Meaning: The quote provided is from Atom Egoyan, a Canadian film director known for his thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of complex themes such as identity, memory, and morality. This particular quote seems to encapsulate the themes of identity confusion, emotional detachment, and the psychological impact of certain actions, which are recurrent motifs in Egoyan's body of work.

In the quote, Egoyan seems to be referring to a character or a situation in one of his films, where a person's identity is somehow switched or confused. This notion of identities being switched can be interpreted in a literal sense, where a character's identity is mistaken for another, or it could also symbolize a more metaphorical shifting or blurring of identities. This theme of identity confusion is a recurring motif in Egoyan's films, often serving as a metaphor for broader societal and existential questions.

The quote also touches upon the emotional implications of such identity confusion. Egoyan suggests that the character in question "has not been trained to feel" these emotional implications, indicating a sense of emotional detachment or repression. This emotional detachment may stem from the character's attempts to separate himself from certain actions or aspects of his identity. Egoyan's exploration of emotional detachment and its consequences is a common theme in his films, often delving into the psychological complexities of his characters and the impact of their actions on their emotional well-being.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the character's life being "about separating himself from these sorts of actions." This separation could be interpreted in various ways, including a dissociation from one's own actions, a desire to distance oneself from one's past, or a refusal to acknowledge certain aspects of one's identity. Egoyan's characters often grapple with the consequences of their past actions and seek to either atone for them or distance themselves from their repercussions, leading to a sense of internal conflict and moral ambiguity.

Atom Egoyan's films are known for their intricate and multilayered narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience. His exploration of identity, memory, and emotional detachment often creates a haunting and introspective atmosphere, inviting viewers to contemplate the psychological and moral dimensions of his characters' experiences.

In conclusion, the quote by Atom Egoyan captures the essence of his thematic preoccupations, including identity confusion, emotional detachment, and the psychological impact of certain actions. Through his films, Egoyan invites audiences to contemplate the intricacies of human experience, often blurring the lines between reality and perception, and delving into the emotional and moral complexities of his characters. This quote serves as a glimpse into the thought-provoking and introspective nature of Egoyan's work, offering a window into the profound themes that permeate his cinematic storytelling.