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The author discusses the film The Believer (2001) as illustrative of ambivalence and conflict regarding aggression in the father-son relationship. The biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, a preoccupation of the film's protagonist, is explored in terms of its implications in considering oedipal rivalry themes. Filial conflict regarding the wish to surrender to the father is explored, as are conflicts regarding masculine and feminine identifications. The theme of Jewish self-hatred is discussed.