Treatment and Ethical Issues
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]
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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]
Camille Claudel
Genre: Drama Year: 1988 Rating: R
Actors: Isabelle Adjani, Gerard Depardieu, Laurent Grevill
Topics: Psychosis, Treatment
Biography of the French artist, Claudel, who has a "madness of mud" - she's a sculptress. Gerard
Depardieu plays Auguste Rodin, with whom she has a less than stable relationship. Adjani spent
most of her adult life in an asylum. [Suggested by Celeste Walling, NY]
Canvas Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2006 Rating: Pg-13
Actors: Joe Pantoliano
Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction, Treatment
Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this film demonstrates the impact of schizophrenia on the
family. As such, I imagine it would be useful in working with families dealing with mental illness in
a loved one. Great music and photography.
Captain Newman, M.D. 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 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.
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]
Cosi
Genre: Comedy Year: 1993 Rating: R
Actors: Ben Mendelsohn, Barry Otto, Toni Collette
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Impulse Control Disorder
A very well-done Australian comedy about a theater major hired to direct a play with the cast
comprised of psychiatric patients at the local asylum. Includes pyromaniacs and other diagnoses.
Hard to separate patients from staff. [Suggested by Jeff Hill, Marywood University, PA]
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.
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 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.
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?
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]
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]
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]
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.
I Am Sam
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning
Topics: Mental Retardation, Forensic, Family Dysfunction
Sean Penn portrays a man with mental retardation fighting for custody of his 7-year-old child.
Sam's group of friends are entertaining - two are truly developmentally disabled - his close
neighbor is agoraphobic. His lawyer is the stereotypical overworked yuppie professional woman,
estranged from her family. The film is a classic tearjerker. Despite significant research for the
film (watch the supplemental documentary), how realistic were the events? Did he take her to a
pediatrician? Did the pediatrician have any concerns about his care? Was that a realistic
portrayal of cross-examination of an expert witness? Could Sam really have afforded the
apartment at the end in Los Angeles, making somewhere around $8/hour? What really was in the
best interest of the child? Was the opposing attorney all that wrong? Many things to consider.
[Suggested by Kathleen Krach]
I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1992 Rating: PG
Actors: Jason Alexander, Nia Peeples, Lainie Kazan
Topics: Eating Disorder, Ethics
Overweight shoe store salesman is befriended by psychology student, who proceeds to help him
lose weight, and use him, without his knowledge, as a case study for her thesis.
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Genre: Drama Year: 1977 Rating: R
Actors: Kathleen Quinlan, Bibi Anderson, Ben Piazza
Topics: Schizophrenia, Treatment
A young woman's continuing fantasies from childhood land her in an institution, with a therapist
attempting to reunite her with reality. Would be nicely paired with "The Snake Pit" and "One Flew
Over the Cuckoo's Nest" to compare treatment methods. Joins "Shock Corridor" in perpetuating
the evil mental health aide concept. If you ever watch the documentary "Titicut Follies," you'll see
that such abuses have occurred, however. [Suggested by C. Bisby, CA]
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.
King of Hearts
Genre: Comedy Year: 1966 Rating: NR
Actors: Alan Bates, Pierre Brasseur, Jean-Claude Brialy
Topics: Treatment
French with subtitles. Set in France during World War I. According to the submitter: "The Germans
have set a bomb to go off at 12 midnight and the only people left in the village are the 'crazy'
people in the asylum and a Canadian soldier checking out the village after the Germans had
retreated. Once again, we see the 'who are the crazy ones' theme." [Submitted by Nancy Porter,
Chestnut Hill College, PA]
Kinsey
Genre: Drama Year: 2004 Rating: R
Actors: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O'Donnell
Topics: Sexual Disorders, Treatment, Family Dysfunction
Very interesting film chronicling the first systematic investigation of human sexual responses.
Diagnostic considerations for Kinsey? Good segments demonstrating issues to be considered when
conducting psychosocial interviews.
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.
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 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]
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?
Mumford
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1999 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Loren Dean, Hope Davis, Jason Lee
Topics: Treatment, Ethics,
This is a generally entertaining, albeit predictable, feel-good movie. As a psychologist, however, I
found myself disliking the main character. How does the field of psychology come across in this
film? Does training do anything? Is the ethics code reasonable? Can one simply stop seeing a
client in order to have a romantic relationship with him/her? Much to chew on from an ethics
perspective here. Maybe the field is overlooking the curative effect of psychologist as
matchmaker (I hope you can sense my sarcarsm :).
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.
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).
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).
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.
President's Analyst
Genre: Comedy Year: 1968 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: James Coburn, Geoffrey Cambridge, Severn Darden
Topics: Treatment
If you are an Austin Powers fan, you'll like this movie - a REAL 1960s flick, complete with the
music, the décor, the clothes, the drug use. It's relevance to this list is marginal - consider it from
the position of actually being the "president's analyst" - what would be your confidentiality (and
safety?) issues.
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!
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]
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
Titicut Follies
Genre: Documentary Year: 1967 Rating: R
Actors:
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Ethics
This is a highly controversial documentary, with graphic images of abuse of patients in a
Massachusetts psychiatric hospital. The film was banned by court order, citing invasion of privacy.
Still hard to find.
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!
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.
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.
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.