A lot of what we see portrayed in movies may not be based in reality, which can lead to confusion about psychological disorders. Select one of the following films and review the film as a Psychology student, not just a movie-watcher. ***Pay attention to the movie ratings and know that there is significant violence and difficult scenes/triggers in a number of the movies - choose wisely! If you want assistance choosing an appropriate movie, reach out to me!
This is a review based on psychological information provided in the textbook and/or lecture. This should be a concise 700-word assignment, this is not an overview of what you think about the movie in general. Word count should be at the end of your assignment. This assignment will not be accepted if it is in the form of a screen shot or jpeg file. Cite your sources! See the rubric below for grading criteria.
Include the following in your assignment:
Provide a brief summary (no more than a paragraph) of the selected movie, including the movie title, character chosen, setting, premis and primary diagnosis of your chosen character, then discuss it from a psychological viewpoint.
In no specific order, include the following:
In your discussion you should explain the diagnosis depicted in the film.
Based on your knowledge from class and your text, determine if the film accurately depicts the disorder identified or if it is flawed.
If the character is diagnosed in the film, is it even the right diagnosis? Support your answer.
Explain, using examples from the movie, how the diagnosis is flawed and/or accurately represented (it can be both).
Are there any ethics violations or ethical concerns you have about the treatment of your character by professionals (if there were any).
Full Answer Section
Diagnosis:
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is characterized by a pervasive need for orderliness, perfectionism, and excessive control (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Individuals with OCPD are often preoccupied with details, rules, and schedules. They may also have difficulty delegating tasks or expressing warmth due to a fear of losing control.
Accuracy of the Portrayal:
The film accurately depicts some aspects of OCPD. Nina exhibits a relentless pursuit of perfection in her ballet. She meticulously practices every move, restricts her diet to maintain a specific weight, and displays intense anxiety when faced with any deviation from her rigid routine. Her controlling nature is evident in her resistance to Nina's understudy, Lily, who embodies the sensuality and freedom Nina struggles with.
However, the film's portrayal of Nina's descent into psychosis is more complex and potentially suggests Schizophrenia. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). While her anxieties and distorted self-image align with OCPD, the visual and auditory hallucinations Nina experiences are not typical symptoms of this disorder.
Flaws and Accurate Representations:
The film effectively portrays the debilitating nature of OCPD and its impact on personal relationships. Nina's relentless focus on perfection alienates her from her mother and friends. However, the rapid onset of hallucinations and the complete loss of touch with reality suggest a more severe psychotic disorder like Schizophrenia.
Another flaw is the lack of exploration of potential triggers for Nina's mental state. The film heavily emphasizes the pressure of the ballet production, but a more comprehensive psychological evaluation might reveal underlying factors contributing to her condition.
Ethical Violations:
The film raises concerns about the ethical treatment of Nina. The ballet director, Thomas Leroy, exploits Nina's insecurities and vulnerabilities to manipulate her performance. He fuels her anxieties about imperfection and encourages her to embrace the darker aspects of the Swan Queen character, potentially exacerbating her mental state.
Conclusion:
Black Swan offers a glimpse into the potential consequences of an obsessive-compulsive personality and raises questions about the pressures faced by performers. While the film accurately depicts some aspects of OCPD, the portrayal of Nina's psychosis could benefit from a clearer distinction between the disorder and Schizophrenia. Additionally, the film highlights the importance of ethical treatment and avoiding manipulative behaviors that exploit mental vulnerabilities.
Sample Answer
Black Swan (2010): A Psychological Exploration of Nina's Descent
Summary: Black Swan, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is a psychological thriller film set in the competitive world of New York City ballet. The story centers on Nina Sayers (played by Natalie Portman), a dedicated ballerina vying for the coveted lead role in Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. As Nina delves deeper into the character, the line between reality and her character's psychosis blurs, leading to a psychological breakdown. Based on the film's portrayal, Nina exhibits symptoms consistent with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and potentially Schizophrenia.