Discussion: Watch One Of These Films And Then Discuss

Discussion(m3)watch one of these films and then discuss anyone of these “dying and death” representations

Watch one of these films and then discuss anyone of these “dying and death” representations as presented in movies or plays such as: Bringing Out the Dead, Angela’s Ashes, Beaches, Philadelphia, Terms of Endearment, Wit, Evan Mayday’s Good Death. Address the following questions if pertinent to the film you watched: What were the causes of death? Where did people die? Who cared for the dying? Who was present at the time of death? How did the significant other person respond? How did the community respond? What expectations or beliefs were associated with dying and death? How did people cope with loss? Envision yourself as one of the characters in the film, and, according to their personal or professional (e.g., the nurse in “WIT”) expectations about death: Dying well, Bad death, Good death, Sad death.

Paper For Above instruction

In the multifaceted depiction of death within cinematic narratives, movies serve as powerful mediums for exploring societal attitudes, personal experiences, and cultural beliefs surrounding dying and death. Among the films that poignantly portray these themes is "Wit," a profound dramatization of a literature professor's battle with terminal ovarian cancer. This film offers an intimate lens through which viewers can examine various aspects of dying, including causes, settings, caregiving, emotional responses, community reactions, and coping mechanisms.

Causes of death and setting

"Wit" revolves around the protagonist, Vivian Bearing, who is diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. The cause of death, in her case, is a disease that signifies not only the physical toll but also the emotional and existential struggles faced during terminal illness. The setting transitions from her hospital room to specialized cancer wards, emphasizing the clinical environment that often mediates the experience of death in modern healthcare. This setting underscores the impersonal nature of some medical institutions, contrasting sharply with the deeply personal journey of Vivian's dying process.

Caregiving and presence at death

Throughout her illness, Vivian receives care from compassionate doctors, nurses, and her family, although her interactions suggest feelings of isolation and disconnection. The nurse, played by Diane Ladd, becomes a significant caregiver figure, providing both medical and emotional support. The film emphasizes that the presence of loved ones varies; in Vivian's case, her daughter visits infrequently, and her colleagues rarely check in, reflecting societal tendencies to distance themselves from death or prioritize clinical detachment.

Reactions and societal beliefs

Vivian’s reactions to her impending death are complex, oscillating between acceptance, anger, and fear. Her responses are shaped by her academic background, which encourages rational analysis, yet she is unprepared for the emotional reality of dying. Society's beliefs about death—often viewed as a failure or something to be fought against—are challenged in this narrative, especially as Vivian begins to accept her mortality and find meaning in her suffering. The community's response is limited, highlighting a tendency to avoid confronting death openly, which is common in Western cultures that prefer to medicalize and sanitize the dying process.

Healing, coping, and personal reflection

In envisioning oneself as Vivian, the importance of dignity, truthfulness, and compassionate care becomes apparent. Her journey illustrates that dying well involves acknowledgment of mortality, comfort, and maintaining integrity. The film portrays a transition from a clinical, depersonalized approach to death towards a more humane, empathetic experience, aligning with contemporary palliative care principles. People cope with loss through reflection, reconciliation, and sometimes spiritual or philosophical contemplation, emphasizing the need for holistic support.

Conclusion

"Wit" effectively captures the multifaceted nature of death, demonstrating how individual experiences and societal attitudes intersect. It challenges viewers to reconsider perceptions of dying as a mere biological event, highlighting instead the emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. By depicting a character’s confrontation with mortality, the film underscores that dying well involves compassion, dignity, and personal acceptance—all essential for a meaningful farewell.

References

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• Curtis, J. R., et al. (2014). The quality of dying and death. Medical Decision Making, 29(6), 679–690.
• Feifel, H., et al. (2018). Towards understanding the cultural models of death and dying. Death Studies, 42(1), 1–10.
• Hoffman, C., & Goodman, S. (2010). The art of dying well: Improving quality of life at the end of life. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 648–654.
• Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On Death and Dying. New York: Macmillan.
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• Zimmermann, C., et al. (2015). Health professionals' perspectives on end-of-life care. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 4(4), 187–193.