saclib.files.wordpress.com€¦ · Web viewAbre los ojos ("Open Your Eyes") Genre: Drama Year: 1997 Rating: R. Actors: Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Cheta Lera

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Abre los ojos ("Open Your Eyes")Genre: Drama Year: 1997 Rating: R

Actors: Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Cheta Lera

Topics: Treatment, Trauma

Spanish film told in retrospect as an imprisoned man, whose face is horribly disfigured, tells his story to a psychiatrist. How's his reality testing? Remade as Vanilla Sky; see this original. [Suggested by Erin Gustin, University of Southeastern Indiana]

Adaptation Favorite

Genre: Comedy/Drama Year: 2002 Rating: R

Actors: Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris CooperTopics: Personality Disorder, Mood Disorder

Nicholas Cage plays identical twin brothers with very different personalities. The protagonist, Charlie, is a screenwriting with writer's block. He also has great difficulty in social interactions. Consider the diagnostic criteria for Avoidant Personality Disorder as you watch this. Disappointing ending, but entertaining throughout. Diagnosis for Meryl Streep?

Agnes of God

Genre: Drama Year: 1985 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Jane Fonda, Meg Tilly, Anne Bancroft

Topics: Treatment, Psychosis, Forensic

Meg Tilly as a novice nun who became pregnant and the baby is found strangled in the cloistered convent. Jane Fonda as the psychiatrist appointed to determine if Tilly is mentally competent to stand trial.[Suggested by Nell Stewart]

All About Eve Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1950 Rating: NR-PG

Actors: Bette Davis, Ann Baxter, George Sanders

Topics: Personality Disorder, Marital Conflict

Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Writing and more.

A classic movie. Pay close attention to Eve through the film. Also, what about Margo? Realistic at end? If she were in treatment in the midst of her turmoil, how would you have treated her?

American History X

Genre: Drama Year: 1998 Rating: R

Actors: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo

Topics: Multicultural

A neo-Nazi (Edward Norton) in prison for murder begins to question his prejudiced belief system. When he is released, his goal is to "deprogram" his brother.

American Splendor Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 2003 Rating: R

Actors: Paul Giamatti, Harvey Pekar, Hope Davis

Topics: Depression, Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder

Very interesting and unique film. Drags a bit at the end, though. Story of Harvey Pekar's life (he's the "poster child" for the DSM-III according to his wife). Full of characters with quirks (psychopathology?) who are still functioning in their lives. My favorite is Toby, the self-proclaimed nerd (pronounced "nyerd") who is autistic. Having worked in a VA hospital, I can attest that the climate in the file room is right on the mark!

An Angel at My Table Favorite


Actors: Kerry Fox, Alexia Keogh, Karen Fergusson

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder, Depression

Autobiography of a New Zealand poet who was misdiagnosed as schizophrenic and spent 8 years in a mental hospital. Disturbing portrayals of treatment at the time - ECT, start of leucotomies. Consider her personality issues - Avoidant? Social Phobia? Another case where art, in this case writing, allows her to tolerate the traumas of her life.

Analyze This Favorite

Genre: Comedy Year: 1999 Rating: R

Actors: Robert DeNiro, Billy Crystal, Lisa Kudrow

Topics: Treatment, Anxiety Disorder

I really liked this movie. The portrayal of mixed anxiety and depression (delayed onset PTSD?) is terrific. Unfortunately, the movie also demonstrates how not to be an ethical psychiatrist (can you count the number of ways that he violates confidentiality?), but he still is effective (if you believe in the therapeutic miracle of sudden insight). The best character in the movie is the loyal goon, Jelly. He was great. See this one.

Angel Baby


Actors: John Lynch, Jacqueline McKenzie, Colin Friels

Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia

An Australian film about two schizophrenics who fall in love at group therapy. Everything is fine until they decide to stop taking their medications and she becomes pregnant. [Suggested by Tammy Schneider, Champaign, IL]

Antwone Fisher Favorite


Actors: Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant

Topics: Treatment, Childhood Disorder

Excellent film. Military psychiatrist treats navyman with apparent impulse control problems, as well as other underlying issues. Based on a true story. Lots of material to analyze - ethical issues in treatment? Influence of childhood traumas? Magical cure at end?

Anywhere But Here


Actors: Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman, Hart Bochner

Topics: Personality Disorder

I saw this film on an airplane - not outstanding, but I didn't take off my headphones! Susan Sarandon portrays a mother "who knows best" with a teenage daughter "who knows better" as they move from a small town to Beverly Hills. The mother clearly has a mixed personality picture - histrionic, dependent, borderline?

Arsenic and Old Lace

Genre: Comedy Year: 1944 Rating: NR-PG-13

Actors: Cary Grant, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair

Topics: Psychosis

Classic movie with Cary Grant discovering his aunts poison gentleman visitors and his brother thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill. [Suggested by Darlene Puck, Cincinnati, OH]

As Good As It Gets Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1997 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt

Topics: OCD, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Actress. Jack Nicholson with Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder, as well as plenty of Axis II. Really great movie.

At Close Range


Actors: Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Mary Stuart Masterson


Movie about a son's (Sean Penn) relationship (or lack thereof) with his clearly psychopathic father (Christopher Walken). Based on a true story. [Suggested by Laura Cronin, Marywood University, PA]

Autumn Leaves

Genre: Drama Year: 1956 Rating: NR

Actors: Joan Crawford, Cliff Robertson, Vera Miles

Topics: Treatment, Depression

Joan Crawford as the older woman who marries a younger man after a whirlwind romance, only to discover that he is mentally unbalanced. Should she have him committed? This film lends itself to a Freudian interpretation, as well.

Aviator, The Favorite


Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale

Topics: OCD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting actress and other accomplishments (cinematography, etc.). Excellent movie. There is much room for diagnosis debate - clear OCD symptoms early on, but what about paranoia? Manic-type symptoms? Personality considerations? Be sure to also watch the special features segment on OCD.

Awakenings Favorite


Actors: Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, Julie Kavner

Topics: Neuropsychology, Treatment

Wonderful movie. Based on Oliver Sacks' clinical cases. L-dopa's effects on encephalitis lethargica. Interesting glimpse inside a mental hospital in the 1960s. Why do you think paranoia/psychosis developed after prolonged L-dopa treatment? Neuronal supersensitivity?

Bad Seed, The

Genre: Drama Year: 1956 Rating: NR-PG-13

Actors: Nancy Kelly, Patty McCormack, Henry Jones

Topics: Nature/nurture, Childhood Disorder

I've had several people suggest this and I initially thought it was more horror/suspense and less psychological, until Phil Condron (St. Gregory High, Chicago) pointed out the opportunity to discuss the nature/nurture issue.

Bad Timing


Actors: Art Garfunkel, Theresa Russell, Harvey Keitel

Topics: Personality Disorder, Suicide, Sexual Obsession

This modern film-noir type movie has been hated by some - e.g., the original distribution company removed its logo and called it "a sick movie made by sick people for sick people." Well, I didn't think it was THAT bad - I've certainly seen worse, but I'm not inclined to watch it again. The film is told through a series of flashbacks interspersed with current time, making it a bit hard to follow. By the end, though, you have a sense of where the psychopathologies lie. In addition to the personality disorder issues, what about the psychiatrist's blatant disregard for confidentiality and the inappropriate use of testing? If he is a "research psychoanalyst" in Vienna, does that change the ethics requirement, even if he most likely was trained in the United States?

Beautiful Mind,

A Favorite


Actors: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly

Topics: Schizophrenia

Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress. Russell Crowe portrays Nash, a brilliant mathematician. There is a major plot twist - stop reading here if you don't want it spoiled…We learn that we are misled - situations and characters turn out to be portrayals of Nash's delusional thinking and hallucinations. We see him spiral downward in the throws of his psychotic thinking or the side effects of his medications. What do you think about the suggestion that he was able to self-challenge the reality of the hallucinations, as at the end of the movie? What do you think this movie did for public perception of schizophrenia? If you really want to know his story, read the book - not an easy read, mind you, but with plenty more information missing from the Hollywood version…

Beautiful People


Actors: Thomas Goodridge, Frank Pruti, Tony Peters

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, "Bosnian syndrome," Family Dysfunction

A black comedy from Britain. Much like a lighter version of "Crash." The intertwining of lives and various conflicts allow for discussion of biases and "us" versus "them" mentalities. Also includes reference to "Bosnian syndrome."

Bedlam Favorite


Actors: Boris Karloff, Anna Lee, Billy House

Topics: Treatment

This is a classic portrayal of the famous English asylum, Bedlam, in the late 1700s. This was a time when the rich would pay admission to "view the loonies" and those who were mentally ill, or were political enemies, would be locked away in cages or a dungeon. Younger viewers who may not know the great Boris Karloff as an actor, might recognize his voice - at least those who are fans of the classic animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Behind the Lines (aka Regeneration)


Actors: Jonathan Pryce, James Wilby, Johnny Lee Miller

Topics: Treatment, PTSD

Story of psychiatrist treating World War I soldiers with "shell shock" in an old Victorian castle. Even ECT!

Being There

Genre: Comedy Year: 1979 Rating: PG

Actors: Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas


Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Very funny and interesting film about a gardener (Peter Sellers) whose only exposure to the "real world" outside the wall around the grounds he keeps comes from television. What does it say about our society? Any obvious diagnosis of the gardener (or us?!)?

Benny & Joon Favorite


Actors: Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn

Topics: Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder

Early movie with Johnny Depp who develops a relationship with young woman who is schizophrenic. Diagnostic considerations for Depp's character? Good portrayal of stresses on family, as Joon's brother devotes himself to her care. Depp performs a great impression of Charlie Chaplin's famous "rolls on forks" routine. Cute movie.

Bird


Actors: Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Eating Disorder, Treatment

Story of jazz great Charlie Parker, with drug use and compulsive eating.

Birdy


Actors: Nicolas Cage, Matthew Modine, John Harkins

Topics: PTSD

An early Nicolas Cage movie with two returning Vietnam vets dealing with the aftermath of

their combat experiences - one physically and the other mentally.

Bliss


Actors: Craig Sheffer, Sheryl Lee, Terence Stamp

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Treatment

Newlyweds deal with the wife's psychological difficulties and her revelation that she does not reach orgasm with her husband. Interesting focus on therapy for sexual dysfunction and her movement from Female Orgasmic Disorder to Sexual Aversion Disorder. Think the sex therapist behaves ethically? A good movie, somewhat spoiled by the predictable twist at the end.

Blue Velvet


Actors: Isabella Rossellini, Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper

Topics: Sexual Disorder

Bizarre, somewhat disturbing movie with Isabella Rossellini as a sexual masochist and Dennis Hopper with a variety of quirks. Received mixed reaction from movie reviewers. [Suggested by Michael Rasmussen, University of Queensland, Australia]

Boost, The


Actors: James Woods, Sean Young, John Kapelos

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Family Dysfunction

Sean Young and James Woods get a "boost" from cocaine addiction, at what cost?

Boys Don't Cry


Actors: Hilary Swank, Chloe Sevigney, Peter Sarsgaard

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Personality Disorder, Impulse Control Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Actress. Powerful story based on true events. How does social psychology explain the differences in attitude after the discovery that Brandon is anatomically female? [Suggested by Sheila Fling, Southwest Texas State University]

Breaking the Waves Favorite


Actors: Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgaard, Katrin Cartlidge


Powerful movie about a simple Scottish young woman who marries a Scandinavian oil rigger. He makes a very unusual request of her; was he in his "right mind" when he did? What about a diagnosis for her? [Suggested by Peter Lilliengren, Stockholm University, Sweden]

Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, The


Actors: Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher

Topics: Treatment, Hypnosis

An oldie, but goodie - silent with subtitles. Told from the point of view of a mental patient. [Suggested by Skye Enyeart, Purdue Calumet University, IN]

Caine Mutiny, The Favorite


Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson

Topics: Psychosis, Forensic, Personality

Love this movie. Great cast, with Humphrey Bogart as the captain who begins to unravel under stress. You'll never eat frozen strawberries again without thinking of this movie! What do you think about the lawyer's accusations at the end, would things have been different if they supported the captain, made accomodations for his deficiencies? If you want more resolution at the end, read the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, on which the film was based. [Suggested by Ron Yamauchi]

Camille Claudel


Actors: Isabelle Adjani, Gerard Depardieu, Laurent Grevill

Topics: Psychosis, Treatment

Biography of the French artist, Claudel, who has a "madness of mud" - she's a sculptress. Gerard Depardieu plays Auguste Rodin, with whom she has a less than stable relationship.

Adjani spent most of her adult life in an asylum. [Suggested by Celeste Walling, NY]

Canvas Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 2006 Rating: Pg-13

Actors: Joe Pantoliano

Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction, Treatment

Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this film demonstrates the impact of schizophrenia on the family. As such, I imagine it would be useful in working with families dealing with mental illness in a loved one. Great music and photography.

Captain Newman, M.D. Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1963 Rating: NR-PG

Actors: Gregory Peck, Tony Curtis, Angie Dickinson

Topics: Treatment, PTSD

Great older movie with Gregory Peck as the military psychologist during WW II. Highly recommended.

Caveman's Valentine, A


Actors: Samuel L. Jackson, Colm Feore, Ann Magnuson

Topics: Schizophrenia

A brilliant, but schizophrenic, composer living in a cave in Manhattan tracks down the murderer of a young man, all the while experiencing hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Not a particularly well-reviewed film, but all agreed that Samuel L. Jackson was quite good in the main role. [Suggested by Brad Thomas]

Citizen Kane


Actors: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Dorothy Comingore


A classic. The story of a newspaper publisher's climb to success. Also, the power of early childhood memories?

Clean and Sober


Actors: Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Treatment

Michael Keaton struggles with alcoholism and attends rehab.

Clean, Shaven Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1994 Rating: R (NR)

Actors: Peter Greene, Alice Levitt, Megan Owen

Topics: Schizophrenia, Forensic

This accurate and graphic film depicts life through the eyes of an untreated paranoid schizophrenic searching for his daughter. It does contain some short footage which many may find difficult to watch, but is in keeping with the presentation of psychosis. I found that looking away during these moments did not alter my appreciation of the film. This is one of those odd, independent films which one must "figure out" as it goes along. High on symbolism - be sure to notice the mother's clothing in relation to the setting around her. I find that this film demonstrates beautifully the communication deficits often present in these families - the mother character suggests the now disproved "schizophrenogenic mother" theory, or may be consistent with a strong genetic component to schizophrenia. The depiction of perceptual illusions/hallucinations is very well done. A short film, but one which truly gives a sense of the world view and experiences of a schizophrenic. [Submitted by Peter Lilliengren, Stockholm University, Sweden]

Clockwork Orange, A


Actors: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates

Topics: Personality Disorder, Treatment, Forensic

Bizarre, somewhat disturbing movie, with truly disturbed main characters. Also includes aversion conditioning that backfires. [Suggested by Stacy Landry, Marywood University, PA]

Conspiracy Theory


Actors: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart

Topics: Paranoia

Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts - good combo, but realistic movie? Mel is paranoid, conspiracies everywhere, but once in awhile, "just like a stopped clock," (wonderful analogy from Roger Ebert) he's right. There also is a government psychiatrist (are his treatments therapeutic?!). Diagnosis for Mel? [Suggested by Victoria Mellody, University of Arizona-Tucson]

Copycat


Actors: Sigourney Weaver., Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney

Topics: Anxiety Disorder, Forensic

Sigourney Weaver as an agoraphobic psychologist, oh, and there's a homicidal maniac in the movie. How accurately is the agoraphobia portrayed?

Cosi

Genre: Comedy Year: 1993 Rating: R

Actors: Ben Mendelsohn, Barry Otto, Toni Collette

Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Impulse Control Disorder

A very well-done Australian comedy about a theater major hired to direct a play with the cast comprised of psychiatric patients at the local asylum. Includes pyromaniacs and other diagnoses. Hard to separate patients from staff. [Suggested by Jeff Hill, Marywood University, PA]

Crash Favorite


Actors: Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Ludacris

Topics: Multicultural, PTSD

Academy Award winner for Best Picture. This is a MUST SEE for anyone interested in multicultural issues. Virtually every character demonstrates susceptibility to bias, reliance on stereotypes. It's a major tearjerker at times, so be prepared!

Crumb Favorite

Genre: Documentary Year: 1994 Rating: R

Actors: Robert Crumb, Aline Kominsky, Charles Crumb

Topics: Sexual Disorder,, Family Dysfunction, Psychosis

WOW - a GOLDMINE of material for psychological analysis, and all true! Story of Robert Crumb, famous cartoonist, and his oddities (rising to the level of diagnosis?) and dysfunctional family history. Meeting his brothers and mother is so revealing. So much overlap among the brothers, yet each with his own particular difficulties and psychopathologies, yet all artistic and clearly brilliant. The brother Charles is the most endearing. The film hints at what may have been the root of Charles' depression and suicide attempts. Do you see it? (Suggested by Michael Caruso, University of Toledo, OH]

Crying Game, The


Actors: Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea


Academy Award winner for Writing. This film has one of the biggest plot twists at the end, stop reading now if you don't want it spoiled! It involves a British soldier, Jody, a member of the IRA, Fergus, and Jody's girlfriend, Dil, with whom Fergus develops a relationship, only to ultimately find out that Dil is a cross-dressing man with gender identity disorder. Compare reactions with those in "Boys Don't Cry." The movie also has a haunting theme song.

David and Lisa


Actors: Keir Dullea, Janet Margolin, Howard da Silva

Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Psychosis

Story of romance between young adults in a mental institution.

Deer Hunter, The


Actors: Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep

Topics: PTSD

Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Actor. Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep - a top notch cast portraying the impact of serving in the Vietnam War, showing their lives before, during, and after the conflict. Another look at PTSD. Christopher Walken's character is one worthy of analysis. Also, consider the traumas they experienced as prisoners of war.

Don Juan DeMarco


Actors: Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway

Topics: Delusional Disorder, Family Dysfunction

Johnny Depp (one of my favorites) believes that he is the great lover, Don Juan. He is treated by therapist, Marlon Brando, who, as often happens in the movies, is really treated by his patient. Cute flick.

Donnie Darko


Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Topics: Schizophrenia, Treatment

A cult favorite. See the Director's Cut version. Although intended to be interpreted from a science fiction perspective, the story easily can be analyzed according to traditional schizophrenia and trauma issues.

Don't Bother to Knock Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1952 Rating: NR-PGActors:

Topics: Depression, Psychosis, Personality Disorder

This is not a well-known film and was not a critics' favorite; however, I enjoyed it and believe that in its short 76 minutes it gives plenty of material to digest. Marilyn Monroe plays a young girl hired for the first time to babysit a child at a hotel, as recommended by her uncle, the elevator operator. As the movie progresses, we learn that she was recently released from a mental institution, "almost cured," almost being the operative word. I enjoyed the movie and Monroe's performance. Consider suggestions of her childhood experiences, the concept of diathesis-stress in the onset of psychopathology, and the possible personality disorder present.

Don't Say a Word


Actors: Michael Douglas, Sean Bean, Brittany Murphy

Topics: Treatment, PTSD, Dissociative

The daughter of a psychiatrist is kidnapped and the abductors demand that he break through to a catatonic girl, who holds the secret to the location of a hidden gem, in order to get his daughter back. [Suggested by Marcia J. McKinley, Mt. St. Mary's College]

Dressed to Kill


Actors: Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen

Topics: Sexual Disorders, Treatment, Personality Disorder

Serial killer on the loose, Michael Caine as a New York psychiatrist specializing in sexual disorders, and any more details and I'll reveal the plot twists. Sort of a Psycho wannabe.

Ed Wood


Actors: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor. Johnny Depp as the quirky movie maker - and transvestite. His friends also have their share of psychopathology. Cute film.

Enduring Love Favorite


Actors: Daniel Craig, Rhys Ifans, Samantha Morton

Topics: Psychosis, Anxiety, Family Dysfunction

This film, base on Ian McEwan's novel, has one of the most unique opening scenes. Through a chance event, a strange man develops the delusional belief (erotomania) that he has a romantic relationship with a male college professor, who, ironically, lectures on the sociobiology of love. The professor suffers from acute post traumatic stress disorder, coupled with the anxiety of being stalked. See my article on the topic for more information.

Equus


Actors: Richard Burton, Peter Firth, Colin Blakely

Topics: Conduct Disorder, Psychodynamic

According to the submitter: "Bitter, disillusioned shrink Richard Burton treats a young boy who has blinded horses, seemingly for no reason. Seemingly. Based on the fascinating play" [Suggested by Ron Yamauchi]

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


Actors: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood

http://sites.google.com/site/psychologyinfilm/erotomania

Topics: Personality Disorder, Treatment

Although beloved by many, this film didn't rapture me. Consider the "treatment" issue and ethics of those administering it (we can imagine that they are "mental health professionals"). Also consider Clementine's personality - disordered? Does the storyline support the concept that personalities can't be changed through treatment?

Fatal Attraction Favorite


Actors: Michael Douglas, Glenn Close, Anne Archer

Topics: Personality Disorder, Family Dysfunction

A film which demonstrates why flings can be dangerous. Glenn Close as the spurned "flingee." Get out the Borderline Personality Disorder criteria…

Fearless Favorite


Actors: Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rosselini, Rosie Perez

Topics: PTSD, Treatment

Very powerful, have plenty of tissues handy (particularly if you are a parent). The film effectively illustrates how people can have very different reactions to the same traumatic experience, in this case a plane crash. Jeff Bridges and Rosie Perez are great. [Suggested by Laura McGee]

Fight Club


Actors: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter

Topics: Dissociative, Freudian

I thought this was on the list, but Chad Loewen (Trinity Western University) pointed out that it was missing! The film can be considered to be the personification of Edward Norton's psyche. After you've seen it once, watch it again once you know what to look for.

Fisher King, The


Actors: Robin Williams, jeff Bridges, Mercedes Ruehl

Topics: Psychosis, Depression, Suicide

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. A suicidal radio DJ (Jeff Bridges) meets up with a deranged street person (Robin Williams) who catches him up in his psychosis - folie a deux? Also their relationship seems to bring salvation for both. Interesting film.

Four Hundred Blows, The (Les Quatre cents coups)


Actors: Jean-Pierre Leaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Remy

Topics: Conduct Disorder, Family Dysfunction

French movie at the cutting edge of the "new wave" of filmmaking in 1959, this movie depicts the troubled life of a young boy, his time in juvenile hall, his dealings with the school psychologist, and his dysfunctional family. Think about conditioning theory as it relates to when he is punished (e.g., when returning the typewriter that he stole). [Submitted by Shanna Cross, Youngstown State University, OH]

Frances


Actors: Jessica Lange, Kim Stanley, Sam Shepard

Topics: Paranoia

Jessica Lange portrays the 1930s actress, Frances Farmer, who is placed in a mental institution by her overbearing mother.

Frenzy Favorite


Actors: Jon Finch, Alec McCowen, Barry Foster

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Personality Disorder

A classic Hitchcock story full of suspense, dotted with humor (I love the chief inspector's wife), and with a smattering of psychoanalytical explanations thrown in. Another one to pair with Frontline's Mind of a Murderer, the true story of the Hillside Strangler.

Gaslight Favorite


Actors: Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotton

Topics: Delusional Disorder, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Actress. A great movie! How a woman can come to believe that she's crazy, when she isn't!

Girl, Interrupted Favorite


Actors: Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall

Topics: Depression, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. I really enjoyed this movie! I suspect that the "Borderline" diagnosis given to Susanna more appropriately refers to her psychotic depression, with the former use of the term referring to the zone between neurosis and psychosis, i.e., on the "borderline" of psychosis. "Lisa" demonstrates a good manic, and seems more of today's "Borderline Personality Disorder" than the movie's Antisocial Personality Disorder diagnosis. What do you think? [Submitted by Desiree Jasso, California State San Marcos

Gone with the Wind Favorite


Actors: Vivian Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland


Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress. A woman coping with life during the Civil War. A classic. Scarlett's diagnosis? Histrionic? Borderline? Antisocial? Consider her behavior in light of the culture of the time. My favorite line in the movie, "Askin' ain't gettin'."

Good Will Hunting


Actors: Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actor and Writing. Robin Williams provides psychological treatment for the main character. Some ethical violations, and at first seems like too much self-disclosure, but it served a therapeutic purpose. I'm not quite sure that the catharsis depicted truly would have cured both the Axis I and II disorders depicted in the untreated - "bad (?) " Will Hunting. Academy award winner. [Submitted by Allen Stigers, Pacific Lutheran University, WA]

Harold and Maude

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1971 Rating: PG

Actors: Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles

Topics: Depression, Nihilism, Suicide

A rich, 20-year-old man obsessed with death meets an elderly woman at a funeral and develops his first meaningful relationship. Involves faked suicides, and a real one, but are the characters actually depressed? [Suggested by Carey Corbett, University of South Florida]

Harvey Favorite

Genre: Comedy Year: 1950 Rating: NR-PG

Actors: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow

Topics: Psychosis, Drugs/Alcohol, Treatment

Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. Classic comedy with Jimmy Stewart hallucinating (?) a six-foot rabbit named Harvey. Consider the portrayal of psychiatry and the mental asylum and the apparent ease with which one seemed to be able to commit a person. Also, one might think Harvey was a result of too much alcohol, but do we actually see Jimmy Stewart ever drink? Hmmm. My favorite lines are Elwood's quoting his mother: "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh-so-smart or oh-so-pleasant," and his conclusion, "Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant." Is it a personality disorder to be too nice, too polite? Ah, if we all were so afflicted! Parallels with Peter Sellers in "Being There" and Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump?" [Suggested by Joy Szuhay, Clarks Summit, PA]

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (A la folie…pas du tout) Favorite


Actors: Audrey Tautou, Samuel Le Bihan

Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction

In French with English subtitles. A young art student is having an affair with a married cardiologist whose wife is pregnant. She becomes suicidal when it is apparent that he is not going to leave the wife. Seems like a classic tale, until the second half of the movie, when the film rewinds and we see all the same events from the doctor's perspective.. This is the case of a delusional disorder subtype. See my article on the topic for more information. Very entertaining.

Heavenly Creatures

http://sites.google.com/site/psychologyinfilm/erotomania


Actors: Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet, Sara Peirse

Topics: Personality Disorder, Family Dysfunction, Treatment

According to the submitter: "Historically near-perfect account of two girls with a rich fantasy life. When threatened with separation, they retaliate -- with murder. Can you say folie a deux? Kate Winslet signals future superstardom." [Suggested by Ron Yamauchi]

Hours, The Favorite


Actors: Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep

Topics: Depression, Suicide

Academy Award winner for Best Actress (Nicole Kidman). One of the best portrayals of the painful depths and hopelessness of depression and its effects on others. Nicole Kidman portrays Virginia Woolf, who is writing the novel Mrs. Dalloway, while another woman is reading the book in the 1950s, and a third present day woman is living it. All three lives have parallels of depression and suicide. Fantastic portrayal of the impact of depression on family members and the power of endogenous depression. What motivates the suicides portrayed in the film? See my article on the topic.

House of Games


Actors: Joe Mantegna, Lindsay Crouse, Mike Nussbuam

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder

Joe Mantegna as a con artist whose life fascinates a psychologist/author, luring her into his world of deceit. Suspenseful, quality movie.

House of Yes Favorite


Actors: Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling

Topics: Psychosis, Personality Disorder

I loved this movie. Absolutely great, quick dialogue. A young man brings his fiancé home to meet his family - we learn that she is the very first house guest and it is clear why. The young man's twin sister believes she is Jackie O and there is a family tradition of reenacting the Kennedy assassination (with ketchup and pasta - until this night), as well as other family

http://sites.google.com/site/psychologyinfilm/suicide

secrets.

Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte


Actors: Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton

Topics: Psychosis, PTSD

Classic. Bette Davis as a reclusive (insane?) woman, suspected of having killed her beau 40 years earlier, who now is faced with losing her plantation home due to a highway project. [Suggested by Ralph Richmond]

I Am Sam


Actors: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning

Topics: Mental Retardation, Forensic, Family Dysfunction

Sean Penn portrays a man with mental retardation fighting for custody of his 7-year-old child. Sam's group of friends are entertaining - two are truly developmentally disabled - his close neighbor is agoraphobic. His lawyer is the stereotypical overworked yuppie professional woman, estranged from her family. The film is a classic tearjerker. Despite significant research for the film (watch the supplemental documentary), how realistic were the events? Did he take her to a pediatrician? Did the pediatrician have any concerns about his care? Was that a realistic portrayal of cross-examination of an expert witness? Could Sam really have afforded the apartment at the end in Los Angeles, making somewhere around $8/hour? What really was in the best interest of the child? Was the opposing attorney all that wrong? Many things to consider. [Suggested by Kathleen Krach]

I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore


Actors: Jason Alexander, Nia Peeples, Lainie Kazan

Topics: Eating Disorder, Ethics

Overweight shoe store salesman is befriended by psychology student, who proceeds to help him lose weight, and use him, without his knowledge, as a case study for her thesis.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden


Actors: Kathleen Quinlan, Bibi Anderson, Ben Piazza

Topics: Schizophrenia, Treatment

A young woman's continuing fantasies from childhood land her in an institution, with a therapist attempting to reunite her with reality. Would be nicely paired with "The Snake Pit" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" to compare treatment methods. Joins "Shock Corridor" in perpetuating the evil mental health aide concept. If you ever watch the documentary "Titicut Follies," you'll see that such abuses have occurred, however. [Suggested by C. Bisby, CA]

I Never Sang for my Father

Genre: Drama Year: 1970 Rating: PG

Actors: Melvyn Douglas, Gene Hackman, Dorothy Stickney

Topics: Bereavement, Adjustment Disorder, Family Dysfunction

Depressing film about a man's relationship with his elderly father and the stresses involved in caring for him. Adjustment Disorder, with Mixed Emotional Features, Chronic? [Suggested by Charleen Alderfer, College of New Jersey, NJ]

Identity Favorite


Actors: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet

Topics: Dissociative Disorder

A fast moving thriller with a major psychological twist. Another one to watch twice, much like "Fight Club." Once you know what's going on, how accurate do you think the portrayal is? Does it perpetuate mental health stigma?

Instinct


Actors: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Anthony Hopkins, Donald Sutherland

Topics: Treatment, Forensic

Cuba Gooding, Jr. as a young psychiatrist tasked to perform an evaluation on Anthony Hopkins, an anthropologist who had been living as a primitive man among the gorillas he had been studying. Hopkins is indicted for murder, after he killed the men who were trying to "save" him from the gorillas.

Jacknife


Actors: Robert DeNiro, Kathy Baker, Ed Harris

Topics: PTSD, Family Dysfunction

According to the submitter: "a little known film starring Robert DeNiro and Ed Harris as Vietnam veterans struggling with PTSD after the war. Very realistic (as DeNiro typically is)." [Suggested by Julie Lipovsky, The Citadel, SC]

Jacob's Ladder


Actors: Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Pena, Danny Aiello

Topics: PTSD, Drugs/Alcohol, Trauma

Full of plot twists and turns - combat-related PTSD?

King of Hearts

Genre: Comedy Year: 1966 Rating: NR

Actors: Alan Bates, Pierre Brasseur, Jean-Claude Brialy

Topics: Treatment

French with subtitles. Set in France during World War I. According to the submitter: "The Germans have set a bomb to go off at 12 midnight and the only people left in the village are the 'crazy' people in the asylum and a Canadian soldier checking out the village after the Germans had retreated. Once again, we see the 'who are the crazy ones' theme." [Submitted by Nancy Porter, Chestnut Hill College, PA]

Kinsey


Actors: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O'Donnell

Topics: Sexual Disorders, Treatment, Family Dysfunction

Very interesting film chronicling the first systematic investigation of human sexual responses. Diagnostic considerations for Kinsey? Good segments demonstrating issues to be considered when conducting psychosocial interviews.

Kiss of the Spider Woman


Actors: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga

Topics: Psychosis

Academy Award winner for Best Actor. Two unlikely cell mates in a South American prison, a homosexual charged with immoral behavior, and a political prisoner, develop a

relationship and use their imagination (hallucinations?) to escape their reality.

Kiss the Girls


Actors: Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes

Topics: Forensic, Personality Disorder

Deals with a forensic psychologist and two serial murderers who are seeming to work together. Interesting flick! [Suggested by Tabatha Schellenger, University of Alaska, Anchorage]

Kissed


Actors: Molly Parker, Peter Outerbridge, Jay Brazeau


Unusual film about a young woman's emotional, spiritual, and sexual involvement with her clients - she works at a funeral home. Yes, it is about necrophilia. It's a serious (dead serious?) movie that avoids black humor or being disgusting. Siskel and Ebert gave it double thumbs up…

K-Pax Favorite


Actors: Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Mary McCormack

Topics: Treatment, Psychosis

An enjoyable movie about a man admitted to a psychiatric facility who claims that he is an alien. Great portrayal of the relationships among patients and a dedicated psychiatrist. Too dedicated? At what point are boundaries crossed? What is your interpretation of the ending? If it was not an alien, what would the proper diagnosis be? How does this support the diathesis-stress model?

Lady Sings the Blues


Actors: Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol

Story of jazz singer Billie Holiday (Diana Ross) and her troubled life, with alcohol and drug addiction; includes withdrawal scenes.

Lars and the Real Girl Favorite

Genre: Comedy/Drama Year: 2007 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Kelli GarnerTopics: Psychosis, Treatment, Family

I thoroughly LOVE this movie. Lars is an office worker in a small time. He's an odd, reclusive guy, but nice and harmless. Exposed to the concept of a "mail order doll" (anatomically correct) by a co-worker, he orders a doll, not for sexual reasons, but as part of a delusional system. Lars introduces her as his foreign girlfriend, who is in a wheelchair. The resulting responses from his family and community, as well as the very empathetic physician, make this a "feel good" movie. One can only hope that this sort of film could destigmatize mental illness and model supportive family and community response.

Leaving Las Vegas


Actors: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands


Academy Award winner for Best Actor. Depressing, but realistic film with Nicolas Cage as the suicidal alcoholic. [Suggested by David Biek, Monroe Community College, NY]

Lethal Weapon


Actors: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey

Topics: Depression, Suicide

The first of the cop buddy series has a suicidal Mel Gibson paired with Danny Glover. Not many cops would want a partner with a death wish...Exciting, action flick. [Suggested by Bobb Banning, Carpentersville, IL]

Life as a House


Actors: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Terminal Illness, Drugs/Alcohol

Kevin Klein portrays a man diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 4 months to live. He attempts to rebuild his relationship with his drug-using, life-hating teenage son, while they rebuild a ramshackle house that was his lifelong goal. [Suggested by Carey Corbett,

University of South Florida]

Lilith Favorite


Actors: Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter O'Toole


A very young Warren Beatty, who reminds me of Wally Cleaver (from "Leave it to Beaver"), is discharged from the Army and service in World War II and seeks employment as a occupational therapist trainee at the local private mental asylum. The film allows for diagnostic considerations, Freudian interpretations, ethics analysis, and stigma issues (e.g., belief that schizophrenia can be transmitted to others through blood). Jean Seberg plays the beautiful institutionalized woman, a role foreshadowing the actress's own subsequent traumas, drug use, depression, and annual suicide attempts on the date of her infant's death, ultimately being successful.

Long Kiss Goodnight, The


Actors: Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, Yvonne Zima

Topics: Amnesia

A typical mom living a normal life, teaches school, and gets a bump on the head, causing her to begin recalling her past, in which she was a top secret agent! Of course, she has old enemies who now are out to get her and her old skills come back to her. Her memory recovery is much like "Gilligan's Island Syndrome," which usually involves 2 coconuts (the first one causes the amnesia, the second one returns memory) - we must have missed the first coconut. Not quite a realistic portrayal of amnesia…

Lost Highway


Actors: Bill Pullman, Patricia Arquette, Balthazar Getty

Topics: Dissociative

I haven't seen this one yet, but most of David Lynch's films are pretty odd. One either loves them or hates them. According to James Berardinelli (Reel Views), "questions of identity are central to Lost Highway. Are the male leads, played by different actors, actually the same character? Are the female leads, played by one actress, really different people? And how can one man be in two places at the same time, holding a phone conversation with himself?" The submitter of this movie, a freelance screenwriter, calls it "the ultimate dissociate/ fugue film." [Suggested by Duane Soebagio, Victoria, BC, Canada]

Ma Vie En Rose


Actors: Michele Laroque,Jean-Philippe Ecoffey, Helene Vincent

Topics: Gender Identity Disorder, Family Dysfunction, Treatment

French movie (English subtitles) - Chronicles the emerging signs of gender identity conflict in a young boy and his family's reaction, as well as the community. [Suggested by Sheila Fling, Southwest Texas State University]

Madame Bovary


Actors: Jennifer Jones, James Mason, Van Heflin


Classic novel with many film adaptations. I read an interesting review by Roger Ebert that compared Madame Bovary to Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind." Many behavioral parallels, but their decisions about how to cope with adversity are quite different. Is one more Borderline and the other more Histrionic? The 1991 version is in French with English subtitles. [Suggested by Victoria Mellody, University of Arizona-Tucson]

Man Facing Southeast


Actors: Lorenzo Quinteros, Hugo Soto, Ines Vernengo

Topics: Psychosis, Treatment

According to the submitter: "Argentinian film - a man is committed to an institution claiming that he is from another planet - and when he faces Southeast, which he does for long periods of time standing perfectly still - he claims to receive messages from his planet." Prelude to KPax? [Suggested by Nancy Porter, Chestnut Hill College, PA]

Man with the Golden Arm, The


Actors: Frank Sinatra, Eleanor Parker, Kim Novak

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder

One of the first films to deal with drug addiction - in this case heroin. Frank Sinatra leaves rehab clean, hoping to make a new start, but is dragged back under by returning to the same environment. His wife, desperate not to lose his affection/attention, pretends she is paralyzed. A movie ahead of its time. Compare to "Requiem for a Dream."

Manhunter


Actors: William Peterson, Kim Greist, Joan Allen


According to Ron Yamauchi: "The first film appearance of Hannibal Lector (Brian Cox). William Peterson (of CSI fame) is Graham, an FBI profiler with the gift/curse of absolute insight. Being able to understand serial killers from the inside gives him the power to catch them, but has also put him in the mental ward on occasion." [Suggested by Ron Yamauchi]

Marnie Favorite


Actors: Tippi Hedron, Sean Connery, Diane Baker

Topics: Impulse Control Disorder, Sexual Disorder, PTSD

There is much to this movie. It exemplifies classic Hitchcock in its photography, use of color, psychological storyline. The psychiatrist role was deleted, with Sean Connery taking over the lines. Was this realistic? Was the ending realistic? Can you explain the theivery? What about a classical conditioning paradigm for the fear of the color red and thunderstorms? How, today, would Marnie be treated?

Matchstick Men Favorite


Actors: Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman

Topics: OCD, Treatment, Personality Disorder

Nicholas Cage as the con man with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Very entertaining film. Consider the accuracy of portrayal (was it "real" OCD or a conversion disorder, for example). What about the ethics of the treatment he experienced?

Memento Favorite


Actors: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

Topics: Amnesia

This definitely is a film for those interested in neuropsychology. Leonard has anterograde

amnesia (he can't form new memories). To compensate, he tattoos notes to himself all over his body. He is on a quest to find the person who raped and murdered his wife. You'll have to watch this one closely to follow the plot - it is told in reverse. The attempt to accurately portray anterograde amnesia should be commended, but there are several points where Leonard acts as if he has "held" a memory longer than could be working memory alone (e.g., he sleeps between the event and writing it down). What else can you find that is inaccurate? What about the failed avoidance learning by the insurance claimant?

Mommie Dearest


Actors: Faye Dunaway, Diana Scarwid, Steve Forrest

Topics: Family Dysfunction, OCD, Personality Disorder

Based on the book by the adopted daughter of Joan Crawford, reflecting the movie star's abusive behavior and mental illness. Diagnosis? OCD+? [Suggested by Molly McHugh, Saint Mary's College, IN]

Mumford


Actors: Loren Dean, Hope Davis, Jason Lee

Topics: Treatment, Ethics,

This is a generally entertaining, albeit predictable, feel-good movie. As a psychologist, however, I found myself disliking the main character. How does the field of psychology come across in this film? Does training do anything? Is the ethics code reasonable? Can one simply stop seeing a client in order to have a romantic relationship with him/her? Much to chew on from an ethics perspective here. Maybe the field is overlooking the curative effect of psychologist as matchmaker (I hope you can sense my sarcarsm :).

My Left Foot


Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Disability, Drugs/Alcohol

Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Great film about childhood misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy as mental retardation and the difficulties adjusting to an adult life with disabilities.

My Own Private Idaho


Actors: Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix, James Russo

Topics: Narcolepsy, Drugs/Alcohol

Rare is the film that includes narcolepsy, a sleep disorder involving the sudden onset of sleep (REM stage), lasting seconds to minutes typically. Other symptoms may include cataplexy (where a person may fall to the floor due to sudden loss of muscle tone, typically during times of strong emotions, such as intense laughing), hypnogogic or hypnopompic hallucinations (upon falling asleep or awakening), and sleep paralysis (inability to move for a brief period of time upon awakening). The film tells the tale of two young men (Keanu Reaves and River Phoenix), who are street hustlers, selling sex and taking drugs. The Reaves character is from a rich family and claims this life is only temporary while he attempts to find his biological mother. River Phoenix's character has narcolepsy, is gay and in love with his friend, and heavily uses drugs, a portrayal made all the more tragic with the death of River Phoenix himself from multiple drug use in 1993.

Niagara, Niagara


Actors: Robin Tunney, Henry Thomas, Michael Parks

Topics: Tourette's, Family Dysfunction

Basically a misfit-lovers-on-the-road film, but with a twist - or should I say twitch? The young woman has Tourette's syndrome. Both she and the young man (they met while both shoplifting) have dysfunctional families and the standard "no one who understands them." Robin Tunney does a great job with her tics and coprolalia (compulsive swearing). Here's a trivia question - in what very famous film was her partner, Henry Thomas, as child? [Submitted by Rebecca Vauter Stredny, Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology]

Night Listener, The Favorite


Actors: Robin Williams, Toni Collette, Joe Morton

Topics: ?!, Personality Disorder

Suffice it to say that this film allows for significant psychological interpretation, including issues not typically seen in major films. To say more will spoil the plot for you - also why I am not labeling the diagnoses for the film. See it for yourself and be sure to watch the Bonus Feature "The Night Listener Revealed."

'Night Mother


Actors: Sissy Spacek, Anne Bancroft

Topics: Depression, Agoraphobia, Drugs/Alcohol

Plenty of family dysfunction here - declaration of suicidal intention by the daughter whose life consists of a failed marriage, a drug-addicted son, and agoraphobia. Her mother attempts to convince her that life is worth living. From a Pulitzer Prize winning play.

Nijinsky


Actors: Alan Bates, George De La Pena, Leslie Brown

Topics: Treatment

Story of one of the most famous and gifted male dancers, who developed schizophrenia and spent most of his life in an institution. Was treated by Bleuler (recognize that name from your Histories and Systems class?). [Suggested by Celeste Wallin, NY]

Ninth Configuration


Actors: Stacey Keach, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller


Very good movie about a secret government facility for high ranking officials who have had mental breakdowns. Interesting plot twists.

Nurse Betty Favorite


Actors: Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock

Topics: Dissociative, Personality Disorder, Trauma

I had a different expectation for this movie, thinking more of a light romantic comedy. Not so. Perhaps I'm spoiling the director's design in wanting to warn you up front, but there are some especially violent scenes, often coming unexpectedly. Interpret these in light of the start of Betty's fugue state. Plenty to do in comparing Betty and the Morgan Freeman character, as well as Chris Rock's character. There is a bit of the Gilligan's Island syndrome again - coconut hit one results in bizarre behavior, coconut hit number two fixes it and all is well. If it only were so easy…

Nuts


Actors: Barbra Streisand, Richard Dreyfuss, Maureen Stapleton

Topics: Forensic, Psychosis, Personality Disorder

Barbra Streisand as a hooker charged with manslaughter and the use of the insanity plea.

Of Mice and Men


Actors: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Ray Walston

Topics: Mental Retardation, Personality Disorder

The classic Steinbeck story directed by and starring Gary Sinise. Story of two cousins during the depression, working to get by - George with his brains, Lenny with his brawn. Consider the diagnosis of Curly's wife (never named in the film or book)? The end of this story never fails to get me teary '"tell me about the rabbits…" Read the book, too.

On Golden Pond Favorite


Actors: Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Topics: Dementia, Family Dysfunction

Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Actress. Beautiful story of enduring love in an elderly couple, the husband's suffering from the early stages of dementia, and its effect on family members. Acting doesn't get much better than this.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Favorite


Actors: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, William Redfield

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder, Suicide

Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress among other awards. This is a must see (and I mean MUST for any psych major!). Why faking insanity to avoid jail may not be a good idea (at least not during this era).

One Hour Photo Favorite


Actors: Robin Williams, Connie Nielson, Michael Vartar


This was a very interesting movie. Pay attention to the sets and use of color. Robin Williams portrays the one hour photo worker who becomes very attached to a particular family. Although some viewed Williams' character as menacing, my take was quite different. What do you think? Diagnosis? How about that ending - what was your interpretation?

Ordinary People Favorite


Actors: Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Depression, Treatment

Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Actor. Another MUST SEE for psychology majors. Portrayal of how a family deals with trauma. One of the few positive portrayals of a therapist (Judd Hirsch).

Paris, Texas


Actors: Harry Dean Stanton, Sam Berry, Berhard Wicki

Topics: Dissociative, Amnesia, Family Dysfunction

Unusual movie about a man who wanders out of the desert with amnesia for his past. He is reunited with his brother, slowly his memory returns, he develops a relationship with his son, and eventually he finds his wife. How do you interpret the ending?

Permanent Midnight


Actors: Ben Stiller, Maria Bello, Jay Paulson

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Treatment, Family Dysfunction

Autobiographical story of former Hollywood screenwriter, Jerry Stahl, and his struggles with drug addiction. Hard to go wrong with Ben Stiller as the lead and, of course, the omnipresent Owen Wilson has a small role.

Pi Favorite


Actors: Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman

Topics: Psychosis, Neuropsychology

This film is ripe for interpretation - intentionally left that way by the writer/director. The parallels with "Clean, Shaven" and "A Beautiful Mind" are readily apparent, but is this a portrayal of schizophrenia? How consistent are his symptoms/behaviors with temporal lobe epilepsy, hmmm?

Play Misty for Me Favorite


Actors: Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walters, Donna Mills


Pairing this film with "Fatal Attraction" would make for quite the double feature. Many similarities. Both related to female "stalkers" in a sense.

President's Analyst

Genre: Comedy Year: 1968 Rating: NR-PG-13

Actors: James Coburn, Geoffrey Cambridge, Severn Darden

Topics: Treatment

If you are an Austin Powers fan, you'll like this movie - a REAL 1960s flick, complete with the music, the décor, the clothes, the drug use. It's relevance to this list is marginal - consider it from the position of actually being the "president's analyst" - what would be your confidentiality (and safety?) issues.

Primal Fear


Actors: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney

Topics: Forensic, Dissociative, Personality Disorder

Richard Gere as the lawyer defending the altar boy accused of murder. Note the testimony by the neuropsychologist - within her sphere of expertise? Does Edward Norton accurately portray Dissociative Identity Disorder? Pairing this movie with the Frontline documentary, "Mind of a Murderer" (watch part 2) would allow for significant diagnostic considerations.

Prime


Actors: Uma Thurmann, Meryl Streep, Bryan Greenberg

Topics: Treatment, Family Dysfunction

OK, I was "primed" to dislike this movie, based on the trailers. I was pleasantly surprised, but not totally won over. The situation where a client becomes involved with a close family member is a good one and should lead to discussions of dual relationships. What about the direction given by the therapist's therapist?

Prince of Tides, The


Actors: Barbra Streisand, Nick Nolte, Blythe Danner

Topics: Treatment, Depression, Family Dysfunction

Barbra Streisand as therapist. Think it's OK to fall in love with the brother of your suicidal client? Oy vey. Another example of unethical conduct by a mental health professional. I was angry through most of the movie! The beautiful cinematography helped keep me calm.

Psycho

Genre: Drama Year: 1960 Rating: R -NR

Actors: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Janet Leigh

Topics: Psychosis, Dissociative

Classic Hitchcock. Think about Norman's relationship with his mother. Contains one of the most famous, and SCARY!, shower scenes.

Quiet Room, The


Actors: Celine O'Leary, Paul Blackwell, Chloe Ferguson

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Childhood Disorder

Australian film about a troubled 7-year-old girl who becomes mute in reaction to her divorcing parents' fighting. The film is from inside the girl's mind, as we hear her thoughts and comments on what is happening around her.

Quills


Actors: Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix

Topics: Treatment, Sexual Disorder, Personality Disorder

Life in a 1790s mental asylum - all sorts of "treatments" given to the Marquis de Sade as he writes pornographic plays which are smuggled out of the asylum. [Suggested by Melanie Domenech- Rodriguez, Utah State University]

Rain Man Favorite


Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Valeria Golino

Topics: Autism, Family Dysfunction

Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Actor. Excellent portrayal of autism in adulthood and associated family stresses. Wonderful movie.

Regarding Henry


Actors: Harrison Ford, Annette Benning, Michael Haley

Topics: Neuropsychology, Family Dysfunction, Amnesia

Harrison Ford portrays a survivor of a brain injury. Accurate? I wonder how real survivors feel about this portrayal. Consider his personality pre and post the brain injury.

Repulsion


Actors: Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, John Fraser

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Dissociative, Psychosis

A Roman Polanski film about a sexually repressed young girl, who becomes psychotic and homicidal while left alone for a few days in her sister's apartment. [Suggested by Jim Bostwick and M.A. Goldberg]

Requiem for a Dream


Actors: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Psychosis, Family Dysfunction

Strong portrayals of drug addiction and its costs. Roger Ebert deems it a "travelogue of hell" - for those who have not experienced the torment of drug addiction, here's a guided tour. Consider the different types of addiction and motivations for drug use. Unique film techniques enhance this gripping movie.

Revolution

#9 Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: NR - R

Actors: Michael Risley

Topics: Paranoia, Schizophrenia, Treatment

I LOVED this underseen independent film (only rated by 175 people on the Internet Movie Database). It chronicles an acute episode of psychosis, its onset, effects on loved ones, and treatment components. Includes very realistic portrayal of a commitment hearing and the realities of managed care. The ending leaves room for discussion. Revolution #9 would make for a great start of a series of schizophrenia films, depicting various stages of the disorder, followedby "Pi" (untreated severe psychosis), "Clean, Shaven" (managed psychosis), and "Spider" chronic disability. It's a great title, too. How many of you have played that song backward, looking for the hidden messages (I know I did as a teen)? Feel more connected to Jackson in this movie? Then again, Charles Manson claimed to receive messages from this song, too.

Ruling Class, The

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1972/2 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Peter O'Toole

Topics: Psychosis, Treatment, Family Dysfunction

This British black comedy has a cult following and was rereleased to include previously removed footage, which is unfortunate, as I found it too long. The first half or so I enjoyed, but found the second half disturbing, as it unfortunately followed the oh-so-common path of schizophrenic as dangerous. Still worth watching, as Peter O'Toole appears believing he is God and the treatment facility at first seems so benevolent. But, alas, the treating psychiatrist loses his ethical scruples, not to mention his sanity. The portrayal of schizophrenic dialogue is quite good, as well as O'Toole's initial efforts to suppress his psychosis. Doesn't rise to the level of a "favorite," but worth watching.

Rush


Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jason Patric, Sam Elliott


Undercover cops who are sucked into drug use. Illustrates the danger of believing that one can simply and easily "quit" using addictive drugs. Gave us the haunting Eric Clapton song, "Tears in Heaven."

Safe


Actors: Julianne Moore, Peter Friedman, Xander Berkeley

Topics: Depression, Somatoform Disorder

A film about "environmental illness" aka multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Is there really such a thing? Maybe. Does Carol White in this film have it? Maybe not. Is she depressed? There certainly is plenty of evidence to think so. As you watch the film, keep track of all the things that could be "toxic" from hair spray to car exhaust. Also note the virtually omnipresent background noise - electronics, traffic, etc. Also note when it is and is not present when Carol is at the treatment facility.

Safe House Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1998 Rating: R-NR

Actors: Patrick Stewart, Kimberly Williams, Hector Elizondo

Topics: Dementia, Treatment

Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek Next Generation fame) believes that he is an ex-government intelligence agent who is the only living witness to a cover-up that might allow a corrupt senator to become president. He needs to stay alive long enough to bring out the truth, while both the killers and his Alzheimer's disease are out to get him. Although it is a bit uneven (sometimes campy humor, sometimes quite serious), it is entertaining and has significant content related to Alzheimer's disease and its impact. [Suggested by Jennifer Jones, Marywood University, PA]

Sherrybaby


Actors: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Brad William Henke, Sam Bottoms


Sherry is released from prison to a halfway house, after doing time for drugs/theft. Her young daughter has been cared for by her brother and his wife. Sherry struggles with her re-entry into society and into her child's life, expecting the "quick fix" she could get from drug use. Consider family dynamics, personality issues.

Shine Favorite


Actors: Geoffrey Rush, Justin Braine, Sonja Todd

Topics: Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Family Dysfunction

Academy Award winner for Best Actor. Story of gifted Australian pianist, David Helfgott, son

of Holocaust survivors. You can visit the Helfgotts' personal website to learn more about this interesting man and his wife. The father character also allows for diagnostic considerations. Helfgott appears to have schizoaffective disorder-manic. The music is excellent in this film.

Shock Corridor


Actors: Peter Breck, Constance Towers, Gene Evans

Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Psychosis

The story of a newspaper reporter out to win the Pulitzer Prize by solving the murder of a patient in a mental hospital, by feigning mental illness himself (coached by a psychiatrist prior to seeking admission - ethics?). I started off liking the movie, ended up seeing how it perpetuated stigma and myth about mental illness and its treatment - psychosis is contagious? Tests can damage normal minds? Yikes. Melodramatically entertaining, but watch with a very critical eye.

Silence of the Lambs


Actors: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn


Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress. This film lead many students to the field of forensic psychology. Jody Foster as a junior FBI agent, off to find a psychopathic killer, Hannibal Lector, who happens to be a psychiatrist.

Single White Female


Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bridget Fonda, Steven Weber


Jennifer Jason Leigh takes on the persona of Bridget Fonda. Warrants a Freudian diagnosis... [Suggested by Dave Renjilian, Marywood University, PA]

Sixth Sense, The Favorite


Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette

Topics: Treatment, Childhood Disorder, Munchausen's by Proxy

http://www.davidhelfgott.com/

Bruce Willis as a child psychologist whose 6-year-old patient claims to see the spirits of dead people around him. Good film; nice plot twist. Also interesting brief portrayal of Munchausen's by Proxy. [Suggested by Christina Martini]

Sling Blade


Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J. T. Walsh

Topics: Mental Retardation, Family Dysfunction, Trauma

A very interesting film, although somewhat predictable. What do you think the main character's diagnoses would include? And how about when he left the state hospital - no such thing as discharge planning? Billy Bob Thornton is excellent as the long-term psychiatric inpatient. [Suggested by Bob Buss, Empire State College]

Snake Pit, The Favorite


Actors: Olivia de Havilland, Mark Stevens, Leo Genn

Topics: Treatment, Dissociative

Classic film nominated for many Academy Awards. A young woman is in a state insane asylum and can't recall how she got there. The climate, patients, and treatments are likely accurate for their times, as well as the hospital politics and clashing between the treating psychiatrist and his administrative superiors, even before managed care. Well done portrayal of her inner dialogue. Not a particularly flattering portrayal of psychiatric nurses, though. What do you think of the conclusion regarding the causes of her problems? A great movie.

Sophie's Choice


Actors: Meryl Streep, Kevin Klein, Peter MacNicol

Topics: PTSD, Trauma, Schizophrenia

Academy Award winner for Best Actress. Meryl Streep portrays a World War II victim dealing with traumatic memories and guilt. Kevin Klein as her schizophrenic (?) boyfriend. I would never want to be faced with the "choice" she had to make… [Suggested by Danielle Langlois, SC]

Spanking the Monkey Favorite


Actors: Jeremy Davies, Elizabeth Newett, Benjamin Hendrickson

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Psychodynamic

What a positive surprise this film is and what a lousy title. If you are looking for a video to analyze psychologically, this is one ripe with material. A young pre-med student, rather than going to a prestigious summer internship in the attorney general's office, is tasked with tending to his attractive mother who has broken her leg. His father is on the road selling motivational videos. This forced intimacy (he helps her with the bedpan, dressing, showering) leads to Oedipal situations. The film is a black comedy, with the viewer careening from very serious content to humor in seconds. Definitely one to see for the psychologically-minded.

Spellbound Favorite


Actors: Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov

Topics: Treatment, Amnesia, Dissociative

One of Hitchcock's best. A man shows up at a mental institution, impersonating the new psychiatrist. He develops a relationship with another psychiatrist, who then realizes that he is actually not the person he said he is. Great suspense film!

Spider Favorite


Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Lynne Redgrave

Topics: Schizophrenia, Childhood Disorder, Freudian

Along with "Clean, Shaven," one of the best portrayals of schizophrenia. Interpretation of the film leads one to Oedipal impulses and mother as saint/whore. Just like "Spider," the viewer has to question "reality" through the film. Might warrant a second watching - this time keep track of all the types of delusions - somatic, guilt, Capgras, etc. Be sure to watch the supplemental interviews on the DVD.

Squid and the Whale, The Favorite


Actors: Tim Robbins, Laura Linney, Owen Kline

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder, Childhood Trauma

Wow. This film keeps you tense throughout. What a great family dynamics/dysfunction display. So much to consider - father's narcissism, son's budding narcissistic tendencies

(from father's modeling, or his own personality disorder?), younger son's spiral into conduct disorder/depression, lack of boundaries between parents and children…don't expect resolution at the end, though - just like most times in real life.

Stairway to Light


Actors: John Nesbitt, Lotte Palfi Andor, Dewey Robinson

Topics: Treatment

Oscar-winning short film portraying Dr. Phillipe Pinel's reform of a French mental institution in the late 18th century. I must track this one down!

Sunset Boulevard Favorite


Actors: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroh

Topics: Personality Disorder, Delusional Disorder, Psychosis

This is an old movie and requires some knowledge of film history - particularly silent films. Watch "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" first to get a flavor of such films and then watch this. Gloria Swanson is terrific - her mixed personality disorder and other possible diagnoses give you ample material to chew on.

Sweethearts


Actors: Janeane Garofalo, Mitch Rouse, Margaret Cho

Topics: Bipolar, Suicide

What to do when your blind date turns out to be an engaging young woman with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation?

Sybil


Actors: Sally Field, Joann Woodward, Brad Davis

Topics: Dissociative Identity Disorder, PTSD, Treatment

The movie that started it all - virtually no patients diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder (aka Dissociative Identity Disorder) before this book/film came out. Consider a PTSD diagnosis in a patient with a general dissociative disorder (I'd argue for a dissociative

personality category). Dr. Henry Spiegel, who also treated Sybil, has spoken out regarding the iatrogenic (doctor-induced) components of this case. Read the interview with Speigel about Sybil.

Taxi Driver


Actors: Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster


Classic film with Robert DeNiro as the Vietnam vet cab driver who is obsessed with pornography and violence. Source of the much-since-used line, "Are you talking to me?!" Rejection leads to violence. Are there parallels with the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech?

The Madness of King George Favorite


Actors: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm

Topics: Psychosis, Poyphyria

A great movie. Psychosis caused by a metabolic disorder (porphyria). Look out if you start peeing blue!

The Manchurian Candidate Favorite


Actors: Angela Lansbury, Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh

Topics: Dissociative, Hypnosis

Great film. Assassination plots, hypnosis, and intrigue! See the original.

Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould


Actors: Colm Feore, Derek Keurvors, Katya Ladan


Drama about eccentric Canadian pianist. Some similarities with David Helfgott ("Shine"), but without the behavioral excesses, just the deficiencies. Diagnostic considerations?

http://www.astraeasweb.net/plural/speigel.html

Three Faces of Eve, The


Actors: Joanne Woodward, David Wayne, Lee J. Cobb

Topics: Dissociative, Treatment, Marital Conflict

Academy Award winner for Best Actress. Early story of psychiatric treatment to fuse multiple personalities. One of the "training films" used by the Hillside Strangler in his attempt to fake multiple personality disorder (see Frontline's "Mind of a Murderer-Part 2"). Compare with Sybil. Consider the etiologies and why The Three Faces of Eve did not spark the boom of MPD diagnoses that followed Sybil. Note the role of passivity (aka Eve White) as an adaptive strategy for coping with her husband. Note also the timing of the onset of problems, associated with miscarriage. Was the revelation at the end really the cure, in a Freudian sense, or was there progress all?

Tic Code, The


Actors: Chris Marquette, Polly Draper, Carol Kane

Topics: Tourette's

Story of a boy with Tourette's Syndrome who becomes an underage jazz pianist. He pairs up with an accomplished sax player who, ironically, also has Tourette's and has developed strategies for covering up the symptoms. Interesting contradictions in how each of them views the disorder and the associated stigma. Think about parallels between Tourette's and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. [Suggested by Rebecca Vauter Stredny, Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology]

Tightrope


Actors: Clint Eastwood, Genevieve Bujold, Dan Hedaya

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Psychodynamic

Clint Eastwood as a detective investigating a serial murderer. Does the cop have another side to himself - a bondage fetish? A psychodynamic interpretation might fit, as well.

Titicut Follies

Genre: Documentary Year: 1967 Rating: RActors:

Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Ethics

This is a highly controversial documentary, with graphic images of abuse of patients in a Massachusetts psychiatric hospital. The film was banned by court order, citing invasion of privacy. Still hard to find.

To Die For


Actors: Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix


Nicole Kidman as an ambitious TV personality who enlists 3 teenagers to murder her husband. Diagnosis? [Suggested by Alysse M., Indiana University]

Unstrung Heroes


Actors: Andie MacDowell, John Turturro, Michael Richards

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder, OCD

Andie MacDowell portrays a dying woman with a young son, married to an eccentric inventor. The two oddball uncles (one's paranoid, one's a hoarder) come through for the boy with some remarkable insights and wisdom.

Vertigo Favorite


Actors: Jimmy Stewart

Topics: Anxiety, Depression, Personality

This movie tops many "all time favorites" lists. The story of a police detective, Scottie (also called Johnny), who suffers a trauma, developing acrophobia and vertigo, causing him to retire from the force. He is hired by an old college acquaintance to tail his wife, Madeleine, who seems to have dissociative identity disorder. Scotty falls in love with her, but can't prevent her from committing suicide. Stop reading here if you don't want the plot spoiled…Scotty is traumatized, becomes catatonic. Later encounters young woman on the street who looks like Madeleine. Turns out that she truly was the Madeleine that Scottie had followed, but she was part of the murder plot of the real Madeleine, however she really did fall in love with Scottie. Over time, they date, he remakes her into Madeleine (hair color, clothing, etc.). I'll save the rest for you to see. Did you see Scottie as a sympathetic character? How did you feel about him at the end? Interesting that Madeleine was portrayed as being dissociative and Scottie seems to show many signs of dissociative features, as well, including his two first names…hmmm! A film to be watched more than once. Enjoy!

Vincent and Theo


Actors: Tim Roth, Paul Rhys, Adrian Brine

Topics: Depression, Family Dysfunction

Biography of Vincent Van Gogh and his brother who supported him. Clearly Vincent experienced depression, and some believe that the impetus to cut off his ear came from Meniere's Disease, which can cause unbearable ringing in the ear. [Suggested by Celeste Wallin, NY]

Virgin Suicides, The


Actors: James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Krsten Dunst

Topics: Suicide, Family Dysfunction, Depression

What lead to the multiple suicides by sisters? Loss of innocence? Family dysfunction? Much room for interpretation.

Weather Man, The Favorite


Actors: Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Hope Davis

Topics: Dysthymia, Personality Disorder, Family Dysfunction

Another "man's search for meaning film." Serious, yet with plenty of comedy to keep you entertained. Consider the weatherman's diagnosis - dysthymia? Depressive PD? Also, what's your interpretation of the father (Michael Caine)? Some reviewers saw him as a negative character - I disagree and found him to be as supportive as he could be, while recognizing his son's failings.

What About Bob Favorite

Genre: Comedy Year: 1991 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Richard Dreyfuss, Bill Murray, Julie Hagerty

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder, Family Dysfunction

Cute movie with Richard Dreyfuss as the competent (or burned out?) psychotherapist and Bill Murray as the patient (who seems to have more insight...). Note the difference in perception of Bob between the therapist and his family. Has its flaws, but is a fun film.

What Dreams May Come


Actors: Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Annabella Sciorra

Topics: Depression

First the children are killed, then the husband, resulting in significant depression and despair. The story, though, is primarily of the husband's experiencing heaven, continued contact with the "real world," and descent into hell. Visual imagery is remarkable (won Academy Award for Special Effects).

What's Eating Gilbert Grape


Actors: Johnny Depp, Leonardo diCaprio, Juliette Lewis

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Childhood Disorder, Depression

Slice of life film, with Johnny Depp as the young adult caring for his family - a depressed, morbidly obese mother, a brother with a developmental disorder, and two sisters. Somehow, he manages it all. Good movie.

When a Man Loves a Woman


Actors: Andy Garcia, Meg Ryan, Ellen Burstyn

Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Family Dysfunction, Treatment

Story of alcoholic wife and mother, her treatment, and her relationship with her husband.

Whirlpool


Actors: Jose Ferrer, Gene Tierney, Richard Conte

Topics: Dissociative, Treatment, Impulse Control Disorder

Classic with Jose Ferrer as the hypnotist getting Gene Tierney, portraying the kleptomaniacal wife of a psychoanalyst, to do his bidding.

White Heat


Actors: James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O'Brien

Topics: Personality Disorder, Psychodynamic

Set during prohibition, James Cagney as the gang leader who always seeks his "Ma's" approval and attention (she belongs to the gang, too). Certainly can have a psychodynamic interpretation, possible conversion disorder (his headaches?), and paranoia - but, then again, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you! Classic film.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Favorite


Actors: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal

Topics: Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder, Mood Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Alcohol abuse, dysthymia, narcissism, conversion disorder, marital dysfunction, and wonderfully clever dialogue make this a must see. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton portray the older married couple whose fights are full of psychological barbs. [Suggested by Stephen Trichter]

Woodsman, The Favorite


Actors: Kevin Bacon

Topics: Sexual Disorder, Forensic, Family Dysfunction

This film is likely to generate significant discussion - there no doubt will be some who find it offensive (the producer received a gift-wrapped rat for Christmas during film production), and others who find it a thought-provoking piece about a taboo topic. The film is likely best appreciated if watched without a "heads up" - Stop reading if you want to avoid spoilers …. Kevin Bacon is terrific portraying the torment of a pedophile released after 12 years in prison. He develops a relationship with a tough woman with her own history. He struggles with his continuing impulses, wishing to be "normal," as he works with a therapist. From a diagnostic perspective, consider that he is able to have "normal" sex with his girlfriend, the difference between him and sexual sadists, such as the one described by the cop in the film, and the role that stress played in his impulses, parallels with OCD? A thinker's film with many metaphors throughout and unsaid story components (e.g., we have a sense of how pedophiles are treated in prison). I'm not sure if this were intentional (perhaps yes, as the same producer made Monsters Ball) - the authority figures in the film, with the exception of the therapist, were all African-American: boss, secretary, cop. Is this a social commentary about the relative social positioning of pedophiles in a biased society, even if white? Looking for a film to analyze for class? This one is loaded with material.

Woody Allen

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: Variable Rating: Variable

Actors: Woody Allen, Various

Topics: Neurosis

Pretty much any movie with Woody Allen in it deals with neurosis! In particular, in "Hollywood Ending" he develops conversion blindness.

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saclib.files.wordpress.com€¦ · Web viewAbre los ojos ("Open Your Eyes") Genre: Drama Year: 1997 Rating: R. Actors: Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz, Cheta Lera