Mad, bad, and dangerous to know: psychiatric illness in film and theatre

C. Conway

doi:10.1017/ipm.2015.22

journal article Jul 02, 2015

Mad, bad, and dangerous to know: psychiatric illness in film and theatre

C. Conway

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine Vol. 33 No. 1 pp. 55-59 · Cambridge University Press (CUP)

View at Publisher Save 10.1017/ipm.2015.22

Abstract

AimsTo describe and discuss the portrayal of psychiatric illness in film and theatre.MethodA review of psychiatric literature on psychiatric illness and stigma was carried out. This was combined with a review of selected films and plays. The dramatic function of mental illness, and the manner of its portrayal, were considered in a discursive manner.ResultsFrom Ancient Greek theatre to modern film, psychiatric illness has been used to exemplify “otherness”. This has frequently had connotations of danger and violence, either to others or to societal norms. Occasionally psychiatric illness is depicted as transformative, or an understandable reaction to an insane environment, and there is a trend towards more nuanced depictions of mental illness. However, the disproportionate association of mental illness with violence and danger is reflected in the public's perception of mental illness, and contributes to self-stigmatisation.ConclusionOngoing communication between psychiatry, service users and the arts may help to challenge the stereotype of “mad, bad and dangerous to know”.

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Details

Published: Jul 02, 2015
Vol/Issue: 33(1)
Pages: 55-59
License: View

Authors

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C. Conway

Cite This Article

C. Conway (2015). Mad, bad, and dangerous to know: psychiatric illness in film and theatre. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 33(1), 55-59. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2015.22

Mad, bad, and dangerous to know: psychiatric illness in film and theatre

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