In the movie White Oleander, Ingrid is Astrid's Mother. Ingrid murders a guy name Barry that she loves and is forced to go to jail. Ingrid displays characteristics that may well fit the definition of narcissism, as she is very self-absorbed, focusing on her work, pleasures and interests, to the point of ignoring the needs of her daughter. This type of behavior can be seen when Astrid reminds her mother about a parent-teacher meeting. Ingrid admits that she has forgotten the conference and has already made another commitment. There is no regret for Ingrid that she cannot attend the conference, merely the assumption that Astrid will understand that Ingrid's art, and the sacrifices that it requires must be understood and accepted. Astrid appears disappointed and states, somewhat longingly, that "all the other parents will be there." Ingrid's response to her daughter's statement is one of dismissal, rather that understanding and empathy, as she tells her it is not necessary for her to attend the conference as there is nothing that the teacher could possibly tell her about Astrid that she (Ingrid) does not already know. Ingrid also displays narcissistic tendencies in that she has very strong ideals about how she feels Astrid should dress and appear. Ingrid is very opposed to the Gothic style that Astrid finds interesting. Ingrid does not seek to support Astrid as she seeks to discover her own likes and preferences, but instead makes it very obvious that she does not approve.
Later on during the movie, Astrid is placed in foster care, and through several difficulties, is moved from one house to another. In part 7, we see Astrid living with a foster parent named Claire. Claire is an aspiring actress who suffers from depression and an unfulfilling marriage. Claire's relationship with Astrid is one that would exist between peers, rather than a parent -child relationship. This can be seen as Claire describes her friendship with Astrid, in which they “talk about everything". Claire is emotionally unstable and looks to Astrid to fill her own needs. In seeking to meet her needs for companionship, understanding and love, Claire is unable to provide the stability and guidance that Astrid, or any other child in such a situation, would need. It is also revealed in this part, that the decision to bring Astrid into their home was to "help" Claire, rather than providing help for Astrid. Clearly, the parent-child dynamics in this relationship are lacking, if not completely reversed. Despite the relationships limitations, Claire does provide love and affection that Astrid has never received from Ingrid. Astrid becomes very attached to Claire. However, after a fight with her husband, and the threat of divorce, Claire commits suicide, in part 8, while Astrid sleeps in the bed beside her. Of course, Astrid is the first to find Claire and the shock of such a discovery is overwhelming and traumatizing and yet another loss for Astrid.
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