Favorites
Bad Timing
Genre: Drama Year: 1980 Rating: R
Actors: Art Garfunkel, Theresa Russell, Harvey Keitel
Topics: Psychopathology, Personality Disorder, Treatment
This modern film-noir type movie has been hated by some – e.g., the original distribution company removed its logo and called it “a sick movie made by sick people for sick people.” Well, I didn’t think it was THAT bad – I’ve certainly seen worse, but I’m not inclined to watch it again. The film is told through a series of flashbacks interspersed with current time, making it a bit hard to follow. By the end, though, you have a sense of where the psychopathologies lie. In addition to the personality disorder issues, what about the psychiatrist’s blatant disregard for confidentiality and the inappropriate use of testing? If he is a “research psychoanalyst” in Vienna, does that change the ethics requirement, even if he most likely was trained in the United States? And, yes, the actor is Art Garfunkel of Simon & Garfunkel fame.
Beautiful People
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1999 Rating: R
Actors: Thomas Goodridge, Frank Pruti, Tony Peters
Topics: Psychopathology, Social, Stress and Coping, Family Dynamics
A black comedy from Britain. Much like a lighter version of “Crash.” The intertwining of lives and various conflicts allow for discussion of biases and “us” versus “them” mentalities. Also includes reference to “Bosnian syndrome.”
Bird
Genre: Drama Year: 1988 Rating: R
Actors: Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment, Stress and Coping
Story of jazz great Charlie Parker, with drug use and compulsive eating.
Boost, The
Genre: Drama Year: 1988 Rating: R
Actors: James Woods, Sean Young, John Kapelos
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Marital/Family Dynamics
Sean Young and James Woods get a “boost” from cocaine addiction, at what cost?
Clean and Sober
Genre: Drama Year: 1988 Rating: R
Actors: Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment
Michael Keaton struggles with alcoholism and attends rehab.
Crazy Heart
Genre: Drama Year: 2009 Rating: R
Actors: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell
Topics: Substance Use Disorders, Treatment
Jeff Bridges plays a country musician with a penchant for alcohol. After a incident of drunk driving, his girlfriend breaks up with him, prompting him to examine his life and pursue rehab.
Days of Wine and Roses
Genre: Drama Year: 1962 Rating: NR
Actors: Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick, Charles Bickford
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Marital/Family Dynamics, Treatment
This movie follows a couple’s growing addiction to alcohol.
Harvey
Genre: Comedy Year: 1950 Rating: NR-PG
Actors: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow
Topics: Psychopathology, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment, Marital/Family Dynamics
Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. Classic comedy with Jimmy Stewart hallucinating (?) a six-foot rabbit named Harvey. Consider the portrayal of psychiatry and the mental asylum and the apparent ease with which one seemed to be able to commit a person. Also, one might think Harvey was a result of too much alcohol, but do we actually see Jimmy Stewart ever drink? Hmmm. My favorite lines are Elwood’s quoting his mother: “In this world, Elwood, you must be oh-so-smart or oh-so-pleasant,” and his conclusion, “Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant.” Is it a personality disorder to be too nice, too polite? Ah, if we all were so afflicted! Parallels with Peter Sellers in “Being There” and Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump?”
Leaving Las Vegas
Genre: Drama Year: 1995 Rating: R
Actors: Nicolas Cage, Elisabuth Shue, Julian Sands
Topics: Substance Use Disorders
Kevin Klein portrays a man diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 4 months to live. He attempts to rebuild his relationship with his drug-using, life-hating teenage son, while they rebuild a ramshackle house that was his lifelong goal.
Life as a House
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: R
Actors: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen
Topics: Psychopathology, Mood Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Stress and Coping, Marital/Family Dynamics
Kevin Klein portrays a man diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 4 months to live. He attempts to rebuild his relationship with his drug-using, life-hating teenage son, while they rebuild a ramshackle house that was his lifelong goal.
Lost Weekend, The
Genre: Drama Year: 1945 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Ray Milland, Jane Wyman, Phillip Terry
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Family Dysfunction
Classic story of alcoholic struggling with self-esteem issues and inability to maintain personal relationships, including his supportive brother. Great scenes demonstrating ingenuity of alcoholics in hiding their liquor.
My Left Foot
Genre: Drama Year: 1989 Rating: R
Actors: Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker, Alison Whelan
Topics: Neuropsychology/Medical Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Mood Disorders, Marital/Family Dynamics, Stress and Coping
Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Great film about childhood misdiagnosis of cerebral palsy as mental retardation and the difficulties adjusting to an adult life with disabilities.
‘Night Mother
Genre: Drama Year: 1986 Rating: R
Actors: Sissy Spacek, Anne Bancroft
Topics: Psychopathology, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Substance Use Disorders
Plenty of family dysfunction here – declaration of suicidal intention by the daughter whose life consists of a failed marriage, a drug-addicted son, and agoraphobia. Her mother attempts to convince her that life is worth living. From a Pulitzer Prize winning play.
Permanent Midnight
Genre: Drama Year: 1998 Rating: R
Actors: Ben Stiller, Maria Bello, Jay Paulson
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Treatment, Marital/Family Dynamics
Autobiographical story of former Hollywood screenwriter, Jerry Stahl, and his struggles with drug addiction. Hard to go wrong with Ben Stiller as the lead and, of course, the omnipresent Owen Wilson has a small role.
Requiem for a Dream
Genre: Drama Year: 2000 Rating: R
Actors: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Marital/Family Dynamics
Another Darren Aronofsky film that pushes the boundaries. Strong portrayals of drug addiction (both street drugs and prescription drugs) and its costs. Roger Ebert deems it a “travelogue of hell” – for those who have not experienced the torment of drug addiction, here’s a guided tour. Consider the different types of addiction and motivations for drug use. Unique film techniques enhance this gripping movie.
Rush
Genre: Drama Year: 1991 Rating: R
Actors: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jason Patric, Sam Elliott
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders
Undercover cops who are sucked into drug use. Illustrates the danger of believing that one can simply and easily “quit” using addictive drugs. Gave us the haunting Eric Clapton song, “Tears in Heaven.”
Sherrybaby
Genre: Drama Year: 2007 Rating: R
Actors: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Brad William Henke, Sam Bottoms
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Marital/Family Dynamics
Sherry is released from prison to a halfway house, after doing time for drugs/theft. Her young daughter has been cared for by her brother and his wife. Sherry struggles with her re-entry into society and into her child’s life, expecting the “quick fix” she could get from drug use. Consider family dynamics, personality issues.
Thirteen
Genre: Drama Year: 2003 Rating: R
Actors: Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter, Nikki Reed
Topics: Substance Use Disorders
This movie follows a teenager’s introduction to the world of drugs. It also features elements of self-harm.
When a Man Loves a Woman
Genre: Drama Year: 1994 Rating: R
Actors: Andy Garcia, Meg Ryan, Ellen Burstyn
Topics: Psychopathology, Substance Use Disorders, Marital/Family Dysfunction, Treatment
Story of alcoholic wife and mother, her treatment, and her relationship with her husband.