History of Mental Disorders as Portrayed in Film
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 271
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
Mental disorders have been present in film since the silent era, but the portrayal of characters with mental disorders gained popularity in the 1960s after the release of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. But how truthful is its depiction? Film leaves a lasting impression, and more often than not, upholds stereotypes within society. Beginning with Psycho and ending with Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, Hollywood has blended different disorders together to depict tortured souls and monsters. An examination of four films indicates, that while Hollywood has been more truthful and honest in its portrayal, it will still take creative liberties in order to add more drama and depth to the disorder itself.
Recommended Citation
Riggs, Meagan, "History of Mental Disorders as Portrayed in Film" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 103.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/103
Additional Mentoring Department
Film and Video Studies
History of Mental Disorders as Portrayed in Film
SURC 271
Mental disorders have been present in film since the silent era, but the portrayal of characters with mental disorders gained popularity in the 1960s after the release of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. But how truthful is its depiction? Film leaves a lasting impression, and more often than not, upholds stereotypes within society. Beginning with Psycho and ending with Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, Hollywood has blended different disorders together to depict tortured souls and monsters. An examination of four films indicates, that while Hollywood has been more truthful and honest in its portrayal, it will still take creative liberties in order to add more drama and depth to the disorder itself.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michael Ogden