Fall 2007
Discussion of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Stereotypes
Stereotypes surround each and every one of us. Most commonly thought of are those concerning race or religion. Not so commonly thought of, are the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding those who are mentally ill. Consider for instance, those who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After reading those words, immediately, certain stereotypes came to your mind. […]
The Cuckoo’s Nest
Imagine a person sitting in a vinyl chair in a white-walled common room, surrounded by numerous individuals that are sitting enjoying television shows, playing chess, coloring, and ultimately entertaining themselves in whatever way that they can. A nurse, dressed in white scrubs, is seen passing out medications, brandishing a sinister expression and an unamused […]
A Life Written Into Pages and Film
Throughout the history of Hollywood, numerous novels have been made into films. Many of these productions have won great awards, like Best Picture in the Academy Awards. These prestigious movies then became subjects for discussion in living rooms across the country. When comparing the films’ adaptations to the original novels, oftentimes it is assumed a […]
The Relation of American Beauty and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
An innovative, decidedly individual film, American Beauty saw its U.S. debut in 1999, grossing 130 million dollars at the box office. The film has been the recipient of over 88 awards, including 5 Oscars and an Academy Award for Best Picture, plus 68 other nominations, despite its controversial nature. Watching director Sam Mendes’ third film, […]
Stereotypes and The Believer
The readers who have seen this film may have an idea of what kind of article they are about to read. For those that have not, The Believer (2004) is not a film to be taken lightly. Violence, hatred, and death are frequent visitors to the story. On the other hand, this […]
Teenage Associations With Mental Illnesses and Therapy: Negative Images of Mental Healthcare from Film
Cinema and Mental Health Stereotypes
Cinema is filled with negative portrayals of mental illness and psychotherapy. Movies such as Girl, Interrupted and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest portray therapy in a very pessimistic light. Do these movies influence society in a positive or negative way? More specifically, do movies that send negative messages about therapy […]
What is “The Right Thing?”
Throughout time racist America has used “cultural symbols, tendencies, values, beliefs, patterned ways of thinking and feeling” to deal with the prejudices toward African Americans. Spike Lee’s film, “Do The Right Thing” makes obvious the reality and consequences of the intolerance different ethnic groups experience while still cohabitating within one borough of a city. The […]
Depression Coping Strategies: Using a Film (American Splendor) as a Point of Departure to Learn More About An Important Mental Health Issue
What is depression? Depression is defined differently depending on the type of depression defined, because you can give a single definition including both major types. The National Institute of Mental Health has examined many different types of depression. Two of the most common forms of depression are major depression and dysthymic disorder. Major depression, […]
Agoraphobia and the Norwegian film “Buddy”
The main psychological issue shown in the film “Buddy” is agoraphobia, which is known as a fear of open spaces and public places. In reality, sufferers of agoraphobia are afraid of anything outside a certain “safe area”. This fear can sometimes become so great it limits the person from ever leaving, usually trapping them inside […]
American History X and The Theory of Cognitive Development
American History X was released in 1998 by New Line Cinema in a cut form which director Tony Kaye attempted to disown. His gripe with star Edward Norton and studio execs led him to file a $275 million suit against the distribution company. With troubles aside, the movie remains a classic representation of […]