1 Sulkunen, Pekka (2007): Images of addiction: representations of addictions in films. Addiction Research and Theory, December 2007, 15(6): 543-559. Images of Addiction. Representations of addictions in films. Pekka Sulkunen Professor Department of Sociology P.O.Box 18 (Unioninkatu 35) FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland Pekka.Sulkunen@helsinki.fi Running title: Images of Addiction KEYWORDS: addiction, representations, films, content analysis, modalities ABSTRACT: A film clip archive on tobacco, alcohol, drugs and gambling was assembled, consisting of 140 scenes from 47 Finnish and international films. A typology of representations of addiction is developed on the basis of the semiotic theory of modalities. It centres around four modal groups: willing, competence, ability and obligation. The classical image of modern addiction is lack of will or loss of control. This is represented in alcoholism films with strong AA-influence. Competence is often involved in drug scenes showing people enjoying their individualistic freedom and skill in building authentic identities. Ability is a core theme in gambling movies but sometimes it plays a role in alcoholism scenes too. Obligation, or necessity, plays a role in especially drug scenes where the subject struggles with a pressing desire or need. Examples of these types of scenes are described. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Warm thanks to Michael Egerer and Sanna Rönkä for their work on the film scenes