal Psychology …………………………………………….. 10
1. Mental Retardation ……………………………………………. 11
2. Unconventional Sexual Behavior and Human Sexual Inadequacy 12
3. Psychoneuroses ………………………………………………… 14
4. Psychosis ………………………………………………………. 15
5. Psychopath …………………………………………………….. 17
C. Psychopathic personality ………………………………………….. 18
CHAPTER III. ANALYSIS ……………………………………………
22
A. Analysis of Characters in the Film House of Wax ………….. 22
B. The causes of psychopathic personality ……...……………… 36
vii
CHAPTER IV. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ………………… 41
BIBLIGRAPHY …………………………………………………………
43
APPENDICES …………………………………………………………... 45
viii
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
The behavior of human relates to psychological aspects. Specifically, the
reality of psychology can be seen from any psychological phenomena which are
suffered by human being when they respond or make a reaction toward
themselves and surrounding. The phenomena are discussed in a field of study
named abnormal psychology.
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that mainly deals with
human behavior, especially human being who cannot adapt with the environment
situation or defeat from norm. In Encyclopedia Britannica Article, abnormal
psychology also called psychopathology is study of mental disorders and unusual
or maladaptive behaviors or of mental phenomena such as dreams, hypnosis, and
altered states or levels of consciousness. 1 Abnormal psychologies are discussed in
many films.
Along with the development of film in this world, many films describe
abnormal psychology, for examples film Silent of the Lamb. The film tells about
Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. 2 In the
film, Hanibbal Lecter killed people and skinned them without reason. Another
film which describe about abnormal psychology is Halloween. It tells about
1
2
“Abnormal psychology”, Encyclopedia Britannica, XXII, 921
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silence_of_the_Lambs_(film)
1
Michael Myers ten years old, a broken home child, who hates and kills his sister,
her boyfriend and his father in a day. Michael becomes fixated on his masks,
closing himself off from everyone, even his mother until he is adult 3 . Then, the
last example is Zodiac. It tells the story of murderer sequences, the mysterious
serial killer known as "Zodiac" who killed his victims and around the San
Francisco Bay Area during the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving several victims
in his wake and taunting police with letters and ciphers mailed to newspapers, 4
and etc.
The film which depicts abnormal psychology that the writer is going to
discuss is House of Wax produced in 2005. House of Wax is very interesting from
its narration. This film was first appeared in 2005 and got many publics attention
and won many Awards at that time, such as MTV movie Award, Golden
Raspberry Awards (2006), Teen Choice Awards (2006), and many other Awards 5
The film begins with a scene set in 1974. A woman was boiling hot wax to
make wax masks while her young son is eating his breakfast in a high chair.
Suddenly the father comes in holding a near hysterical second son who was
kicking and screaming wildly. The second child needs to be strapped down in his
high chair due to his apparently violent nature, and is compared negatively to the
other child. Apparently Dr. Victor Sinclair and his wife Trudy moved to Ambrose
when Victor was fired for performing experimental procedures on. Once in
Ambrose, his wife Trudy discovered a passion for sculpting wax figures but
3
http://en.wikipedia.org/ patients wiki/Halloween_(2007_film)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_(film)
5
http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/house_of_wax.com
4
2
eventually fell ill and died. A depressed Victor then committed suicide, leaving
the Sinclair children as orphans.
Vincent (the "evil" twin who had been violent and tied down in the
opening scene) simply wanted to continue his mother's work of creating wax
figures and Bo (the "good" twin who was seen behaving well in the opening
scene) convinced him to start murdering people to make more realistic wax
figures out of their victims.
Based on the background of the study, the writer is interested in analyzing
the twin brother’s characters in this film. Furthermore, the writer wants to know
deeper about abnormal psychology of the twin brother’s characters in the film
House of Wax by Charles Josiah Belden.
B. Focus of Study
The writer would like to limit the research on psychology, uses abnormal
psychology and psychopath using psychology approach on twin brothers.
C. Research question
Based on the background of the study above, the writer would to like to
make research question as follow:
1. What is the Psychopathic Personality reflected on twin brothers (Bo and
Vincent) characters?
2. What are the Causes of twin brothers Psychopathic Personality?
3
D. Objective of the Study
The objectives this research is to make the readers analyze to understand
especially in abnormal psychology and psychopath approach in the film.
1. To know how the psychopathic personality showed on characters of the
twin brothers in this film
2. To know the causes that twin brothers possessed abnormal psychology
experiences and becomes psychopathic personality
E. Significances of the Study
The writer hopes this research will help the readers to understand
especially the psychology approach about psychopathic personality in the
movie House of Wax by Charles Josiah Belden and could be inspiration for
another researches about character and other psychology
F. Research methodology
1. Method of research
This research uses descriptive method. Therefore, it is necessary to
know explicating of the main point of the film “House of Wax” and the
objective of this research are to know how the Psychopathic Personality
are reflected on twin brothers (Bo and Vincent) character and what are the
causes of twin brothers Psychopathic Personality
4
2. Technique of the data analysis
In this research the writer uses qualitative method with collected
data are analyzed using psychology approach. Therefore, the study begins
by analyzing the script of the film “House of Wax” and then focuses on
the character of twin brothers.
3. Unit analysis
The study conducted by analyzing the script of film company
“House of Wax” written by Charles Josiah Belden in 2005
4. Instrument
The instrument of research in this analysis is writer herself. The
writer collected data, identification, classification, watching the film and
reading the script of film repeated. In addition the writer analysis film
House of Wax accurately and carefully with descriptive analysis.
G. Place and time of the research
The research takes place on Augustus until February 2010 in state Islamic
university Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta.
5
6
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Since the writer will discuss about the reflected of psychopathic
personality in the twins brother (Bo and Vincent) and what the causes that twins
brothers psychopathic personality. The writer uses three theories, the first about
character and characterization, second about abnormal psychology and the third
about psychopathic personality it is useful to know about abnormal human
behavior, in particular human itself that cannot adapted with environment
situation
A. Character and Characterization
In order to able to analyze the psychopathic personality contained in a
literary work, it’s necessary for the writer to analyze the characteristic of the
image of character.
Character is a person in the story whose potentialities.6 The characters
in the film must seem real, understandable, and worth caring about. For the
most part, the characters in a story are believable in the same way that the
story is believable. In other words, they either conform to the law of the
probability and necessity, conform to some inner truth of they are made to
seem real by the convincing art of the actor.
6
Henry Guntur Tarigan, Dasar-Dasar Sastra, (Bandung: Angkasa, 1998), p. 148
6
If characters are truly believable, it is almost impossible to remain
completely neutral toward them. The viewers must respond to the in some
way: admiring them for heroic deeds and their nobility for their failures.
Identifying with them for their ordinary human qualities, but if the viewer’s
reaction to them is negative; the viewer may detest them for their greed,
cruelty, selfishness, and underhanded methods.
According to the book The Norton Introduction to Literature, character
is someone who acts, appears, or is referred to as playing a part in literary
work. 7
Characters have emotional lives which define the character just as their
attitudes define them. Their emotional responses expand this definition. It's the
emotional response to events and to other people in the story that makes the
character understandable and believable. How she/he feels creates sympathy
in the audience, and creates identification with the character, wherein we
experience vicariously the character's journey through the emotions and the
story. 8
Viewed from the role aspect and the importance level of a character in
a story, there are characters that appear continuously and seem that the
characters dominate the story, but on the other hand, there are characters who
appearance or several times only. The first kind of the characters is called as
main character and the other one is called as a minor characters. Analyzed
from the function appearance of the characters, they can be classified into two
7
Jerome Beaty, et al., The Norton Introduction to Literature (London: W. W. Norton and
Company, inc, ), p. 102
8
http://www.writing-world.com/screen/film3.shtml
7
kinds of character, protagonist and antagonist, and according to the
characterization, they can be classified as flat and round characters 9
Flat character is a character having one certain personality or one
characteristic, meanwhile, a round character is a character having several
characteristics round character is a character whose personality is complex and
many sided and flat character is a character whose personality is summed up
in one or two traits 10
Another says a flat character (also known as a type or a twodimensional character) is defined by a single quality without much
individualizing detail. A round character is a complex individual incapable of
being easily defined. The degree to which characters are given roundness and
individual complexity depends upon their function in the plot--some only need
to be seen at a distance, like strangers or acquaintances, rather than known
intimately. 11
Beside on the criteria or the development of character, it can be
distinguished onto two parts, static and developing character. Static character
is a character of a story that is essentially undeveloped, or the development of
the characteristic is just as the result of the events or phenomena in a story.
The developing character itself is a character of the story that is experiencing
9
Burhan Nurguantoro. Teori Pengkajian Fiksi (yogyakarta: gadjahmada University press, 2002) p.
165
10
Samhita, topic in literature
http://bcs. Bedfordstmartins.com/virtualit/fiction/elements.asp?e=2. p.1
11
http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/LTCharacter.html
8
the change and character development in accordance to the developments and
the changes of the events of the story. 12
Characterization is the art, craft, method of presentation, or creation of
fictional personages – involves a similar process. 13 Other says that
characterization is the method used by a writer to develop a character. The
method includes (1) showing the character's appearance, (2) displaying the
character's actions, (3) revealing the character's thoughts, (4) letting the
character speak, and (5) getting the reactions of others. 14
The revelation of true character, in contrast to characterization, is
fundamental to creating real and memorable characters who not only are
driven by the story, but who themselves drive the story. 15
Based on definition above, the writer concludes that character is a
person in literary work. Character in literature is extended verbal
representation of human being, specially the inner self that determines
thought, speech and behavior. Through dialogue, action, and commentary,
literature makes these interaction interesting by portraying characters who are
worth caring about, rooting for, and even loving, although there are also
character whom public may laugh, dislike or even hated.
12
Jabrohim. Metodologi Penelitian Sastra (yogyakarta: Pt Hanindita Graha Widya, 2002) p. 158159
13
Jerome Beaty, et al., The Norton Introduction to Literature (London: W. W. Norton and
Company, inc, ), p. 103
14
http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/lit_terms/characterization.html
15
Ibid
9
B. Abnormal Psychology
Alex Sobur in his book Psikologi Umum explains “The abnormal
psychology is infraction of social norm (Calhoun and Acocella, 1990;
Atkinson dkk, tt; supraktiknya, 1995; Soedjono, 1983),” beside of infraction
from statistic norms, personal discomfort, maladaptive behavior, and
maladjustment. 16
Abnormal psychology is branch of psychology that especially talks
bout human behavior, in particular human itself that can not adapt with
environment situation. Society has norms or certain standard for appropriate
conduct. Abnormal psychology deal with/how it feels to be different, the
meanings that get attached to being different, how society deals with people
whom it considers to be different. 17
Behavior, thought, emotion, and people that are considered different
are called abnormal. In other words, it deals with the feeling and the
assumption of being different. Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of
psychological disorders. These disorders affect the way people feel, think,
speak, and behave. The field of abnormal psychology may be called
psychopathology. 18
Sarlito in his book Pengantar Psikologi Abnormal explain abnormal
psychology is a discipline or branch of psychology that studies pattern of
abnormal behavior as well as personality disorders. Abnormal psychology is a
16
Alex Sobur, Psikologi Umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 339-340
Irwin G Sarason. Abnormal Psychology: the problem of maladaptive behavior. (Washington :
Book Press, 1999), p.4
18
http://www.a2zpsychology.com/articles/abnormal.htm
17
10
branch of psychology that studies patterns of mental illness. That causes
happen abnormal behavior 19
Beside that, abnormal psychology is concerned with the origins and
treatment of abnormal behavior disorder. Abnormal psychology is concerned
with mental and emotional disorders (eg., neurosis, psychosis, mental
deficiency). Sarlito also describe that the classification of abnormal behavior
divided into five elements; 1) mental retardation; 2) unconventional sexual
behavior and human sexual inadequacy; 3) psychoneurosis; 4) psychoses; and
5) psychopath; 20
1. Mental retardation
Mental retardation is term for a pattern of persistently slow
learning of basic motor and language skills during child hood and
significantly below normal global intellectual capacity as an adult and
mental retardation is tested intelligence quotient of 70 or below 21
Mental retardation is a generalized disorder, characterized by
significantly impaired cognitive functioning and deficits in two or more
adaptive behaviors with onset before the age of 18. Once focused almost
entirely on cognition, the definition now includes both a component
relating to mental functioning and one relating to individuals' functional
skills in their environment. 22
19
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982),
p.126-127
20
Ibid
21
www.wikipedia. Mental Retardation
22
ibid
11
In Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life, James and William
explains that mental retardation, is disorder in which person’s overall
intellectual functioning is well below average, with an intelligence
quotient (IQ) around 70 or less. Individuals with mental retardation also
have a significantly impaired ability to cope with common life demands
and lack some daily living skill expected of people in their age group and
culture. The impairment may interfere with learning, communication, self
– care, independent living, social interaction, play, work, and safety.
Mental retardation appears in childhood, before age 18. 23
The classification of degrees of mental retardation is borderline
mental retardation (IQ 68-83), mild mental retardation (IQ 52-67),
moderate mental retardation (IQ 36-51), severe mental retardation (IQ 2035), and profound mental retardation (IQ under 20). 24
2. Unconventional Sexual Behavior and Human Sexual Inadequacy
Master and John define and discuss the following type of human
sexual inadequacy:
(a) Primary impotence. The man has never been able to achieve a reaction
sufficient
for
successful
intercourse,
either
heterosexual
or
homosexual.
(b) Secondary impotence. The man is at present unable to achieve an
reaction sufficient for successful intercourse, either heterosexual or
homosexual, but he has in his story at least one intromission
23
James C. Coleman and William E. Broen, Jr, Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life (united
states of America University of California at Los Angeles ), p.562-564
24
Ibid
12
(c) Premature ejaculation. The man is unable to inhibit ejaculation long
enough for his female partner to have organism in 50 percent of their
contact. Master and Johnson were keenly aware that this definition
raises problem, for woman vary widely in the amount of stimulate
required for organism
(d) Ejaculatory incompetence. A man with this rare disability cannot
ejaculate intra vaginally although erection and intromissions are not
problematic
(e) Dyspareunia. Intercourse is painful in some way for the man or woman
(f) Primary organism. The woman has never had an orgasm either from
masturbation or intercourse
(g) Situational Orgasmic Dysfunction. The woman is unable to have
orgasms in particular situation.
(h) Vaginismus. The outer third of the vaginal barrel is subject to
involuntary spastic contraction, often making the insertion of the penis
or finger impossible. 25
3. Psychoneuroses
Supratiknya in Mengenal Prilaku Abnormal book, according to
Behavioristik, neurosis is maladaptive lifestyle as behavior defensive
characteristic with the purpose to avoid or decrease of feel worry. 26
The psychoneurosis are minor mental disorder characterized by
inner struggles and disturbed social relationship. Two essential features of
25
Gerald C. Davison and John M. Neale, Abnormal Psychology: An experimental Clinical
Approach, (Canada, Similtaneously in Canada, 1974), pp. 288-299
26
A. Supratiknya, Mengenal Perilaku Abnormal (Kanisus, 1995), p. 37
13
psychoneurosis are that they are precipitated by emotional stresses,
conflicts and frustrations and those they are most effectively treated by
psychological techniques. They are not produced by physical disorders and
do not respond to routine medical attention. 27
Neurosis technical term created by the master of English, William
Cullen (1769). That neurosis is interference from nerve system. Therefore,
firstly nerve interference looked as source of neurotic behavior. Second
century later, Sigmund Freud remand opinion the source of neurotic is
Intra-psychic conflict. 28
J.P. Chaplin (1972) explains neurosis as:
A benign mental disorder characterized by, incomplete in sight into
the nature of the difficulty, conflicts, anxiety reactions, partial impairment
of personality, offen, but not necessarily, the presence of phobias,
digestive disturbance, and obsessive-compulsive behavior 29
James D. Page explain psychoneurosis or neurosis as individuals
who “go to pieces” easily when affronted
with a difficult or trying
situation and exhibit a variety of mental and physical symptoms that
persist for several weeks or months are known as “psychoneurotic”. 30
Psychoneuroses are relatively mild personality disorders that
distress and inconvenience the patient but do not disrupts his social
adjustments or interfere with his everyday activities to the point of
27
http://www.depression-guide.com/psychoneurosis.htm
A. Supratiknya, Mengenal Perilaku Abnormal (Kanisus, 1995), p. 36
29
Alex Sobur, Psikologi Umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 343-344
30
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 2-3
28
14
necessitating supervision or compulsory commitment to a mental
hospital. 31
The symptoms of psychoneurotic are such that compulsory
hospitalization or segregation is unnecessary. A few patients voluntarily
seek hospital treatment, but the majority lives at home and usually
continue with their customary business and social activity. 32
4. Psychoses
Noman L. Munn explains that Psychoses is much more serious
than psychoneuroses. There is usually a marked psychological
deterioration. The individual is often out of contact with reality. He may
have hallucination (false perception).
Psychoses are serious mental illnesses. Those suffering from such
illnesses are known to day as psychotic or, to use a medico-legal term,
‘insane’. 33
James D. Page in book abnormal psychology says “psychoses are
several mental disorders that tend to shatter the integration of the
personality and disrupt the individual’s social relationships. The behavior
of the psychotic is too bizarre, unreasonable, and inappropriate to be
understood by a normal person.” 34
31
Ibid
http://www.depression-guide.com/psychoneurosis.htm
33
Norman L Munn. Introduction to Psychology, (Boston: 1962), p.15
34
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 5
32
15
Sarlito explain that psychosis is a symptom of feature of mental
illness typically characterized by radical changes in personality, impaired
functioning and a distorted or non existent sense of objective reality. 35
Whereas, in Encyclopedia Americana, psychosis is a major mental
disorder in which a person’s ability to think and respond emotionally is so
seriously impaired that he is unable to meet the ordinary demands of life.
It is often characterized by regressive behavior, inappropriate mood,
diminished impulse control, and such abnormal mental content as
delusions and hallucinations. 36
This constitute of symptom “Denial of Major Aspect of Reality”
with symptom and pattern (Soedjono, 1983:97):
(a) Reaction “Schizophrenic” concern emotional process and intellectual.
The symptom is not referring what happening in surrounding or
personal character which (berbelah) two.
(b) Paranoid reaction, individual always imagined by cases as if threatens
himself. Furthermore, he would “attack” most previous.
(c) Affective and evolutional reaction, individual felt strongly depress. 37
There are two main categories from psychoses interference,
schizophrenia (skizofrenia) is psychotic interference signed heavy
distorts on realities, self draw from social interaction, disorganization
35
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982), p.
130
36
Encyclopedia Americana : volume 22,1829, p. 731
37
Alex Sobur, psikologi umum, (Bandung: CV Pustaka, 2003), p. 348-350
16
and fragmentation perception, mind, and emotion (Supraktiknya,
1995:71) 38
5. Psychopath
Psychopath disorder is a condition in which people show a
pervasive disregard for the low and the rights of other. People with
psychopath disorder may tend to lie or steal and often fail to fulfill job or
parenting
responsibilities.
The
term
“sociopath”
and
“antisocial
personality disorder” are sometime used to describe a person with
psychopath disorder 39
Whereas, in Encyclopedia Britannica Article, abnormal psychology
also called psychopathology is the study of mental disorders and unusual
or maladaptive behavior or of mental phenomena such as dreams,
hypnosis, and altered state or levels of consciousness. 40
According to explanation offered by abnormal psychology, the
abnormal psychology is a method of studying psychological problems of
human (including animal) character and an attempt to account for the
activities for human (including animal) characters in the literature work
Types of abnormal behavior that writer chooses is abnormal
behavior of psychopath.
38
Ibid
Psychopath from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antisocial-personality-disorder/DS00829
40
“Abnormal Psychology”, Encyclopedia Britannica, XX11, 921
39
17
C. Psychopathic personality
A psychopath is defined as having no concern for the feelings of others
and a complete disregard for any sense of social obligation. They seem
egocentric and lacking insight and any sense of responsibility or consequence.
Their emotions are thought to be superficial and shallow, if they exist at all.
They are considered callous, manipulative and incapable of forming lasting
relationships, let alone of any kind of love. It is thought that any emotions
which the true psychopath exhibits are the fruits of watching and mimicking
other people's emotions. They show poor impulse control and a low tolerance
for frustration and aggression. They show no empathy, remorse, anxiety or
guilt in relation to their behavior. In short, they truly seem devoid of
conscience. 41 The psychopath has antisocial traits coupled with and enhanced
by callousness, ruthlessness, extreme lack of empathy, deficient impulse
control, deceitfulness.
In book Pengantar Umum Psikologi Sarlito, psychopath is
psychologies behavior which he always looking for gratification of his wrong
behaviors. Psychopath hasn’t ability for identifying and learning from
mistakes. But he has higher analysis and intelligent. 42
Psychopath, a general term for a range of personality disorders
characterized by lack of empathy, socially manipulative behavior, and
occasionally criminality or violence 43
41
http://www.geocities.com/seemyoh/psychopathy
Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono, Pengantar Umum Psikologi (Jakarta: N.V. Bulan Bintang, 1982), p.
133
43
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5110
42
18
James D Page in his book Abnormal Psychology says, antisocial
personalities or psychopathic personalities included in this category are two
overlapping but more or less independent, group that shares a common
propensity for antisocial behavior. One group is made up convicted law
violators, and the other consists of individual’s whit psychopathic
personalities. 44
Individuals classified as “psychopathic personalities” possess adequate
intelligence, and exhibit neither the conflicts nor anxieties of the
psychoneurotic nor the delusions, hallucination, and mental confusion of the
psychotic. 45
Psychopathic personalities are not classifiable as mentally retarded,
neurotic, or psychotic. Their outstanding characteristics are a marked lack of
ethical or moral development and an inability to follow approved models of
behavior. Basically, they are un socialized and incapable of significant loyalty
to other persons, groups, or social values. Typically intelligent, spontaneous,
and very likeable on first acquaintance, they seem lo live in a series of present
moments, without consideration for the past or future and with callous
disregard for the right and well-being of others 46
In the book of abnormal psychology and modern life, James C.
Coleman and William E. Broen, describe about the category of antisocial
(psychopathic) personality are
44
James D Page. Abnormal Psychology (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1947), p. 10
Ibid
46
James C Coleman. And William E Broen. Abnormal psychology and modern life, op. cit., p.
366-367
45
19
(a) Inadequate conscience development and lack of anxiety or guilt. The
antisocial personality is unable to understand and accept ethical values
except on a verbal level.
(b) Irresponsible and impulsive behavior: low frustration to tolerance.
(c) Ability to put up “a good front” to impress and exploit others and to
project the blame for his own socially disapproved behavior.
(d) In ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships
Cleckley's original list of symptoms of a psychopath:
(a) Considerable superficial charm and average or above average intelligence.
(b) Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking
(c) Absence of anxiety or other "neurotic" symptoms considerable poise,
calmness, and verbal facility.
(d) Unreliability, disregard for obligations no sense of responsibility, in
matters of little and great import.
(e) Untruthfulness and insincerity
(f) Antisocial behavior which is inadequately motivated and poorly planned,
seeming to stem from an inexplicable impulsiveness.
(g) Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior
(h) Poor judgment and failure to learn from experience
(i) Pathological egocentricity. Total self-centeredness incapacity for real love
and attachment.
(j) General poverty to deep and lasting emotions.
(k) Lack of any true insight, inability to see oneself as others do.
20
(l) Ingratitude for any special considerations, kindness, and trust.
(m) Fantastic and objectionable behavior, after drinking and sometimes even
when not drinking--vulgarity, rudeness, quick mood shifts, pranks.
(n) No history of genuine suicide attempts.
(o) An impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated sex life.
(p) Failure to have a life plan and to live in any ordered way, unless it is one
promoting self-defeat. 47
47
http://www.cassiopaea.com/cassiopaea/psychopath_2.htm
21
22
CHAPTER III
TWIN BROTHERS CHARACTERS AND PSYCHOPATHIC
PERSONALITY DISORDER
In this chapter, the writer would like to analyze the characters of film
House of Wax. Afterward, the writer wants to analyze the twin brothers’
characters and psychopathic personality that the writer analyzed from the
subtitles. The writer will use the general psychology theory that will help the
writer to analyze the psychology problems in this film.
A. Analysis of character in the film House of Wax
The main characters in this film are twin brothers; the older twin’s
name was Bo and the younger one’s was Vincent. Formerly, they lived with
their parent, and being harmonious family like other families. Their mother
worked as an actress of sculptor wax and their father was a doctor in a big
city, but one day he got his license revoked for doing surgeries on the side
because most of doctor didn’t dare do. They then moved to a small city,
Ambrose. In the beginning of the film, it is described that before moving to
this city, the twin brothers had good personality. Bo was the older twin who
was lucky in having good looking face; he had a pointed nose and short hair.
He used to wear hat. He was the type of man who cares about what he worn
and it made him look more fashionable than his brother (Vincent).
22
Different from Bo, Vincent did not care for his appearances. He did
not take any interest in his outfit, hair style and entire things related to
performances. It can be seen from the picture below.
PICTURE I
PICTURE 2
PICTURE 3
PICTURE 4
The pictures above show the differences of their appearances, because
part of Vincent face was wax, his talent makes him easily to make wax
masker.
Bo was the "good" twin who seemed to be behaving well in the
opening scene. We can see in the beginning of the scene that Bo always
followed what his mama said and he had just been a good boy.
Trudy Sinclair: You are being such a good boy. Would you like
some more cereal, sweetheart? Here you go.
In dialogue above his mother loved him so much than his brother
(Vincent). She always gave the best for him, because he was being a good
boy. She also called him sweetheart, it is describes that his mother was more
enthusiastic about him. Although he saw violence toward his twin brother
23
from his father, he was still being a good boy and unheeding what happen at
the moment.
Vincent was a bad twin in the first scene; he always kicked and
screamed wildly every day. It made his parent less enthusiastic about him. We
can see from the dialogue below.
Trudy Sinclair:
Victor Sinclair:
Trudy Sinclair:
Victor Sinclair:
He's really being a monster again today.
Trudy, goddamn it, help me.
Can't you be more careful?
I'm doing the best I can.
He's out of control.
Sit still. Stop it!
Please hold him.
Don't do that. Stop kicking
Why can't you be more like your brother?
Be quiet!
Shut up!
PICTURE 5
In the dialogue above, it is described that Vincent was behaving as a
monster again like usual. He lost of control again; he kicked his father’s hand
and screamed wildly, when his father fastened his hands on his high chair. He
tried to release himself from his father; his attitude made his father did
violence to him.
In this film, twin brothers have same characters; both of them have
loving characters. After their mother died and their father suicide, leaving
them as orphans in Ambrose, they lived and grown up together without loves
24
from their parent. Bo loved his twin brother so much and always tried to give
the best for Vincent, and they decided to continue what their mother had done
for a living, as a sculptor of wax in that town.
Bo: Hey, the town's looking real good.
Almost finished what
We Mama started. Those two are good.
They'll fit perfect.
The dialogue above described that he loved his brother (Vincent) and
wanted to give support to Vincent’s talent as a sculptor of wax. He supported
him to make the town like a real wax as their creation/won, and he was also
confident about his talents and to make their mother proud with what they had
done.
Vincent was also a loved brother. When he saw Bo came to the house
with his sustained injuries on his body, he was worried about his condition,
but he couldn’t do anything.
PICTURE 6
Bo: Don’t
I said don’t. Get
Fucking freak
In the dialogue above, Vincent tried to help Bo when he was in the
house with many injuries in his bodies. He cared and loved him because after
25
their parent’s death, they lived and spent time together. But Bo tried to
convince him, that he could handle his problem.
Bo: Hey, you don't ever leave here
Without me.
You know better than that.
Don't be so stupid.
What's the matter with you?
PICTURE 7
Bo is an attentive brother. In the dialogue above, we can see how
he cared about Vincent when he leaved the house without him. He was very
angry to Vincent when he saw Vincent outside of their house. He just tried to
protect his from people who came to that town; it is made him disturbed with
his (Vincent) condition. Bo didn’t like if Vincent leaved the house alone,
because he thought it was dangerous for his safety.
Bo is an attractive person, it is shown from his good looking
appearance, and he also could communicate with other people who arrived to
that town and needed his help. We can see in the dialogue below:
Bo
: Hey I’m sorry, you know, someone very special to me
passed and i didn’t mean to take it out on you
Carly :No no no its totally understanable I reckon things will
wrap up soon.
Bo
: Why don't I meet you guys back at the station in about a
half?
Carly : That'd be great, if that's okay.
26
PICTURE 8
PICTURE 9
PICTURE 10
In the picture above, they had little discussion after they had
misunderstanding. In here, it is described that Bo tried to convince them that
he could became the person who could give them help and solve their
problem.
Vincent is a secondary character in the film House of Wax. He’s
different from Bo’s characters; he kept completely silent from the beginning
until the end of film.
Vincent was a mysterious person. In this film Jaume Collet-Serra as a
director tried to describe Vincent character as a bad twin with kept completely
silent from the beginning until the end of film, it made more mysterious to his
characters.
He
never
communicated
and
concealed
himself
from
environment/social. Even though he was a mysterious person, but in this film,
he had talent of creating wax sculpture, different from his brother.
Vincent was an actress. He inherited his mother’s talent. His creation
almost finished and became a real wax, as in the picture below, when he was
doing wax sculpture.
27
PICTURE 11
From the description and the picture about his creation of wax
sculpture, he tried to decide what his mother did in Ambrose. Because when
they were children his mother had some dreams in this place, his mother
thought that she can made something incredible but she felt ill and than died.
Bo characteristics represent one of the symptoms of abnormal
psychology. It is anti social disorder or psychopath. People who suffered from
psychopathic personality are usually intelligent people. He was a brilliant
person, he suffered from psychopath but he could communicate with another
people and conceal his true condition. This can be seen when people came to
their town and needed help.
Bo
Carly
Bo
Wade
Bo
Carly
Bo
Carly
Wade
Bo
: You don’t have any inches. I do at the house
: I hope you’re not getting
The wrong idea that we’re in here.
: No it’s okay.
: Does that cover it?
: It close enough
Why don’t we get the one you need?
It’s only a couple of blocks
: Yeah, all right. You keep fan belts at your house?
: I get things delivered there when I’m not here
If you wanna hold on to that’s fine by me
: No, no, no. its okay
: Hey you mind if I use your restroom real fast?
: Oh, up at the house that ones one of order
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His communicate showed him as a manipulator. Bo was manipulating
his character when there was someone who came to this town. He looks like a
normal person with his interaction with them and gave what they need in his
house not far from the gas station, whereas he was spy on and pretended in
front of them. He successfully brought them to his house and follows him.
By communicate and gave what they need, Bo tried to convince them
and made the situation being normal like usual town. One of characteristics
from psychopathic personality is manipulate behaviors. Bo had manipulate his
character to make his victims believed and doesn’t suspect and follow him
without suspicious to him. This behavior showed that he suffered psychopath
disorder. He was a psychopath person with intelligent and manipulates
behavior.
After communicating, they went to his house and arrived at night. Bo
thinks it is the time for him to kill them. When Wade needed some facilities of
his house, Wade wanted to go to the bathroom but he contrary gone to another
room similar to a surgery room. Suddenly his friend pushed car horn to make
sign to wade. Bo directly cut Wade’s feet and chest with his scissor, until him
unconscious, when Bo heard car horn from outside. Bo felt Carly has known
about him. He was worried when Carly has known about him; he think that he
will disturb his plan.
Carly
Bo
: Where’s wade?
: Oh, he’s not out here?
Guess he’s still in the bathroom, then.
I got the fun belt.
You’re not in a hurry, are you?
Because I wanted to load the truck up with some stuff first.
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Carly
Bo
Carly
Bo
What are you doing?
: Waiting Wade?
: Open the damn door
This is my truck
Hey what is the matter with you?
If you don’t open this door, I’m gonna call the cops
: You are the guys from the campsite
Wade!
: Get out from the truck. Stop it.
I’m just trying to help you.
Give me the keys. Hey. Hey.
Stop it, or I’m calling the cops
After a hard debate between Bo and Carly, she ran away from him and
went to the church to hide, but he followed and chased her when she ran away
and she was discovered by Bo from the sculpture that was broken in the
church. He looked another people as his object, and brought out her from the
church and brought her to the gas station; because he heard there is someone
who came to that town. Bo was threatened her with his knifes if she called his
friends and say one word again; he said that he would kill her. It can be seen
from the dialogue at gas station.
Bo
Charly
Dalton
Carly
Bo
Dalton
Nick
: What? What?
I’m sorry mama.
These people just have no respect.
: Help! Help, please!
Will you help, please?! Over here!
Help me! What are you gonna do to me?
: Hello?
Carly? Wade? Hello?
: Dalton!
: All right. Listen.
One word and this is going through your throat. Yeah?
: Man, there’s music playing, but I don’t think anyone’s
here
: No one’s here.
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After they had gone, Bo tried to remain silent her mouth with glue and
blower with his mouth to make the glue dried. Bo doesn’t cares about his
victim, he haven’t guilty feeling when he doing this. It is showed him as
psychopath again who lack of anxiety or guilty to his victim. He’s behavior
show that he never pleases other or his victim if he felt that it could made
trouble and disturb his project. Afterward he left her and tried to handle
another people who came to this place.
Bo
Nick
Bo
PICTURE 12
: Sorry. Can’t help you?
: What was that?
: Nothing. That was my dog
PICTURE 13
PICTURE 14
In the dialogue above, Bo tried to manipulate his character again to
made his victim believed that he was a normal person and tried to offered his
help to Nick. Nick heard voices when he walked back. When he asked what
that voices, Bo lies to him and says that is his dog voices. He poor impulse
control and a low tolerance for frustration and aggression when he cut a finger
of his victim with his tongs without paying attention to her. Psychopath hadn’t
ability for identifying and learning from mistakes. He is being happiness when
he hurt his victim.
In other place, his twin brother (Vincent) met with other people in his
house. He tried to kill him with his knifes, immediately Dalton run a way from
him and go to the underground of house, it Vincent’s place for making wax
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sculpture. Dalton fall from stairs when Vincent chased him, and Vincent killed
him with his knifes on his chest. Psychopaths look other people as object of
his creation. We can see from dialogue below when he killed him.
Dalton
: Oh, my God.
All right, all right.
What hap