Narcissistic characters have long held a certain allure in the world of cinema. Their grandiose sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and insatiable craving for admiration often make for riveting storylines and complex character arcs. This article shines the spotlight on 15 such captivating “movies about narcissistic” characters that offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
1. “Gaslight” (1944)
The term ‘gaslighting’, a form of psychological manipulation that narcissists often employ, owes its origin to this classic film. In “Gaslight”, we see the malevolent Gregory (Charles Boyer) slowly driving his wife Paula (Ingrid Bergman) to the brink of insanity through a series of calculated mind games. The movie is a chilling reminder of the lengths a narcissist will go to assert control and dominance over their victims.
2. “To Die For” (1995)
In this dark comedy, Nicole Kidman gives a riveting performance as Suzanne Stone, a ruthless TV personality who will stop at nothing to achieve fame. Stone’s relentless pursuit of her narcissistic aspirations, even to the point of committing murder, provides a stark portrayal of the destructive power of narcissism.
3. “Citizen Kane” (1941)
Often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, “Citizen Kane” presents a profound exploration of unchecked ambition and narcissism. The film’s protagonist, Charles Foster Kane, is a media magnate whose insatiable thirst for power and success leads to his eventual downfall.
4. “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006)
In “The Devil Wears Prada”, the world of high fashion serves as the backdrop for a riveting tale of narcissism. Meryl Streep’s portrayal of the demanding and self-absorbed editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly, offers a compelling study of a narcissist in a position of power.
5. “The Invisible Man” (2020)
This modern adaptation of H.G. Wells’ novel delves into the terrifying world of an invisible narcissist. The film follows Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) as she tries to escape the clutches of her abusive ex, who has found a way to become invisible. It’s a gripping tale of a victim’s struggle to expose her invisible tormentor.
6. “Arthur” (1981)
This comedy-drama presents a light-hearted take on the theme with its depiction of Arthur, a narcissistic alcoholic played by Dudley Moore. Arthur’s journey from being a self-centered man-child to a somewhat mature individual, thanks to his relationship with Linda (Liza Minnelli), forms the crux of the story.
7. “Matilda” (1996)
While primarily a children’s film, “Matilda” offers a poignant depiction of narcissism through the characters of Matilda’s neglectful parents. Matilda’s journey to self-discovery and her use of her psychokinetic powers to combat her narcissistic parents’ neglect and cruelty make for an inspiring narrative.
8. “Mean Girls” (2004)
“Mean Girls” introduces us to the narcissistic world of high school cliques. Regina George, the leader of ‘The Plastics’, embodies teenage narcissism at its peak. The film’s humorous take on the dynamics of high school popularity and Regina’s eventual downfall offers a satisfying arc.
9. “American Psycho” (2000)
This psychological thriller delves into the mind of Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a Wall Street investment banker by day, and a serial killer by night. Bateman’s obsession with status and appearance, coupled with his lack of empathy and remorse, paints a chilling portrait of a narcissistic psychopath.
10. “Mommy Dearest” (1981)
Based on Christina Crawford’s real-life experiences, “Mommy Dearest” portrays the horrifying reality of living with a narcissistic mother. Crawford’s mother, the infamous Hollywood actress Joan Crawford, is depicted as an emotionally and physically abusive narcissist.
11. “Gone Girl” (2014)
“Gone Girl” is a gripping tale of a woman who fakes her own death to frame her husband for murder. Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) embodies the traits of a narcissist with her need to be the center of attention, her manipulation, and her deceptive plotting.
12. “The Talented Mr. Ripley” (1999)
This film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel presents a fascinating character study of the narcissistic Tom Ripley. Ripley’s oscillation between grandiosity and self-doubt, his charm and manipulation, and his capacity for retaliation make for a complex and captivating character.
13. “Black Swan” (2010)
“Black Swan” delves into the life of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a ballerina whose life is governed by her narcissistic mother, Erica (Barbara Hershey). Erica’s controlling and infantilizing behaviors, coupled with her self-obsession, contribute to Nina’s descent into psychological illness.
14. “August: Osage County” (2013)
This family drama presents a narcissistic matriarch, Violet Weston (Meryl Streep), whose manipulative tactics and addiction issues wreak havoc on her family. The film explores the impact of her narcissism on her daughters and the fear of repeating the cycle of abuse.
15. “Joker” (2019)
This origin story of the infamous comic book villain, the Joker, provides a compelling exploration of a highly disturbed individual with narcissistic traits. Arthur Fleck’s (Joaquin Phoenix) obsession with his aspiring stand-up comedy career and his craving for attention form the basis of his descent into villainy.
Final Thoughts
Whether they are portrayed as charming manipulators, ruthless power-seekers, or troubled individuals, narcissistic characters make for interesting and complex narratives. These “movies about narcissistic” characters not only offer captivating storylines and performances, but they also provide us with a lens to better understand and navigate the world of narcissism. Watching these films might just help us recognize and deal with narcissistic behavior in our own lives, making them a valuable addition to our movie-watching list.
