Astral projection

Beyond the Body: Exploring Astral Projection on Film

Okay, so astral projection – the idea of your consciousness separating from your physical body and traveling elsewhere? It’s a concept ripe for cinematic exploration, isn't it? For centuries, it’s been woven into spiritual practices and folklore, promising glimpses beyond our everyday reality. And naturally, filmmakers have latched onto that promise, sometimes with profound results, other times… well, let’s just say the execution can be interesting.

The appeal is obvious. It taps into a deep human desire: to transcend limitations, to know what lies beyond. Think about it – we're constantly bombarded with narratives about escaping our circumstances, whether that's through fantasy novels or sci-fi adventures. Astral projection offers a kind of internal escape route, a way to bypass the physical world entirely.

Now, Mandao Returns is a fascinating example of how this concept can be blended into something genuinely quirky and entertaining. It’s not your typical serious exploration; it's more about embracing the absurdity of time travel and spectral encounters. The film uses astral projection as a plot device – a way to connect with the past, communicate with spirits (a B-movie actress, no less!), and generally create a wonderfully chaotic Christmas adventure. It’s got that playful, almost self-aware tone that reminds me a little of early Edgar Wright films - just pure, unadulterated fun.

Then you have something like Deathstalker II. This one leans into the fantasy/sword & sorcery genre, using astral projection (or at least, something akin to it – Reena's "seeing" feels very close) as a tool for prophecy and revealing hidden truths. It’s less about the mechanics of leaving your body and more about accessing information beyond normal perception. It highlights how this concept can be used to add an element of mystery and intrigue to a fantastical narrative, even if it's not explicitly labeled "astral projection."

The history of portraying astral projection on film is surprisingly varied. You see echoes of it in early silent films exploring spiritualism, then more overt depictions in the New Age-influenced cinema of the 70s and 80s. Even today, you find subtle nods to the idea in shows like Stranger Things, where characters experience out-of-body sensations or dreamwalk into other people’s minds.

Ultimately, films that engage with astral projection aren't necessarily about proving its existence (though some certainly try!). They are about exploring themes of consciousness, identity, and our place within the universe. Whether it's a comedic romp like Mandao Returns or a heroic quest in Deathstalker II, the concept provides fertile ground for filmmakers to ask big questions – even if they answer them with a healthy dose of fantastical flair.

What do you think? Have you seen any other films that play with this idea, even tangentially? I'd love to hear about them!