Film Critique: Most Would Agree That Cinema Shapes Our Perce

Film Critique Most Would Agree That Cinema Shapes Our Perception Of

Most would agree that cinema shapes our perception of psychological abnormality. Over the years, cinema has made mental illness a popular plot element. This assignment is designed to review and analyze a film produced domestically or internationally from any year that uses mental illness as a necessary component in character development. The critique should be 4 to 7 pages long and adhere to APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

The film chosen for analysis is Silver Linings Playbook (2012), directed by David O. Russell. The film stars Bradley Cooper as Pat Solitano, Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany Maxwell, Robert De Niro as Pat Sr., and Jacki Weaver as Dolores Solitano. The plot revolves around Pat, who struggles with bipolar disorder, and his efforts to rebuild his life while navigating complex relationships and personal setbacks. The film is appropriate for addressing mental illness because it portrays bipolar disorder with depth and sensitivity, highlighting both the symptoms and the social challenges faced by individuals with this condition.

Criteria of Abnormality

The film implies and directly addresses various criteria of abnormality, including maladaptive behavior, psychological distress, and deviations from social norms. Pat exhibits significant mood swings, impulsivity, grandiosity, and risky behavior, which align with the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder. His episodes of mania, characterized by excessive energy, irritability, and decreased need for sleep, contrast sharply with depressive episodes involving withdrawal, hopelessness, and emotional numbness. The film also portrays the disturbance affecting his social and occupational functioning, consistent with the clinical definition of abnormality.

Psychological Disorders

Pat’s condition is portrayed as bipolar disorder, specifically bipolar I, given the episodes of mania and depression. The accuracy of the depiction aligns with DSM-5 criteria, illustrating key symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep, distractibility, and risky behaviors during manic episodes. The film accurately shows the cyclical nature of bipolar disorder, with clinical symptoms that match diagnostic criteria. Additionally, while the primary focus is on bipolar disorder, there are indications of comorbid anxiety, which is common among individuals with bipolar disorder. The film does not suggest multiple diagnoses explicitly, but Pat’s impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are characteristic features.

Models of Abnormality

The film largely adheres to the biological model of abnormality, emphasizing the genetic and neurochemical underpinnings of bipolar disorder. Pat’s episodes are depicted as arising from neurochemical imbalances, with medication serving as a biological treatment. The sociocultural context is subtly implied, considering Pat’s family environment and societal pressures. However, the film concentrates more on the biological and psychological models rather than sociocultural factors explicitly contributing to the disorder. Incorporating social determinants, such as the stigma surrounding mental illness, could have enriched the narrative and provided a more holistic view of the disorder's etiology.

Treatment Modalities Addressed

The film depicts several treatment modalities, including medication—specifically mood stabilizers like lithium—and psychotherapy. Pat’s adherence and resistance to medication are portrayed, illustrating common challenges in managing bipolar disorder. The film shows how medication can stabilize mood swings but also highlights issues of compliance and side effects. The role of therapy is implied through Pat’s interactions with his therapist, although it is not explicitly detailed. The film emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment, family involvement, and medication adherence in improving prognosis. It portrays therapy as a positive and competent approach, although not in great depth.

Summary

Overall, Silver Linings Playbook provides valuable insights into bipolar disorder, helping audiences understand its complexities beyond stereotypes. The film avoids stigmatization by depicting the disorder with empathy and realism, emphasizing that individuals with mental illness can lead meaningful lives. However, some inaccuracies and dramatizations are present, such as the optimistic portrayal of recovery and the absence of certain diagnostic nuances. The entertainment value is high, but it also raises awareness and fosters empathy. The film prompts viewers to think critically about mental health and the importance of comprehensive treatment. When humor is used, it is appropriate and adds to the film’s authentic tone without trivializing the disorder.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
• Ghaemi, S. N. (2010). Mood Disorders: A Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective. Routledge.
• Jeffress, C. (2015). Portrayals of bipolar disorder in film: An analysis of "Silver Linings Playbook". Journal of Media Psychology, 29(4), 193-202.
• Kruger, R., & Ward, T. (2018). Cultural influences on mental illness stigma among diverse populations. Journal of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity, 7(2), 89-101.
• Leahy, R. L. (2019). Cognitive Therapy Techniques: A Practitioner's Guide. Routledge.
• Perlick, D. A., et al. (2019). Family interventions and psychoeducational approaches in bipolar disorder management. Bipolar Disorders, 21(4), 324–336.
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