Dramas

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]

Agnes of God

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     1985      Rating:  PG-13

Actors:  Jane Fonda, Meg Tilly, Anne Bancroft

Topics:  Treatment, Psychosis, Forensic

Meg Tilly as a novice nun who became pregnant and the baby is found strangled in the cloistered

convent. Jane Fonda as the psychiatrist appointed to determine if Tilly is mentally competent to

stand trial.[Suggested by Nell Stewart]

All About Eve                                                                                                                        Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     1950      Rating:  NR-PG

Actors:  Bette Davis, Ann Baxter, George Sanders

Topics:  Personality Disorder, Marital Conflict

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

classic movie. Pay close attention to Eve through the film. Also, what about Margo? Realistic at

end? If she were in treatment in the midst of her turmoil, how would you have treated her?

American History X

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     1998      Rating:  R

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

Topics:  Multicultural

A neo-Nazi (Edward Norton) in prison for murder begins to question his prejudiced belief system.

When he is released, his goal is to "deprogram" his brother.

An Angel at My Table                                                                                                        Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.

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                                                                                                                   Favorite

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?

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                                                                                                                          Favorite

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                                                                                                                 Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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…

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!

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                                                                                                          Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                               Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.

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                                                                                                                      Favorite

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

Actors:  Peter Greene, Alice Levitt, Megan Owen

Topics:  Schizophrenia, Forensic

This accurate and graphic film depicts life through the eyes of an untreated paranoid schizophrenic

 searching for his daughter. It does contain some short footage which many may find difficult to

watch, but is in keeping with the presentation of psychosis. I found that looking away during these

moments did not alter my appreciation of the film. This is one of those odd, independent films

which one must "figure out" as it goes along. High on symbolism - be sure to notice the mother's

clothing in relation to the setting around her. I find that this film demonstrates beautifully the

communication deficits often present in these families - the mother character suggests the now

disproved "schizophrenogenic mother" theory, or may be consistent with a strong genetic

component to schizophrenia.  The depiction of perceptual illusions/hallucinations is very well done.

 A short film, but one which truly gives a sense of the world view and experiences of a

schizophrenic. [Submitted by Peter Lilliengren, Stockholm University, Sweden]

Clockwork Orange, A

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 Arizona-Tucson]

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.

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!

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.

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                                                                                                      Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.

Enduring Love                                                                                                                      Favorite

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                                                                                                                   Favorite

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                                                                                                                  Favorite

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                                                                                                           Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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]

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

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     2002      Rating:  PG-13

Actors:  Audrey Tautou, Samuel Le Bihan

Topics:  Psychosis, Family Dysfunction

In French with English subtitles.  A young art student is having an affair with a married cardiologist

 whose wife is pregnant.  She becomes suicidal when it is apparent that he is not going to leave

the wife.  Seems like a classic tale, until the second half of the movie, when the film rewinds and

we see all the same events from the doctor's perspective..  This is the case of a delusional

disorder subtype.  See my article on the topic for more information.  Very entertaining.

Heavenly Creatures

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                                                                                                                             Favorite

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.

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.

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 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?

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…

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.

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?

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]

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.

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.

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                                                                                                                   Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                                   Favorite

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                                                                                                                Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.

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.

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!

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                                                                                                                                Favorite

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.

Revolution #9                                                                                                                      Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     2001      Rating:  NR - R

Actors:  Michael Risley

Topics:  Paranoia, Schizophrenia, Treatment

I LOVED this underseen independent film (only rated by 175 people on the Internet Movie

Database).  It chronicles an acute episode of psychosis, its onset, effects on loved ones, and

treatment components.  Includes very realistic portrayal of a commitment hearing and the

realities of managed care.  The ending leaves room for discussion.  Revolution #9 would make for

 a great start of a series of schizophrenia films, depicting various stages of the disorder, 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.

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                                                                                                                            Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      Year:     1998      Rating:  R-NR

Actors:  Patrick Stewart, Kimberly Williams, Hector Elizondo

Topics:  Dementia, Treatment

Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek Next Generation fame) believes that he is an ex-government

intelligence agent who is the only living witness to a cover-up that might allow a corrupt senator to

 become president. He needs to stay alive long enough to bring out the truth, while both the killers

 and his Alzheimer's disease are out to get him.  Although it is a bit uneven (sometimes campy

humor, sometimes quite serious), it is entertaining and has significant content related to

Alzheimer's disease and its impact. [Suggested by Jennifer Jones, Marywood University, PA]

Sherrybaby

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                                                                                                                 Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                                      Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                       Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                               Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                               Favorite

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.

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

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 Manchurian Candidate                                                                                             Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.

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.

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).

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?                                                                                    Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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                                                                                                                  Favorite

Genre:     Drama                      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.