Analysis Of As Good As It Gets Psychology

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Psychological Analysis and Critique of the Film As Good as It Gets Alex P. Alvarez CWID: 891460271 There are few movies that are capable of establishing appropriate scenes that depict some form of a known psychological disorder. The movies that do illustrate these scenes require some interpretation from the viewer in order to determine whether or not the psychological disorder is presented accurately. The 1997 film by director James L. Brooks titled As Good as It Gets, portrays a man who is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The main character named Melvin Udall is portrayed as a germ phobic, mean spirited, and racist man who enjoys demeaning people at every chance he gets. However, Melvin is plagued with irrational thoughts and anxiety reducing rituals from the very first scene. Some bizarre rituals include excessive hand washing, inappropriate glove wearing, redundant door-lock checking, and contact avoidance with other people.…show more content…
He does not enjoy being neighbors with Simon and periodically demonstrates this hatred towards him. Melvin also frequents the local diner to be served the same item by the same female waitress named Carol every day. Carol is periodically attacked by Melvin’s chauvinistic insults, but she finds him somewhat intriguing and manages to put up with the harassment. Simon and Carol eventually succumb to difficult times with family and work issues, which prompt Melvin to overcome his anxiety producing thoughts and formulaic responses to them in order to help Simon and Carol overcome their personal issues. Near the end of the film, Melvin succeeds in helping Simon and falls deeply in love with Carol. Subsequently, Melvin cures himself of his OCD by unintentionally distracting himself from his own issues while focusing on helping Simon and Carol with their

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