Motivation In Cast Away

In the movie Cast Away several different concepts of motivation and emotions are exemplified. Maslow’s Hierarchy is of particular interest when analyzing the events throughout the movie. In addition, the emotions of the main character, Chuck, can be examined as his position in the hierarchy changes over his time both on and off the island. At the start of the movie, Chuck seems to be in the esteem tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy as he is managing the FedEx workers trying to prove himself to his superiors. Chuck would appear to be extrinsically motivated by the reward of getting a vacation for working through Christmas. Chuck also demonstrates self-regulation when he decides to get on the plane rather than getting back in the car with Kelly. This

belongingness) makes him delusional. Chuck begins socially interacting with a blood-stained volleyball to satisfy this need. This example aligns with the drive reduction theory which states that motivation arises from a need or drive which is not being adequately met. Another example of this theory is when Chuck’s tooth pain becomes too great to bear, so he is motivated to the point that he knocks his own tooth out. After four years on the island, Chuck has become entirely reliant on “Wilson” the volleyball as his source for social interaction. When he kicks Wilson away in a fit of anger, Chuck realizes that he will no longer be able to socially interact and becomes emotionally distressed. This realization drives Chuck to search for Wilson until he is found and can again satisfy Chuck’s need for social interaction. Chuck is still unable to reach the esteem tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy because he cannot fulfill his romantic drive to reunite with Kelly. Chuck’s drive to see Kelly again motivates him to build a raft and to set himself adrift in the ocean. In doing this however, Chuck again puts himself on the physiological level of the hierarchy because he must constantly collect food and water, or else he would parish at