PROJECTIONS: Cinematic representations of mental illness

Guy de Maupassant once said, “A sick thought can devour the body's flesh more than fever or consumption.” Mental illness is one of the leading causes of the overall disease burden worldwide. Depression and anxiety are reported to be among the main drivers of disability in Western countries. It is estimated that one in six adults has suffered from a common mental disorder.

The cinema is a chronicler of transformation; it supplies an alchemical lexicon to reveal the soul’s sublime dreams, as well as a useful mode of expression for the pain endured by a fragmented mind. Compared to other art forms, the film medium possesses a unique capacity to showcase the complexity of human emotion and so occupies a privileged position in conveying the subjective experience of mental disturbance.

In this day course, a selection of films portraying psychiatric diagnoses will be explored, with information provided on the emergence and development of distinct clinical categories including anxiety, depression and psychosis. In addition to in-depth content analysis of visual material, there will be a platform to discuss the role of moving image culture in shaping public perception and social attitudes in relation to psychological distress.

Advance viewing is optional, select scenes and montages will be shown on the day.