Films Illustrating Psychopathology Danny Wedding Mary Ann Boyd ...

216 Movies and Mental Illness
to revive her after she inadvertently overdoses
on heroin.
“What now? Let me tell you what
now. I’ma call a coupla hard, pipehittin’
niggers, who’ll go to work
on this soon-to-be-dead hillbilly
rapist here with a pair of pliers
and a blow torch. You hear me
talkin’, hillbilly boy? I ain’t
through with you by a damn sight.
I’ma get medieval on your ass.”
Marsellus plans his revenge
in Pulp Fiction
Quitting (2001) Drama ΨΨΨΨ
Slow-moving but interesting Chinese film about a
one-time famous actor who deteriorates due to a
heroin addiction. The emotional and psychological
withdrawals depicted are memorable. This is an
important film on addiction and withdrawal.
Reefer Madness (1936) Drama Ψ
Camp film depicting the dangers of marijuana.
Ironically, several thousand college students have
gone to see this film high on the very drug the film
condemns.
Requiem for a Dream (2000) Drama ΨΨΨΨ
Greatly disturbing film about four drug addicts
whose lives deteriorate. Unforgettable performances
and critically acclaimed. Cinematically crafted
with excellence by Darren Aronofsky.
“I’m somebody now, everybody
likes me.”
Requiem for a Dream
Rose, The (1979) Musical ΨΨ
Bette Midler portrays Janis Joplin and her problems
with Southern Comfort and drugs.
Rush (1991) Crime/Drama ΨΨΨ
Two undercover narcotics agents find addiction to
be an occupational hazard.
Scarface (1983) Crime ΨΨΨ
Brian De Palma movie starring Al Pacino as a
Cuban immigrant mobster who becomes addicted
to the cocaine he is marketing. This long film,
which tends to be loved or hated, is based on a
1932 Howard Hawks classic with the same name.
Seven Percent Solution, The (1976) Mystery ΨΨ
Sigmund Freud treats Sherlock Holmes’ cocaine
addiction. Creative idea and historically accurate in
documenting Freud’s early enthusiasm for cocaine.
“Dog had a litter of about 8, and
my Mother was bending over
killing each one of these little
puppies in the bathtub. I remember
I said ‘why?’... She said ‘I’m just
killing what I can’t take care of.’
Then my momma said to me, she
looked at me and she said, ‘I wish I
could do that to you.’”
A recollection by the cook
in Spun
Shadow Hours (2000) Drama Ψ
Wealthy man manipulates a young gas station
attendant into drug relapse and fraternizing with
three types of “night owls”: (1) those who find
their prince charming or princess and end at midnight,
(2) vampires—prostitutes, drug dealers, (3)
and Mr. Hydes—those that can’t sleep.
Sid and Nancy (1986) Biography ΨΨΨΨ
Compelling biography of Sid Vicious of the Sex
Pistols; offers insight into the worlds of drugs and
rock and roll.
Spun (2002) Drama/Comedy ΨΨΨ
A well-done, intense film about methamphetamine
addiction.
Stardust (1975) Drama Ψ
British film about a rock star whose success is
tarnished by drug addiction and mental illness.
Sweet Nothing (1996) Drama ΨΨΨ
An effective examination of the futility, desperation,
and violence associated with crack addiction.
This is a true story based on diaries found in a
Bronx apartment in March of 1991.
From: Wedding, D., Boyd, M.A., & Niemiec, R.M. Movies and Mental Illness: Using Films to Understand Psychopathology
© 2005 Hogrefe & Huber Publishers (www.hogrefe.com)