Contents
Every year on December 31, we watch «The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!». This film, like tangerines and Olivier salad, has become an integral part of the New Year. And although we know it by heart, every time we carefully follow the twists and turns of the plot. What the psychologist thinks about the characters of the film and how love for a particular character characterizes the viewer, says psychologist Veronika Khatskevich.
Nadya Sheveleva: idealism against harsh reality
The image of Nadia, which Barbara Brylska embodied so talentedly, is filled with contradictions. On the one hand, this is a woman with high moral principles. She chose the right job — she teaches children important and necessary things, gives them knowledge and instills ethical standards. But the feeling of loneliness and emotional disorder pushes her to the exact opposite behavior, for example, communicating with an unfree man and indulging Zhenya Lukashin’s adventurism.
Her lack of confidence in defending her territory can be attributed to a scenario move: if she kicked out a random visitor, then the film would not have happened. But if we adhere to the logic of the picture, then Nadia suffers acutely from the monotony of a correct and prosperous life with a respectable groom. However, she suffers rather subconsciously, not admitting this to herself. Which suggests that Nadia can be attributed to the sanguine psychotype.
This is also evidenced by the fact that in the company of Hippolytus — a strict, somewhat despotic and categorical person — she feels constrained and depressed. Probably, already before the wedding, the girl understands that the stone wall of Hippolyte’s love and care will very soon turn into a «golden cage», from which there will be no way out.
Zhenya Lukashin: from the fire to the frying pan
What is the most memorable character of this character? The fact that he is never to blame for any of his problems. He willingly explains the reasons for failures and unethical actions by coincidence, the behavior of other people and the very irony of fate. At the same time, he manages to make the most of life. Despite not the most exemplary behavior with women, Zhenya met and attracted the beautiful girl Galya. She was not even scared away by the confession of cowardice and fear of relationships. Lukashin is used to indulging all his desires, and when he is not sure that he is doing the right thing, he enlists the support of his mother. He easily forgives himself for tactlessness and arrogance, however, he is extremely strict with the moral character of others and willingly stigmatizes them for any shortcomings.
Even in unfamiliar territory, he retains authoritarian habits — and, most surprisingly, fascinates everyone with them, except for the sober-minded Hippolytus. A fixation on experiences, a tendency to feel sorry (and forgive) for oneself, to manipulate one’s own weaknesses make one assume that Zhenya Lukashin is a melancholic. This confirms his insecurity, the desire to shift responsibility to others, the tendency to hesitate and make decisions for a long time. He chooses the path of least resistance. This must be why a man in his 30s, with a good job and an apartment, lives with his mother and still asks permission to go to the bathhouse with friends.
Ippolit Georgievich: fixation on control
Hippolyte knows exactly how things should be. No surprises and surprises fit into his life scheme. He is wary and indecisive no less than Zhenya, but these traits make him vulnerable and weak. Unlike Lukashin, who knows how to competently use chaos, Hippolyte breaks down in unforeseen situations. He is used to playing only by the rules, and the lack of boundaries makes him feel unarmed in the face of the elements. Psychotype — sanguine.
The most striking features of Hippolytus are rationality, «earthing», materialism and distrust. He knows exactly what is right and what is wrong. No force in the world will force him to go against principles. He understands the value of money. This can be called stinginess and stinginess, but in the overall picture of his personality — rather, another facet of rationality and practicality.
If you think about it, Hippolyte voices cruel, but sober things.
The directness and truthfulness of Hippolytus are not immediately evident. Against the backdrop of flaring love between the characters, they are perceived as an attempt to denigrate a great and pure feeling. But if you think about it, then Ippolit voices cruel, but sober things. And this kind of sacrifice (after all, the messenger who brings bad news most often faces a sad fate) speaks in his favor. This is a brave and honest act, even if it is caused by despair, resentment and fear of loneliness.
Marya Dmitrievna, Zhenya’s mother: mistress of the house, mistress of life
An excellent cook, a tactful wise woman — at first glance, Zhenya’s mother is simply perfect. However, her relationship with her son is not as simple as it seems. Somehow she had a huge influence over him. Most likely, it was precisely because of this that Lukashin, at a fairly mature age, still did not dare to tie the knot.
It can be assumed that she is a sanguine person — both in life and in the soul of this woman, peace and order reign. Not without minor annoyances, of course, but she is sure that with a firm hand she will calmly settle any problems. After all, she always knows how to do the right thing, knows how to do it without losing self-esteem.
Tanya, Nadia’s friend: the trailer that never stops
The choleric temperament of the heroine Leah Akhedzhakova is one of the highlights of the film. Restless, active, enterprising Tanya is always ready to help her friend, share with her both joys and anxieties. She stands up for the happiness of loved ones, so even on a festive night she is ready to rush to the first call for help. She is sociable and contact (after all, she celebrates the New Year with friends), her active nature simply could not bear a quiet family holiday for two. Tanya is a pronounced choleric, who also has negative traits, such as irrepressible curiosity, perseverance and authority. But they are simply impossible to notice behind the huge charm of this character.
Who are you in «Irony of Fate»?
The popular love for this film consists of many factors, and one of the main ones is that we see ourselves as one of the characters. When everything goes well for him, it gives us hope that everything will work out for us too.
People are not perfect, and only work on yourself allows you to build harmonious relationships.
Want to find yourself in a movie? Think about which of the main characters you associate yourself with, then it will become clear what you can do to find happiness.
- If with Zhenya, be bolder. Sincerity and directness in dealing with people give better results than manipulation. Allow yourself to be honest, make decisions and stand up for them.
- If with Nadia, then it’s time for you to stop feeling sorry for yourself and soberly evaluate your life. Security is no substitute for freedom, and the right relationship is not necessarily a happy one.
- If with Hippolyte, then it’s time to give up total control and learn to give loved ones the right to make mistakes and doubts.
People are not perfect, and only work on yourself allows you to build harmonious relationships. Revisit the «Irony of Fate», let this film decorate the winter evening and help make your whole life happy.