Psychmovies.com's Favorites

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!

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.

Analyze This Favorite

Genre: Comedy Year: 1999 Rating: R

Actors: Robert DeNiro, Billy Crystal, Lisa Kudrow

Topics: Treatment, Anxiety Disorder

I really liked this movie. The portrayal of mixed anxiety and depression (delayed onset PTSD?) is

terrific. Unfortunately, the movie also demonstrates how not to be an ethical psychiatrist (can you

count the number of ways that he violates confidentiality?), but he still is effective (if you believe

in the therapeutic miracle of sudden insight). The best character in the movie is the loyal goon,

Jelly.  He was great. See this one.

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?

As Good As It Gets Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1997 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Jack Nicholson, Greg Kinnear, Helen Hunt

Topics: OCD, Personality Disorder

Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Actress.  Jack Nicholson with Obsessive-

Compulsive Disorder, as well as plenty of Axis II. Really great movie.

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?

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.

Benny & Joon Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1993 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn

Topics: Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder

Early movie with Johnny Depp who develops a relationship with young woman who is

schizophrenic. Diagnostic considerations for Depp's character? Good portrayal of stresses on

family, as Joon's brother devotes himself to her care.  Cute movie.

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]

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]

Canvas Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 2006 Rating: Pg-13

Actors: Joe Pantoliano

Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction, Treatment

Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this film demonstrates the impact of schizophrenia on the

family.  As such, I imagine it would be useful in working with families dealing with mental illness in

 a loved one.  Great music and photography.

Captain Newman, M.D. Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1963 Rating: NR-PG

Actors: Gregory Peck, Tony Curtis, Angie Dickinson

Topics: Treatment, PTSD

Great older movie with Gregory Peck as the military psychologist during WW II. Highly

recommended.

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]

Crash Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 2004 Rating: R

Actors: Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Ludacris

Topics: Multicultural, PTSD

Academy Award winner for Best Picture.  This is a MUST SEE for anyone interested in multicultural

 issues. Virtually every character demonstrates susceptibility to bias, reliance on stereotypes. It's

a major tearjerker at times, so be prepared!

Crumb Favorite

Genre: Documentary Year: 1994 Rating: R

Actors: Robert Crumb, Aline Kominsky, Charles Crumb

Topics: Sexual Disorder,, Family Dysfunction, Psychosis

WOW - a GOLDMINE of material for psychological analysis, and all true! Story of Robert Crumb,

famous cartoonist, and his oddities (rising to the level of diagnosis?) and dysfunctional family

history. Meeting his brothers and mother is so revealing. So much overlap among the brothers,

yet each with his own particular difficulties and psychopathologies, yet all artistic and clearly

brilliant. The brother Charles is the most endearing. The film hints at what may have been the root

 of Charles' depression and suicide attempts. Do you see it? (Suggested by Michael Caruso,

University of Toledo, OH]

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…

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]

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'."

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.

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 Yes Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1997 Rating: R

Actors: Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling

Topics: Psychosis, Personality Disorder

I loved this movie. Absolutely great, quick dialogue. A young man brings his fiancé home to meet

his family - we learn that she is the very first house guest and it is clear why. The young man's

twin sister believes she is Jackie O and there is a family tradition of reenacting the Kennedy

assassination (with ketchup and pasta - until this night), as well as other family secrets.

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?

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.

Marnie Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1964 Rating: NR-PG

Actors: Tippi Hedron, Sean Connery, Diane Baker

Topics: Impulse Control Disorder, Sexual Disorder, PTSD

There is much to this movie.  It exemplifies classic Hitchcock in its photography, use of color,

psychological storyline.  The psychiatrist role was deleted, with Sean Connery taking over the

lines.  Was this realistic?  Was the ending realistic?  Can you explain the theivery?  What about a

classical conditioning paradigm for the fear of the color red and thunderstorms?  How, today,

would Marnie be treated?

Matchstick Men Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 2003 Rating: PG-13

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, Alison Lohman

Topics: OCD, Treatment, Personality Disorder

Nicholas Cage as the con man with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Very entertaining film.

Consider the accuracy of portrayal (was it "real" OCD or a conversion disorder, for example). 

What about the ethics of the treatment he experienced?

Memento Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 2000 Rating: R

Actors: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano

Topics: Amnesia

This definitely is a film for those interested in neuropsychology. Leonard has anterograde amnesia

 (he can't form new memories). To compensate, he tattoos notes to himself all over his body. He

is on a quest to find the person who raped and murdered his wife. You'll have to watch this one

closely to follow the plot - it is told in reverse. The attempt to accurately portray anterograde

amnesia should be commended, but there are several points where Leonard acts as if he has

"held" a memory longer than could be working memory alone (e.g., he sleeps between the event

and writing it down). What else can you find that is inaccurate?  What about the failed avoidance

learning by the insurance claimant?

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."

Nurse Betty Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 2000 Rating: R

Actors: Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock

Topics: Dissociative, Personality Disorder, Trauma

I had a different expectation for this movie, thinking more of a light romantic comedy. Not so.

Perhaps I'm spoiling the director's design in wanting to warn you up front, but there are some

especially violent scenes, often coming unexpectedly. Interpret these in light of the start of Betty's

 fugue state. Plenty to do in comparing Betty and the Morgan Freeman character, as well as Chris

Rock's character.  There is a bit of the Gilligan's Island syndrome again - coconut hit one results in

 bizarre behavior, coconut hit number two fixes it and all is well. If it only were so easy…

On Golden Pond Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1981 Rating: PG

Actors: Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Topics: Dementia, Family Dysfunction

Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Actress. Beautiful story of enduring love in an

elderly couple, the husband's suffering from the early stages of dementia, and its effect on family

members. Acting doesn't get much better than this.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Favorite

Genre: Drama Year: 1975 Rating: R

Actors: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, William Redfield

Topics: Treatment, Personality Disorder, Suicide

Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress among other awards.  This

is a must see (and I mean MUST for any psych major!). Why faking insanity to avoid jail may not

be a good idea (at least not during this era).

One Hour Photo 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).

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

The Madness of King George Favorite

Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1994 Rating: R

Actors: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm

Topics: Psychosis, Poyphyria

A great movie. Psychosis caused by a metabolic disorder (porphyria).  Look out if you start peeing

 blue!

The Manchurian Candidate 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.

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!

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.

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.