Films Illustrating Psychopathology Danny Wedding Mary Ann Boyd ...

Appendix G: Films Illustrating Psychopathology 233
show where all the people in his life are actors and
his home and town are part of an elaborate production
studio. This film provides a fascinating setup
for a discussion of delusional disorders.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) Drama
ΨΨΨΨ
A Mike Nichols film, with Elizabeth Taylor and
Richard Burton, who appear to have a shared psychotic
disorder involving a son who never really
existed; the film also portrays alcoholism and interpersonal
cruelty. Elizabeth Taylor and Sandy Dennis
both won Academy Awards for their performances
in this film.
“Now that we’re through with
Humiliate the Host... and we don’t
want to play Hump the Hostess
yet... how about a little round of
Get the Guests?”
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
World Traveler (2001) Drama ΨΨ
Julianne Moore has a supporting role as an alcoholic
with a delusional disorder.
Neuropsychological Disorders
50 First Dates (2004) Comedy Ψ
Adam Sandler plays a veterinarian and womanizer
who falls in love with a woman (Drew Barrymore)
with a fictional cognitive disorder in that she has
no long-term memory as she awakens each morning
forgetting everything from the day before (so
she repeats the same activities each day, enabled by
her family). A flawed Memento.
Awakenings (1990) Drama ΨΨΨ
Robin Williams as neurologist Oliver Sacks treats
patient Robert De Niro in a Bronx hospital. The film
documents the use of L-Dopa in the treatment of
patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Good
portrayal of the daily life of a mental hospital.
City of No Limits, The (2002) Drama ΨΨΨ
The patriarch of a Spanish family is dying of a
brain tumor and displays symptoms of paranoia,
dementia, and depression. One son discovers that
amidst his father’s confusion, there are family
secrets and lies to be uncovered.
“This is not a hospital. They are
not doctors or nurses. Didn’t they
tell you? They all believe that the
city has got no limits.”
Dying Max’s confusion and
paranoia in The City of No Limits
Dark Victory (1939) Drama ΨΨΨ
Bette Davis, George Brent, and Humphrey Bogart
star, but watch for Ronald Reagan. Davis has a
fatal brain tumor. She spends what little time she
has left with her brain surgeon husband. The “dark
victory” refers to living life well, even when facing
death. Remade (not very effectively) with Susan
Hayward in Stolen Hours (1963).
Death Be Not Proud (1975) Biography ΨΨ
A made-for-TV film based on John Gunther’s moving
account of his son’s struggle with a brain tumor,
which killed the boy at the age of 17. The book provides
considerable insight into the neurology of
brain lesions.
Do You Remember Love? (1985) Drama ΨΨ
Joanne Woodward won an Emmy for her portrayal
of a middle-aged college professor who develops
Alzheimer’s Disease.
Harder They Fall, The (1956) Sports ΨΨΨΨ
Humphrey Bogart in his last film, made the year
before his death. The movie is very critical of the
sport of boxing and the exploitation of fighters by
promoters. A slow-witted boxer has a brain clot
and is almost killed in his last fight.
Iris (2001) Drama/Biography ΨΨΨΨ
Based on the life of the famous British novelist
and philosophical writer, Iris Murdoch (played
by Judi Dench), who deteriorates because of
her Alzheimer’s Disease. Oscar-winner, Jim
Broadbent plays John Bayley, Iris’ extraordinarily
loving husband. A powerfully realistic and
emotional film.
Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) Drama ΨΨΨ
True story of the Odone family and their desperate
struggle to save their son’s life. The boy has a rare
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)