Provide Specific Replies That Interact With The Thread ✓ Solved

Provide specific replies that interact with the thread and foster

Provide specific replies that interact with the thread and foster discussion (e.g., What was similar between your peer's review and your review? What was different between your peer's review and your review? Do you have any additional thoughts related to this experience?). Include a question or questions in your reply to engage your peer in more discussion. Ensure that you include academic support.

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In the realm of contemporary cinema, the portrayal of psychological disorders offers insight into the human experience, contributing to a broader understanding of mental health. I reviewed two films, "Benny and Joon" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," which depict characters grappling with different psychological disorders. Jill's analysis of "Benny and Joon" provided a nuanced perspective on mental health representation in film, particularly concerning Joon’s character and the struggles she faces due to mental illness. Her observations on Joon exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) resonate with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This discussion echoes my own insights from "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," where the character Gilbert faces the challenge of caring for his mentally handicapped brother, Arnie, while also addressing family trauma and personal identity.

Jill’s character analysis highlights vital aspects of Joon’s psychological state, supported by Choi (2014), to illustrate the complexity of her disorder; it echoes the critical understanding of mental health that is essential in film analysis. Specifically, the portrayal of Joon’s auditory hallucinations and disorganized speech invites the audience to appreciate the intricacies of living with schizophrenia, a disorder that is often misunderstood in popular media. Comparatively, Gilbert’s role as a caregiver reflects the pressures and emotional toll that accompany familial responsibilities, as seen through his relationship with Arnie, who embodies the challenges associated with being mentally handicapped. The film encapsulates themes such as unconditional love and personal sacrifice while addressing stigmas surrounding mental health.

While both films offer critical insights into mental illness, there are important differences in their portrayals. "Benny and Joon" employs a whimsical narrative style that infuses humor into tragedy, a contrast to the more serious and somber tone of “What's Eating Gilbert Grape.” This difference affects how audiences interpret the characters’ experiences. Jill's perspective on Joon leads one to question how the fantastical elements of the movie may dilute the intensity of her struggles, as humor might obscure the seriousness of her mental health challenges. In "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," the raw and often devastating portrayal of obesity and mental disability, particularly seen through Gilbert’s mother’s struggles with Binge Eating Disorder, aligns closely with the findings from Kring et al. (2018), who note the adverse physical and psychological effects associated with such disorders.

Furthermore, there is significant overlap in how both movies address the theme of caregiving. Jill points out Benny’s internal conflict as he strives to balance his sister’s autonomy with the protection she requires, which resonates with Gilbert’s similar struggle to pursue his own life goals while being the primary caretaker for Arnie. This simultaneous exploration of personal ambition and responsibility raises pertinent questions about the societal expectations placed on caregivers. How can individuals find balance between familial obligations and self-care? How do these themes play out in real-world scenarios, particularly in modern discussions surrounding mental illness?

Engagement in such discussions about mental health representations in film is essential. Questions that I would pose to both Jill and Kelliana might include: In what ways do you think these films could impact the public perception of mental health? Do you believe that the portrayals in these movies could lead to more empathy and understanding among viewers? Furthermore, how do you perceive the role of humor and narrative stylization in impacting audiences’ emotional responses to serious issues, such as mental illness and caregiving?

In conclusion, both films offer a rich landscape for analyzing the representations of psychological disorders. By highlighting characters such as Joon and Arnie, "Benny and Joon" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" invite viewers to engage deeply with the complexities of mental health. As we continue to explore these films, acknowledging their implications can foster discussions that bridge the gap between cinematic experiences and real-life mental health awareness, ultimately encouraging a more compassionate societal understanding.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
• Brownley, K. A., Berkman, N. D., Peat, C. M., Lohr, K. N., Cullen, K. E., Bann, C. M., & Bulik, C. M. (2016). Binge-eating disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 165(6), 409-417.
• Choi, J. (2014). Highly probable psychological disorders of the character Joon from the film Benny and Joon directed by Jeremiah Chechik in 1993. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 4(3), 211-215.
• Kring, A. M., Johnson, S. L., Davison, G., & Neale, J. (2018). Abnormal psychology: The science and treatment of psychological disorders (14th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.