Date of Award

Spring 2025

Thesis Type

Rollins Access Only

Degree Name

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Department

English

Sponsor

Dr. Paul D. Reich

Committee Member

Dr. Bill Boles

Committee Member

Dr. Jill Jones

Abstract

This thesis argues that there has been a positive shift in 21st century films that tell authentic stories about mental illness, educating and opening necessary conversation on the subject. It focuses on specific films that tell gender-conscious, non-villainizing, and digestible stories that destigmatize mental illness. It also investigates how these depictions validate individuals’ experiences in order for viewers to understand the humanity behind those suffering with mental illnesses. The films achieve two goals: acknowledging the harmful misconceptions that cause viewers to realize their own misconceptions and revealing the humanity in characters with mental illnesses. Focusing on conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), this thesis analyzes the following works, which contribute to positive and accurate storytelling: A Beautiful Mind, A Star is Born, Dear Evan Hansen, Inside Out, Inside Out 2, Silver Linings Playbook, and Turtles All the Way Down.

Rights Holder

Paloma A Kluger

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