Mythologium 2020 welcomes Dr. Nicola Tannion

Nicola’s presentation is titled, “Joaquin Phoenix: A Messenger for the Zeitgeist”

The two films Mary Magdalene and Joker are on the surface joined by one common element: American-born actor, director, and producer, Joaquin Phoenix. Both films are vastly different in the time period, costumes, make-up, and context. As the protagonist in each film, Phoenix’s ability to traverse the worlds through the characters of Jesus and Joker indicates the presence of the mythological figure Hermes. Film, in general, reveals the underlying concerns of the populous, and as such the polarity of the choices we in the zeitgeist face today. This presentation will use archetypal, mythological, and depth psychological perspectives to examine Phoenix as a conduit for the Divine Messenger archetype both on and off the screen, the messages themselves, and the possible future realities for America.

About Nicola:

Nicola Tannion holds a PhD in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA (2017). As writer, teacher, and bridge-builder she is adept at creating an awareness of the connections between different cultures and worlds, ideas, and communities. Nicola has presented at national and international conferences: Popular Culture conference (United States 2018, 2019), Australasian Irish Studies Conference (Australia 2018), and as adjunct faculty at Antioch University Seattle.

Visit Nicola’s website at www.nicolatannion.com.