Introduction
Benny and Joon is a movie on mental health depicting how two individuals who are mentally perturbed are managing their lives. I like this specific movie because I fully identify myself with it in various ways. Firstly, I have come across individuals who are mentally ill or households with patients who are suffering from psychological disorders. The movie does not specify the nature of mental illness inflicting the featured characters. Furthermore, the counselors do not specify categories under which they fall just like in real life situations (Benny & Joon, 2011).
Solutions to mental illness
Even though the movie itself does not provide tangible solution for Joon who is mentally ill, the movie is not unrealistic to an average individual who is mentally ill. Critics argue that the movie lacks cure and the theme is institutionalized. For instance, Sam says that even though Joon is partially ill mentally, other aspects of her life are normal. This quote by Sam makes the movie realistic to individuals who are suffering psychologically.
Furthermore, I suppose there is a good reason why character Joon was not offered diagnosis. This is because she represents individuals who cannot live their lives positively since they are mentally ill and their social well being have been interrupted by treatments. She plays her role perfectly and brings out the mannerisms associated with those who are mentally ill. Furthermore, the disorder depicted by Joon is not labeled and thus it applies to all people who are mentally disturbed (Santarelli, Alacron &Norcross, 2000, p. 8).
Movie analysis
Even though the movie shows how stale the budding relationship between Joon and Sam is and the cruel treatment of Joon’s illness, people who hold the same perception do not understand how stressful it is to live with someone who is mentally ill. According to Santarelli, Alacron and Norcross (2000), love and laughter can cure diseases which are regarded incurable by professionals.
The movie has been of great help to many families. Family members have learnt to enjoy their presence and situations they find themselves in. it has provided hope to mentally ill individuals. The movie is also an illustration of how individuals can be affected by other human beings as well as how mental illness can be managed. For instance, Benny has an auto shop in addition to taking care of his sister Joon. This acts as a source of inspiration for individuals who are mentally ill or for households who have people who are sick mentally (Gabbard &Gabbard, 1999, p.102).Though the movie does not provide a direct diagnosis and cure for Joon and Benny, Sam helps Joon by caring for her deeply, living by her rules and making her happy always. Therefore, Sam is a good example of how family members should those who are mentally ill in families. The film further depicts that it is possible for an individual with mental disease to live a positive life just like Joon and Benny did. The movie also illustrates that individuals can manage mental illness in different ways. For instance, people like Benny and Joon who had persistent mental illness was struggling to manage the illness throughout his life. According to Wedding and Boyd (1999, p.34) managing a mental illness needs perseverance, disciple and self reliance with a lot of emotional, physical and financial support.
Even though the movie shows how stale the budding relationship between Joon and Sam is and the cruel treatment of Joon’s illness, people who hold the same perception do not understand how stressful it is to live with someone who is mentally ill. According to Santarelli, Alacron and Norcross (2000), love and laughter can cure diseases which are regarded incurable by professionals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though the movie resulted into various psychiatrist perceptions, it brings a message of hope for individuals who are mentally ill or for families who have loved ones suffering from mental disease.
References
Benny & Joon. 2011. Web.
Gabbard, G.O. & Gabbard, K.1999. Psychiatry and the Cinema (2nd ed). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Press.
Santarelli ,M, Alacron, W.J. & Norcross, J.C. 2000.See you at the movies: expert ratings on popular films for six psychological disorders. Baltimore: Eastern Psychological Association.
Wedding, D. & Boyd, M. A. 1999. Movies and Mental Illness: Using Films to Understand Psychopathology. New York: McGraw-Hill.