Marital and Family Dysfunction

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 Splendor                                                                                                            Favorite

Genre:     Drama/Comedy     Year:     2003      Rating:  R

Actors:  Paul Giamatti, Harvey Pekar, Hope Davis

Topics:  Depression, Family Dysfunction, Personality Disorder

Very interesting and unique film. Drags a bit at the end, though. Story of Harvey Pekar's life (he's

the "poster child" for the DSM-III according to his wife). Full of characters with quirks

(psychopathology?) who are still functioning in their lives. My favorite is Toby, the self-proclaimed

nerd (pronounced "nyerd") who is autistic. Having worked in a VA hospital, I can attest that the

climate in the file room is right on the mark!

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."

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?

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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…

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]

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      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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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."

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Weatherman, The                                                                                                              Favorite

Genre:     Drama/Comedy     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                                                                                                                  Favorite

Genre:     Comedy                   Year:     1991      Rating:  PG-13

Actors:  Richard Dreyfuss, Bill Murray, Julie Hagerty

Topics:  Treatment, Personality Disorder, Family Dysfunction

Cute movie with Richard Dreyfuss as the competent (or burned out?) psychotherapist and Bill

Murray as the patient (who seems to have more insight...).  Note the difference in perception of

Bob between the therapist and his family. Has its flaws, but is a fun film.

What'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.

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.