All Movies
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
Actors:
Year: 2002
Rating: R
Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper
Topics: 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
Favorit
e
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1990
Rating: R
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
Favori
te
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: R
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
Favorit
e
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2002
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
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 ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder, as well as plenty of Axis II. Really great movie.
At Close Range
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1986
Rating: R
Actors: Sean Penn, Christopher Walken, Mary Stuart Masterson
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Favori
te
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2005
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1990
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1980
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
2001
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1946
Rating: NR-PG
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)
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Favorit
e
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1993
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1988
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1984
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1986
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1988
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1996
Rating: R
Actors: Emily Watson, Stellan Skarsgaard, Katrin Cartlidge
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1921
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1954
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1988
Rating: R
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.
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1941
Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Dorothy Comingore
Topics: Personality Disorder
A classic. The story of a newspaper publisher's climb to success. Also, the power of
early childhood memories?
Clean and Sober
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1988
Rating: R
Actors: Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Treatment
Michael Keaton struggles with alcoholism and attends rehab.
Clean,
Shaven
Favo
rite
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1971
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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 ArizonaTucson]
Copycat
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2004
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1992
Rating: R
Actors: Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea
Topics: Sexual Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1962
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1978
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1995
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1952
Rating: NR-PG
Actors:
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1980
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1994
Rating: R
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
Favorit
e
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2004
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1977
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2004
Rating: R
Actors: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood
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
Fav
orite
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1987
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1993
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: R
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)
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1959
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1982
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1972
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1944
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Fa
vorite
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1939
Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Vivian Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2002
Actors: Audrey Tautou, Samuel Le Bihan
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1994
Rating: R
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
Favo
rite
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2002
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1987
Rating: R
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
Favorit
e
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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 secrets.
Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1964
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1992
Rating: PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1977
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2003
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1989
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1990
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2004
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1985
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: R
Actors: Molly Parker, Peter Outerbridge, Jay Brazeau
Topics: Sexual Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1972
Rating: R
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 Garner
Topics: 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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: R
Actors: Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1987
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2001
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1964
Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter O'Toole
Topics: Treatment, Psychosis
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1949
Rating: R
Actors: Jennifer Jones, James Mason, Van Heflin
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1986
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1955
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1986
Rating: R
Actors: William Peterson, Kim Greist, Joan Allen
Topics: Forensic, Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1964
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
Year:
2003
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2000
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1981
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1999
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1989
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1997
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2006
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1986
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1980
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1980
Rating: R
Actors: Stacey Keach, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller
Topics: Treatment, Psychosis
Very good movie about a secret government facility for high ranking officials who have
had mental breakdowns. Interesting plot twists.
Nurse
Betty
Fav
orite
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
2000
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1987
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1992
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
Year:
1981
Rating: PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1975
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
2002
Rating: R
Actors: Robin Williams, Connie Nielson, Michael Vartar
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Favorit
e
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1980
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1984
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1998
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1998
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1971
Rating: R
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Jessica Walters, Donna Mills
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
2005
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2000
Rating: R
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
Fa
vorite
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1988
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1965
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2000
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
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, followed
by "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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: R
Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jason Patric, Sam Elliott
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: R
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
Fa
vorite
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 exgovernment 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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2007
Rating: R
Actors: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Brad William Henke, Sam Bottoms
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1963
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1991
Rating: R
Actors: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
Topics: Forensic, Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1992
Rating: R
Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bridget Fonda, Steven Weber
Topics: Personality Disorder
Jennifer Jason Leigh takes on the persona of Bridget Fonda. Warrants a Freudian
diagnosis... [Suggested by Dave Renjilian, Marywood University, PA]
Sixth Sense,
The
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1999
Rating: PG-13
Actors: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette
Topics: Treatment, Childhood Disorder, Munchausen's by Proxy
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1996
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1948
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1982
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1994
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1945
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
2002
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
2005
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1946
Rating: NR-PG
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
Favor
ite
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1950
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1996
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1976
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1976
Rating: R
Actors: Robert De Niro, Cybill Shepherd, Jodie Foster
Topics: Personality Disorder
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
Year:
1994
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1962
Rating: NR-PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1993
Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Colm Feore, Derek Keurvors, Katya Ladan
Topics: Personality Disorder
Drama about eccentric Canadian pianist. Some similarities with David Helfgott ("Shine"),
but without the behavioral excesses, just the deficiencies. Diagnostic considerations?
Three Faces of Eve, The
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1957
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1984
Rating: R
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: R
Actors:
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: R
Actors: Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, Joaquin Phoenix
Topics: Personality Disorder
Nicole Kidman as an ambitious TV personality who enlists 3 teenagers to murder her
husband. Diagnosis? [Suggested by Alysse M., Indiana University]
Unstrung Heroes
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1995
Rating: PG
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1958
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1990
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1999
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Favorite
Year:
2005
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Comedy
Favorite
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1998
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama/Comedy
Year:
1993
Rating: PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1994
Rating: R
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1949
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Year:
1949
Rating: NR-PG-13
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?
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
1966
Rating: NR-PG-13
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
Genre:
Drama
Favorite
Year:
2004
Rating: R
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.
Sign in Recent