Representation of Schizophrenia

Representation of Schizophrenia

Introduction1. The area of film I chose to research for my advanced portfolio is mental health issues.

2. Dementia or Schizophrenia?

3. What is Schizophrenia?

4. What are the symptoms?

5. What are the stereotypes?

Key Texts• At the start of my research project I selected three focal films which all include schizophrenia. Two of

which I had previously watched and one I had not previously seen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyBaFYFySk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iaYLCiq5RM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTe1xiBzAws

Discussion of researchBefore I set out researching, I devised a list of questions I aimed to answer by using a range of sources including: Films, internet, books, articles and documentaries.

1. Which mental health illness is most often avoided/represented in films?• OCD, PTS, Autism, Clinical Depression, Dementia, Dissociative Disorder, APS + Schizophrenia• Learning disabilities, Social anxiety and Phobias

2. Which genres are frequently used when exploring mental health?• Horror and Comedy

3. If mental health illness is mainly represented positively or negatively?• Negatively

4. How the micro elements can impact on the representation of mental health?• Cinematography: POV shots and shift focus

Mise en scene: Every day clothesSound: SilenceEditing: Cuts and colour correction

Conclusion 1. Majority of mainstream films represent to the extreme

2. Are attitudes changing?

3. Science vs Film