Abnormal Psychology as Depicted in the Film American Beauty
American Beauty
A closer look at the American Dream
by
John Thompson
Abnormal Psychology
Abstract American Beauty follows two dysfunctional suburban American families who 's members struggle with psychological disorders including midlife crisis, homophobia, paranoia, and narcissistic personality disorder. A midlife crisis is a type of emotional transition that takes place when an adult realizes their own mortality. Homophobia is defined as a range of negative feelings towards homosexuals and homosexuality. Extreme homophobia can lead to paranoia which is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by fear and often to the point of delusion. People with an inflated sense of self importance and a deep need for admiration have narcissistic personality disorder.
Introduction
The opening of Sam Mendes classic “American Beauty” brilliantly presents the Burnham family 's individual personality traits and dysfunctional relationship through their actions and dialogue. Carol who appears to have been awake for hours is busy grooming her prized flowers as Lester reluctantly wakes up and enjoys “the in high point of the day” in the shower. Carol confronts her daughter Jane 's wardrobe choice by asking “are you trying to look unattractive?” Jane 's cold relationship with her mother is established with Jane 's emotionless “yes” response. Despite her response, like most teenage girls Jane is preoccupied with her looks as suggested through her research of breast augmentation and her look of disappointment as she examines herself in the mirror. Lester 's childlike regression (Nevid, J., Rathus, S. & Greene, B) and obedience to his narcissistic wife is revealed as Carol shouts “Could you make me a little later” as he pathetically spills his brief case before settling into the back seat. The only hint nurturing nature Carol 's displays is towards her prized roses. As Lester suggests, it is all part
A closer look at the American Dream
by
John Thompson
Abnormal Psychology
Abstract American Beauty follows two dysfunctional suburban American families who 's members struggle with psychological disorders including midlife crisis, homophobia, paranoia, and narcissistic personality disorder. A midlife crisis is a type of emotional transition that takes place when an adult realizes their own mortality. Homophobia is defined as a range of negative feelings towards homosexuals and homosexuality. Extreme homophobia can lead to paranoia which is a thought process believed to be heavily influenced by fear and often to the point of delusion. People with an inflated sense of self importance and a deep need for admiration have narcissistic personality disorder.
Introduction
The opening of Sam Mendes classic “American Beauty” brilliantly presents the Burnham family 's individual personality traits and dysfunctional relationship through their actions and dialogue. Carol who appears to have been awake for hours is busy grooming her prized flowers as Lester reluctantly wakes up and enjoys “the in high point of the day” in the shower. Carol confronts her daughter Jane 's wardrobe choice by asking “are you trying to look unattractive?” Jane 's cold relationship with her mother is established with Jane 's emotionless “yes” response. Despite her response, like most teenage girls Jane is preoccupied with her looks as suggested through her research of breast augmentation and her look of disappointment as she examines herself in the mirror. Lester 's childlike regression (Nevid, J., Rathus, S. & Greene, B) and obedience to his narcissistic wife is revealed as Carol shouts “Could you make me a little later” as he pathetically spills his brief case before settling into the back seat. The only hint nurturing nature Carol 's displays is towards her prized roses. As Lester suggests, it is all part
References: Nevid, J., Rathus, S. & Greene, B. (2011). Abnormal Psychology: In a Changing World. New Jersey:Pearson Education, Inc., 8th edition E Jaques, ‘Death and the Midlife Crisis’. International Journal of Psychoanalysis. Levinson, D. J., with Darrow, C. N, Klein, E. B. & Levinson, M. (1978). Seasons of a Man 's Life. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-394-40694-X http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/narcissistic-personality-disorder