Choose any one of the films to do all are great films.
Hollywood Film Critique
A lot of what we see portrayed in movies may not based in reality, which can lead to confusion about psychological disorders. Select one of the following films and review the film as a Psychology student, not just a movie-watcher. You must provide a brief summation of the selected movie and discuss it from a psychological viewpoint. You should explain and discuss the mental illness depicted in the film. Based on your knowledge from class and your readings, determine if the film accurately depicts the disorder identified or if it is flawed. Be sure to discuss the observable behaviors that are consistent with the disorder. This is a review based on psychological information provided in the course. This should be a concise 2-3 page paper, not an overview of what you think about the movie in general. No sources in addition to the course readings are required.
As Good as it Gets (1997; Comedy, Drama, Romance; Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear)
‐ What disorder did Melvin (Jack Nicholson) have in the movie?
‐ How did this disorder impact Melvin’s (Jack Nicholson) relationships with others? How does Melvin behave when his well-established routine is interrupted? What internal feelings might lead to those behaviors?
‐ What form of treatment did Melvin use in the movie? Is this a successful treatment? Explain.
A Beautiful Mind (2001 Drama/Mystery; Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly).
‐ What type of schizophrenia does John Nash (Russell Crowe) have?
Discuss a scene that depicts the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia.
Discuss a scene that depicts the “negative symptoms.”
‐ Do you think the film implies that a person with schizophrenia can fully recover? Do you think the film implies that a person can recover without medication? Explain and justify your answers.
Girl Interrupted (1999 Drama; Angelina Jolie, Winona Ryder, Whoopi Goldberg)
‐ Identify the character and the psychological disorder they display.
‐ Did the movie accurately portray the symptoms of the disorder? Was this an accurate clinical picture? Explain in detail and provide examples from the movie.
‐ Discuss any inaccuracies and misconceptions perpetrated of the disorder in the movie. If the disorder was misrepresented explain how this could be misleading to a typical movie-goer.
Me, Myself And Irene (2000 Comedy; Jim Carey, Renee Zellweger)
‐ Identify the character and the psychological disorder they display.
‐ Did the movie accurately portray the symptoms of the disorder? Was this an accurate clinical picture? Explain in detail and provide examples from the movie.
‐ Discuss any inaccuracies and misconceptions perpetrated of the disorder in the movie. If the disorder was misrepresented explain how this could be misleading to a typical movie-goer.
‐ Many reputable theorists believe DID does not exist. What do you think? Support your thoughts.
Fight Club (1999 Action/Drama; Brad Pitt, Edward Norton)
Identify the character and the psychological disorder they display.
‐ Did the movie accurately portray the symptoms of the disorder? Was this an accurate clinical picture? Explain in detail and provide examples from the movie.
‐ Discuss any inaccuracies and misconceptions perpetrated of the disorder in the movie. If the disorder was misrepresented explain how this could be misleading to a typical movie-goer.
‐ Many reputable theorists believe DID does not exist. What do you think? Support your thoughts.
Split (2016 Horror/Thriller, James McAvoy)
Identify the character and the psychological disorder they display.
‐ Did the movie accurately portray the symptoms of the disorder? Was this an accurate clinical picture? Explain in detail and provide examples from the movie.
‐ Discuss any inaccuracies and misconceptions perpetrated of the disorder in the movie. If the disorder was misrepresented explain how this could be misleading to a typical movie-goer.
‐ Many reputable theorists believe DID does not exist. What do you think? Support your thoughts.
