Hollywood and The Bigger Picture

[Summer Rose]

My daughter asked me to watch a film with her the other day. It was one of her favourite movies that I had somehow missed called Perks of Being a Wallflower. It was a well scripted, touching, coming of age story that in my opinion dealt sensitively and fairly accurately with mental health and other tricky adolescent issues. My daughter said she loved the film because one of the main characters " is like me".

Like me. The words rolled around in my mind. It occurred to me that there are few film or TV characters that are actually like my beautiful girl, who suffers from anxiety and OCD. It also dawned on me that some of the characters currently on the screen who do have OCD are almost insulting. Take Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, for example. He is a walking, talking billboard for the lighter side of autism and OCD but, in my opinion, his character does nothing to contribute to the community's greater understanding of what these conditions are really like to live with.

I think it's fair to estimate that the global television and movie industry makes billions of dollars annually telling stories about characters with mental health conditions. Oscar winning blockbusters such as, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ordinary People, Silver Linings Playbook and a Beautiful Mind have certainly played a role in raising awareness, but is that enough?

Given that inaccurate film representations of mental illness can profoundly contribute to stigma and the reinforcement of unhelpful stereotypes, does the industry have a community obligation to inform? Or is just entertainment? Or does anything designed to raise awareness do some good? Love to hear what you think.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Sez

Thank you so much for your understanding comments about the struggles my girl and I have faced. She is the bravest person I know and I am so very proud of her. I also want to thank you for your generous comments about me and state for the record that I really enjoy interacting with you as well. I like your confident style, your bold ideas and your kind heart. You are someone who can help change our world not only through your important work but through your ideas.

I'd like to pause here and acknowledge that this forum is really a special place and share that I am grateful every day for all of the people I meet and that I am welcome here. I really appreciate everyone contributing to this thread for their comments and ideas. And, perhaps more importantly, for the way in which we are respecting all the views expressed. Every view matters and is welcomed and appreciated. That's how we learn.

Framed as a "shadow of reality", I can see how Sheldon plays a more significant role in our culture than I had previously given him credit for. I had never thought of it that way. Perhaps "Sheldon's spot" is something neither to laugh at or cry about, but rather something to celebrate as a symbol of accepted difference.

[White_Rose]

Hey Pepper

Agree 100% about schools. The problem is the teachers come from from the mindset we are hoping to change. Not being rude, especially to any teachers reading. If we (the population) cannot change our perceptions how can we teach our children to think differently. I know it can be done and has been done but I imagine it's like sweeping water uphill. Catch 22.

Mary

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi!

Wow this post has blown up! So many things to think about 🙂

I completely see your point and agree with you about how portrayals of mental illness look to other people. This is kind of where comments like 'I'm OCD because I like having things organised' or 'I'm having a bad day so I'm depressed' can come in. Or you can get the other extreme which is isolating and shaming people for having a mental illness.

I guess the other part too is that mental illnesses are often portrayed in black and white. If someone on TV has OCD, they might be portrayed as constantly checking the locks, where as OCD can sometimes be unnoticed to the eye - like an incredible amount of intrusive thoughts. Likewise for depression and anxiety - in reality a lot of the time people won't even notice that you could be struggling with this. Or yes with psychosis and schizophrenia - I can speak on a personal level when I say it's frustrating that people with these kinds of diagnosis's (even dissociative identity disorder) are portrayed as incredibly dangerous.

I like how you talked about using humour too - Summer Rose you mentioned how you feel bad laughing at Sheldon and I get that. I laugh too sometimes. Although I don't believe there's any shame in it because it comes down to intention. I'm okay with laughing at a character on TV because my intention is good and I know that I would never laugh at someone who is struggling in real life. My friend has Bipolar and we'll often have a giggle together about some of the things that she does when she's manic, or the way that when I'm depressed anything makes me cry or the (seemingly) silly things that set off my trauma. Would I ever laugh at her? Of course not - but sharing that together helps us both cope in our own quirky ways.

and as for movies and TV shows, there's probably not a lot I can say that hasn't been said here. I do believe though that they all have their place. There's a book that I have called 'Rent two films and let's talk in the morning' (John Wiley and Sons) - which has a huge list of movies and scenes that can be used in therapy. So while some of them can be a hit and miss, I still think that there's little takeaways in between.

[White_Rose]

Hello Summer Rose

You have certainly started something here and it's fantastic. I am having trouble keeping up with the replies as there appears to be a new every few minutes.

You asked about intellectual disability. I used to work in that field and I admit when I started I probably had the same or similar attitudes to intellectual disability (ID) as everyone else. One of the worst assumptions was that people with an ID had no feelings, were incapable of being caring. I remember an episode of Blue Heelers, (does anyone remember the series?) where a young man with ID gets to know the sergeant who is a bit of a elder brother to him. It turns out that the young man has fallen in love with a young girl, also with ID, who loves him. Should be the end of the story but her parents are disgusted with boy.

In the end her parents take their daughter to live somewhere else, too far for the boy to follow. Both young people are devastated and the episode closes with the girl in the back of the car calling for the car to stop and crying. He starts to chase the car but of course gets left behind.

Parents do get concerned about their children and I hope more of them did, but it was their perception that their daughter could not marry the boy, the idea of a sexual relationship between them was anathema and who would take care of any potential children. Yet many of the girls in institutions were raped by staff or visitors and not much was done unless the girl became pregnant.

I cannot recall the name of a film with Tom Cruise and his (film) brother Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman had a form of autism and lived in an institution. When their parents died Cruise discovers he has a brother mainly, if I remember, because the institution stopped getting paid. So Hoffman goes to live Cruise. This has a happy ever ending as Hoffman is finally recognised as a person in his own right. But there were scenes that would have forced a rethink in the eyes of others. If anyone can remember the name of the film please let me know.

I could go on with almost endless stories but I wanted to show there was another group of people who have been victimised and stereotyped. Legislation changes started people thinking differently. It was no longer PC to use certain terms and on the whole this worked and is still working. we can change perceptions by insisting on our families, friends and neighbours treat those with MI in a respectful manner. Change invariably takes place from the bottom up.

Mary

[Just Sara]

Dear Summer;

What beautiful and encouraging sentiments you've offered up to me. I'm incredibly honoured, humbled and grateful; thankyou very, very much...

I could say the same things about you. (As well as many others on this site; including these wonderful people above) We strive to support the cause thru our own healing while supporting others to do the same. 'We' are a credit to our kind..

***

The topic of money obviously plays a huge role in media. So what of the free thinkers and arts programs? 'Tropfest' (Aust) short film contest is one that comes to mind. What an array of quality and interesting subjects.

Up and coming young producers, directors, cinematographers, actors and writers are accredited with some of the best new short films eva! They hit the big topics that money makers won't touch, and due to length limits, get right into it.

A finalists for 2018; 'Boys Don't Cry' is an outstanding representation of teen boys with depression. I cried.. please watch this everyone; please.. And urge others to as well, including your children. (Under 6 minutes. The first minute is blackness; please watch on ok)

Getting tied up with what's wrong with the world is a side effect of MI. We often don't 'look' for what's right and good and proactive. These short films are a testament to the above qualities in our society, but if we don't see them, are they there? Do they exist?

We ask ourselves the same questions. Do I exist if no-one notices me? Am I heard, seen or acknowledged? Yes, yes and yes...

Sez xo

[Just Sara]

BTW Mary; it was 'Rainman' 🙂

[Birdy77]

Hi Summer Rose (& all),

I also can't keep up, so I want to just quickly leave a post here mainly in response to your question, Summer Rose, about The Black Balloon, and what resonated with me.

It goes hand in hand somewhat with Mary's recent post (Mary, the movie was Rainman).

What I loved about The Black Balloon most of all was its compassion.

From my experience, it was a very realistic portrayal of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of a family affected by the extreme challenges of autism. I loved how it presented the exceedingly difficult situations of everyday life, but also the fun, love and dedication that was the essence of that household.

It has been one of the huge privileges of my life to be involved with a family almost identical to the one portrayed in the film.

What an honour to witness the ferocious love and dedication in that home, an experience that has helped shape me, and nurtured in me a better understanding of people and taught me a compassion that would be lacking without that experience.

So, in my opinion, I think The Black Balloon ticked the boxes of educating and entertaining, perhaps not escapism, but done with deep respect and huge compassion.

Thanks again Summer Rose, you are a really lovely presence on the forums.

🌻birdy

[Summer Rose]

Hi Pepper

I like what you are saying about schools and about teaching children to be critical thinkers who can make sophisticated and meaningful mass media consumption choices. I wholeheartedly agree.

I'd like to explain where I was coming from when I said I'd had an epiphany about the power of film critics ...

I have already disclosed my bias. I do want films to have a social conscience. But I'm no fan of censorship and understand that we live in a capitalistic world. As a realist, I believe the social conscience I am seeking is only going to grow within the industry if driven by consumers.

Yet a large proportion of consumers are uneducated when it comes to mental health. All of us on the forum live in a bubble where we care about societal issues that affect mental health and we mostly have lived experience. We get it in a way that most other people don't. I must confess, however, that before my daughter fell ill 7 years ago, I largely lived outside the bubble.

As a young person, I felt I had learned about PTSD by watching The Deer Hunter. To be honest, I don't know much about Alzheimers disease and even just recently felt Still Alice was a source of information for my understanding about this condition. But I don't really know if what I learned from either of these films was authentic. An educated, well informed film review would have helped.

I can see the potential for film critics to become movers and shakers--if they are better informed about mental health, they can in turn better inform people to make film choices and these more sophisticated choices from the public can nudge the film industry.

It would be an easier job for mental health advocates to target film critics on this issue than the entire moving viewing population! Just a thought.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Mary

I like where you've taken Pepper's comments about schools ...

Yes, if we could do better in the education system to teach more about mental health issues along with critical thinking about mass media it would make a HUGE difference. I think the schools are doing a reasonable job given everything else teachers' have to do. Kids have to learn at home too. Parents, grandparents and carers all have to walk the talk. Kids have to learn in the community too. Sporting clubs, employers and community centres all have a role too.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Summer Rose and all,

Great points 🙂 I get what you’re saying about how film critics can potentially influence viewers more positively. I agree that in many ways, it’s easier to target film critics than the wider population.

Overall, I agree that it’s a good idea to educate film critics about mental health so they can be better informed when critiquing films that address mental health 🙂 Although I wonder what are the stats on people who read film reviews, and if there is a difference between different generations in terms of review reading patterns, and the extent that a film critic’s opinion sways their viewing decisions.

Mary: Yes, I definitely feel the school education system can play a huge role in teaching children to grow into informed consumers and critical thinkers, not just when it comes to film but for reading material and even other life choices. Critical thinking is such an important life skill in my opinion.

Sorry, I’m not sure that I understand what you mean by your comment on teachers (?) If you would like to, I would be happy for you to elaborate 🙂

kind thoughts,

Pepper