Films whose heroes ache for validation
July 17, 2023 9:40 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for examples of movies (not TV) where the main character, due to a hidden inferiority complex, is desperate to prove to the world that s/he is worthy.
I feel like this trope is more common with antagonists with a chip on their shoulder/something to prove - but I'm looking for protagonist-examples.
The main character in this movie is ideally not someone on a redemption quest, and not a character whose flaw is Selfishness/self-absorption, but rather someone who has an emotional, personal reason for feeling inferior all his/her life and therefore wanting to be validated on a large scale. That validation could take the form of fame, glory, saving the world, etc.
And bonus points if the movie starts with a scene or contains a flashback where we see where this inferiority complex came from. Thanks!
I feel like this trope is more common with antagonists with a chip on their shoulder/something to prove - but I'm looking for protagonist-examples.
The main character in this movie is ideally not someone on a redemption quest, and not a character whose flaw is Selfishness/self-absorption, but rather someone who has an emotional, personal reason for feeling inferior all his/her life and therefore wanting to be validated on a large scale. That validation could take the form of fame, glory, saving the world, etc.
And bonus points if the movie starts with a scene or contains a flashback where we see where this inferiority complex came from. Thanks!
It's a Wonderful Life
posted by CathyG at 10:03 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by CathyG at 10:03 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
The Social Network
posted by alchemist at 10:13 PM on July 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by alchemist at 10:13 PM on July 17, 2023 [1 favorite]
Amadeus.
posted by praemunire at 10:26 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by praemunire at 10:26 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
The Bear has several protagonists who have this trait to varying degrees.
Kit in A League of Their Own.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
posted by lunasol at 11:15 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
Kit in A League of Their Own.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
posted by lunasol at 11:15 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I may be interpreting this on a more internal level than you mean, but...when you say "character in pursuit of validation," I say "Eleanor Vance" (The Haunting).
And I mean, self-absorption certainly plays into the character, but dare I say Boogie Nights? The scene with Eddie/Dirk's mom toward the beginning is kind of the beating heart behind the whole film, in terms of both his individual character arc, and the broader emotional themes.
If we're really getting weird here, then Diane Selwyn (Mulholland Drive).
posted by desert outpost at 2:48 AM on July 18, 2023
And I mean, self-absorption certainly plays into the character, but dare I say Boogie Nights? The scene with Eddie/Dirk's mom toward the beginning is kind of the beating heart behind the whole film, in terms of both his individual character arc, and the broader emotional themes.
If we're really getting weird here, then Diane Selwyn (Mulholland Drive).
posted by desert outpost at 2:48 AM on July 18, 2023
Best answer: An officer and a gentleman
posted by charles kaapjes at 4:36 AM on July 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by charles kaapjes at 4:36 AM on July 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Sally Bowles in Cabaret! Liza Minnelli is fantastic in this movie.
posted by cakelite at 5:07 AM on July 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
posted by cakelite at 5:07 AM on July 18, 2023 [2 favorites]
I'm not sure that Captain America: The First Avenger 100% fits this description, but it definitely has the "flashback that shows being previously inferior".
posted by Night_owl at 5:11 AM on July 18, 2023
posted by Night_owl at 5:11 AM on July 18, 2023
Whiplash
posted by windbox at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by windbox at 6:14 AM on July 18, 2023 [1 favorite]
Ex Machina (Caleb in every interaction with Natan and even Ava)
Lord of the Rings (Frodo is just a hobbit, not a wizard, elf, dwarf, or even a human)
Several of the "Brat Pack" movies: Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, etc
Almost every Wes Anderson movie also has a major character who feels inferior to those around them. (e.g. young Zero in Grand Budapest)
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 8:51 AM on July 18, 2023
Lord of the Rings (Frodo is just a hobbit, not a wizard, elf, dwarf, or even a human)
Several of the "Brat Pack" movies: Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, etc
Almost every Wes Anderson movie also has a major character who feels inferior to those around them. (e.g. young Zero in Grand Budapest)
posted by SegFaultCoreDump at 8:51 AM on July 18, 2023
Moana. It's a bit of a redemption arc, but not exactly because the character doesn't realize that's he's the cause of the antagonist.
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:39 AM on July 18, 2023
posted by The_Vegetables at 11:39 AM on July 18, 2023
The protagonist in A Matter of Life and Death has to convince himself that he is worthy of living.
posted by biffa at 1:19 PM on July 18, 2023
posted by biffa at 1:19 PM on July 18, 2023
Wicked, once it comes out, will be this, because it's the plot of the stage musical.
posted by Threeve at 3:29 AM on July 23, 2023
posted by Threeve at 3:29 AM on July 23, 2023
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posted by Fiasco da Gama at 9:56 PM on July 17, 2023 [2 favorites]