Freud

Freud believed that "dreams are the royal road to the unconscious" and that they contained important clues into the human psyche. Much of his initial research methods involved questioning his patients on their dream experiences and using their descriptions as a means of uncovering the 'true' motivations and perceptions on the world.

"Film operates on much the same principle...film speaks directly to the unconscious, the language of dreams is one that is not an abstract form of communication such as narrative, but is one that is filled with images they carry hidden meanings on a latent level." (Kluge, 1999)

The nature that is film can be, to a degree, deconstructed in order to unveil a universal understanding of our thoughts and behaviours that through identification, contributes towards our enjoyment of the film as it acts as a release mechanism of these id  induced impulses.

Freudian Analysis

The id -  Tyler Durden (unconscious desires/the 'repressed' - set free without conscience)

The Ego - The 'narrator' (the conscious/IKEA lifestyle - comfortable)

The 'real' Tyler can be found between The id and The Ego (one half ego and one half id)

The Superego - initially: 'The Self-help groups'

                         then: 'Fight Club'

                         then: 'Project Mayhem'

The Superego will regulate 'pleasure', it will censor the id, but will also license it.

Freud explained his famous model of brain function in the 1927 publication The Ego and the id. Since then, the theory has been explained with reference to a horse and chariot.

• id: the most primitive drive, concerned only with fulfilling pleasure. Has sometimes been referred to as the irrational and emotional part of the mind. It is often regarded as being selfish, because it's concerned only with its own self-satisfaction. Babies and young children are often used as examples because they're usually driven by the pleasure and instant gratification principles. Key word: Want.

• Ego: based on the reality principle. The ego is capable of understanding that one's own desires may vary for people around, and is willing to make this consideration. The ego tries to meet the basic needs of the id but also takes into account the real world. The ego understands that actions have effects, whether positive or negative, and tried to balance out thinking before carrying out decisions/actions. Key word: Balance.

• Superego: Based on moral principles instilled by rearing and moral/ethical restraints placed upon by caregivers. The superego encompasses an individual's ideals, goals, and conscience as well as society's. The superego is concerned with what others will think, and stands in opposition to the id. The superego acts to perfect and civilise our behaviours. Key words: morals, compromise.

Conclusions:

Freudian analysis can explain who Tyler really is.

Tyler represents the narrators' inner desire or want.

The narrator is unaware of who Tyler is until he begins to reconnect with his place in society and regain conscious control.

The film explores the relationship between the 3 components of 'the self'.