Thesis Proposal

Iconography of visual language in mainstream representations of mental illness in psychological horror.

Abstract

Movies are amongst the most common forms of entertainments in today’s world, and nowadays, one can find moves treating about any subject that could interest them, but does that mean that the filmmakers are experts on every possible subject?

This paper will focus on the idea of relying on common stigmatizing stereotypes to create conventions and convey ideas and moods efficiently. With this idea in mind, I will explore the notion of a canon of representation unintentionally forming around the subject matter in question.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this research is to critically analyse the role of individual narrative and visual elements and mechanics of mise an scene in the impact the film as a whole has on the viewer

With this research I intend to learn if there is enough in the field to classify the visual language of mental illness representation as a canon or clearly defined convention of representation and discuss the potential result, such depictions can have on the public, from both, the unaffected and the affected groups.

Limitations

Due to the time constraint, as mentioned in the title, this study will not be exploring the genre of psychological horror as a whole, rather, it will be concentrated only on mainstream examples. This choice was made to narrow down the scope of cases that would need to be considered while still ensuring the range of publics engagement with the examples (popularity and accessibility of examples).

Furthermore, due to – again – time constraints the number of examples viewed and analysed will be limited, which in the future may require correcting with a broader scope of research to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, the outcome of this study.

Methods

With the base being a descriptive analytical approach focused on case studies and existing written theories, I will primarily use the quantitative methods of gathering information, conducted through engaging with the pieces and analysing them against some ideas and theories from the relevant existing literature.

I am planning to devise a table in which I will analyse the viewed movie examples, The table will consist of the analysis of mise an scene and editing elements (lighting, props, colours, transitions, cuts etc) as well as the general type of representation of mental illness based on Hyler’s archetypes (Hyler et all 1991). The subjects for the analysis will be selected at random, with the only requirements being a.) psychological horror and b.) mental illness depictions.

Background significance

Due to the fact that TV and media in general are one of the most common entertainments and people spend more and more of their time and money on it, it is important to understand what it can do on the subconscious level of the viewer. Furthermore, many people have considered that in one way or another, so far however, I was not able to find papers that would go further, and instead of just mentioning – analyse the issue at hand. This is the intend of this study.

Contextual information

To be able to discuss this subject sufficiently and be able to provide the necessary information on the topic for the possible readers, I will need to visit some side topics, in addition to the key ideas and theories. I will need to extensively look at horror genre, and if I decide to – provide historical examples to compare them. I will need to look deeply into conventions and genres as those are the key concepts of conditioned recognition on which I am basing those assumptions, as well as I will try to find multiple sources discussing the effect media can have (stigma, stereotype, misinformation).

Literature review

The idea of genre conventions (Cherry, 2009) is widely spread, but despite previous mentions in scholarly literature (Demjanovic et al., 2009; Goodwin, 2013; Cherry, 2009; Wilson, et al., 1999; Barker, 1996; Smith, 2001), some going back as far as 1996 (Baker) the notion of spreading stigma through popularising and sensationalising bias and stereotypical representations of mental illness in the visual language of mainstream movies has not been adequately addressed.

Through the research I have found some attention directed at the repetitive elements of representations of mental illness in film (mainly directed at the obvious parts of the visuals; colour, props and composition, but excluding; editing, transitions, angles and framing) however they were scarce and very generalised (Demjanovic et al., 2009; Goodwin, 2013; Cherry, 2009; Wilson, et al., 1999; Barker, 1996; Smith, 2001). This made me question the possible existence and – if not – the possibility of defining a general canon existing in relation to the portrayal of mental illness in cinematography.

The idea of a Canon of visual representation of Mental illness were present in relevant literature for years now, but with the research I managed until now, I did not find a conformation of research directed specifically at this idea with a purposeful consideration of the implications of those ways of representations. Furthermore, this seems not to be considered at all in terms of more in depth elements, as most focus on the most common idea of mise en scene such as colour and general composition (except of couple of mentions; >Demjanovic, 2009; Goodwin, 2013<).

Demjanovic et at., (2009) mentions ‘… depicting a sequence of dreams with multiple levels of superimposition…’ and ability to ‘… create a situation where the viewer is not capable of distinguishing what is really happening and what is the subconscious imagination of the characters.’ which, was a common technique used in the discussed period used to ‘… intertwine fantasy (imagination) and reality…’. Furthermore, they mention invisible processes (memories, thoughts, hallucinations, etc.) being often suggested by framing the image in ‘…editing language and techniques of the camera, such as slow disappearance/fading of images…’ Additionally, many have discussed metaphors and symbols in film, as filmmakers rely on audience’s understanding of elements to quickly and clearly introduce themes (Cherry, 2009; Wilson, et al., 1999; Barker, 1996; Smith, 2001).

Second study explored is research by J. Goodwin (2013a&b) in which he mentions common elements observed in movies, while proving the ongoing effects of archaic and inaccurate portrayals from past examples. He talks about ‘…the look of film…’ being ‘…manipulated, through expressive use of skewed angles … to create a haunting and threatening environment.’ (2013a) and the use of POV angle to ‘… encourage our identification…’ leading to identification with the victim, forming a belief about mental illness violence (backed by Cherry, 2009; Briefel, 2005, Carroll, 1987). Furthermore, he identifies the use of ‘…POV shots from the killer’s perspective often make(ing) use of shaky/handheld camera work… (Cherry, 2009).’ (2013a).

Goodwin mentions the use of symbolism to ‘…help(s) evoke certain feelings … (Damjanovic´ et al., 2009)’ and ‘… allow for messages to bypass the logical side of the brain… (Barker, 1996)’ (2013a). He also points out the dependence of film on audience’s subconscious understanding of symbolic, heavy reliant on stereotype elements from the past as ‘…familiar horror tropes …evoke responses from audiences… (Smith, 2001; Morrison, 2009)’ (Goodwin, 2013a). He mentions symbolical elements being rather common as – in example of flickering lights – they were present in almost 60% of movies analysed (Goodwin, 2013b).

Suppositions and Implications

This type of research is meant to teach about the implications of actions taken within large and popular productions, mainly though analysing the meaning behind the images and the way people can potentially react to it. This type of understanding on the filmmaker’s part (even on the lowest level) would allow for the consideration and subsequent creation of more accurate and better-informed portrayals that do not harm. Furthermore, following in the serious or life formation game examples, movies could work on decreasing stigma, but in the least they could avoid, encouraging people to alienate themselves, because they are ‘mad’.

This, in the future would need much more research to be fully proven as it is a complicated topic, viewing many aspects of social behaviours and interactions.

Conclusion

This research led to much research already which reinforced my belief about its significance and allowed me to revise what still needs to be done. Generalising, I have found mentions of particular portrayals of mental illness in film, but they were never considered in the context of a convention, which I think it creates, subconsciously, and that convention is not a healthy one. For this reason, I am aiming to do as much research as possible to be able to prove as much as I can what I think should have been studied long time ago.

This research might not be enough to prove all aspects of the issue beyond reasonable doubt, so depending on what the time allows me, further research might be recommended.

Reference list

Cherry, B. (2009). Horror. Oxon, UK: Routledge.

Damjanović, Vuković, Jovanović & Jašović-Gašić (2009). ‘PSYCHIATRY AND MOVIES’ Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Serbia, Psychiatria Danubina; Vol. 21, №2, pp 230–235, © Medicinska naklada — Zagreb, Croatia
Goodwin, J., (2013). “The Horror of Stigma: Psychosis and Mental Health Care Environments in Twenty-First-Century Horror Films Part 1[a] and 2[b]”, Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, ISSN 0031–5990,
Hyler, S. E., Gabbard, G. O., Schneider, I., (1991) ‘Homicidal maniacs and narcissisfic parasites: stigmatization of mentally ill persons in the movies’. Psychiatr Serv. 42(10), pp. 1044-1048, DOI: 10.1176/ps.42.10.1044

(I am not sure about the below ones)

Barker, P., (1996). Psychotherapeutic metaphors: A guide to theory and practice. Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel.

Briefel, L. A., (2005). Monster pains: Masochism, menstruation, and identification in the horror film. Film Quarterly, 58(3), 16–27.
Carroll, N., (1987). The nature of horror. Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 46(1), 51–59.
Carroll, N., (1999). Horror and humour. Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 57(2), 145–160.

Bibliography

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Domino, G., (1983). “Impact of the Film, “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” on Attitudes towards Mental Illness”. Psychological Reports. 53 (1): 179–182. doi:10.2466/pr0.1983.53.1.179. ISSN 0033-2941.
Hyler, S. (2003). Stigma continues in Hollywood. Psychiatric Times. from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/stigma-continues-hollywood.
Igartua, J. -J., (2010). ‘Identification with characters and narrative persuasion through fictional feature films’. Communications, 35(4), 347-373, DOI: 10.1515/COMM.2010.019

Kimmerle, J., Cress, U., (2013). The Effects of TV and Film Exposure on Knowledge About and Attitudes Towards Mental Disorders. Journal of Community Psychology. 14, 931-943.
Maier, J. A., Gentile, D. A., Vogel, D. L. and Kaplan, S. A., (2014), ‘Media influences on self-stigma of seeking psychological services: The importance of media portrayals and person perception’, Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), 239-256, DOI: 10.1037/a0034504
Morrison, A., (2009). Using an adapted reflecting team approach to learn about mental health and illness with general nursing students: An Australian example. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 18, 18–25. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0349.2008.00566.x
Moyer-Gusé, E., (2008). ‘Toward a Theory of Entertainment Persuasion: Explaining the Persuasive Effects of Entertainment-Education Messages’. Communication Theory, 18(3), pp.407-425. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2008.00328.x
Perciful, M., Meyer, C., (2016). The Impact of Films on Viewer Attitudes towards People with Schizophrenia. Curr Psychol, 36, 483-493. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-016-9436-0.

Pirkis, J., Blood, W., Francis. C., McCallum, K., (2006). On-Screen Portrayals of Mental Illness: Extent, Nature, and Impacts. Journal of Health Communication, 11:5, 523-541. DOI: 10.1080/10810730600755889.
Slater, M. D. and Rouner, D., (2002). ‘Entertainment-Education and Elaboration Likelihood: Understanding the Processing of Narrative Persuasion’. Communication Theory, 12(2), pp.173-191. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2002.tb00265.x
Smith, S., Choueiti, M., Choi, A., Pieper, K., Moutier, C., (2019). Mental Health Conditions in Film & TV: Portrayals that Dehumanize and Trivialize Characters
Smith, G. M., (2001). “It’s just a movie.”A teaching essay for introductory media classes. Cinema Journal, 41(1), 127–134.
Wahl, O. and Yonatan Lefkowits, J., (1989). ‘Impact of a television film on attitudes toward mental illness’. American Journal of Community Psychology, 17(4), pp.521-528, DOI: 10.1007/BF00931176

Wedding, D., Boyd, M. A., & Niemiec, R. M., (2005). Movies and mental illness: Using films to understand psychopathology (2^nd ed.). Ashland, OH: Hogrefe and Huber.
Wedding, D., Boyd, M. A., & Niemiec, R. M., (2010). Movies and mental illness: Using films to understand psychopathology (3^rd ed.). Ashland, OH: Hogrefe and Huber.
Wedding, D., Niemec, R., (2003). The clinical use of films in psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59, 2003; 207–15.
Wilson, C., Nairn, R., Coverdale, J., & Panapa, A., (1999). Psychiatry and the media. Mental illness depictions in prime-time drama: Identifying the discursive resources. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 33, 232–239.

Filmography

Argento, D., (1977). Suspiria [Motion picture]. Italy: Seda Spettacoli
Aronofsky, D., (2000). Requiem for a dream [Motion picture]. USA: Artisan Entertainment, Thousand Words, Sibling Productions
Aster, A., (2018). Hereditary [Motion picture]. USA: PalmStar Media, Finch Entertainment, Windy Hill Pictures
Aster, A., (2019). Midsommar [Motion picture]. USA, Sweden: A24, B-Reel Films, Nordisk Film

Demme, J., (1991). The silence of the Lambs [Motion picture]. USA: Strong Heart/Demme Production Orion Pictures
Hitchcock, A., (1960). Psycho [Motion picture]. USA: Shamley Productions
M. Night Shyamalan, (2016). Split [Motion picture]. USA, Japan: Universal Pictures, Blinding Edge Pictures, Blumhouse Productions
Scorsese, M., (2010). Shutter Island [Motion picture]. USA: Paramount Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, Sikelia Productions

Thesis Proposal Task

0. Previous Research

(Representation of Mental Health in Commercial Entertainment Video Games in the context of Stereotypes, Stigma and Gamification.)

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Corrigan, P. W., Morris, S. B., Michaels, P. J., Rafacz, J. D., Rüsch, N., (2012) ‘Challenging the public stigma of mental illness: a meta-analysis of outcome studies’. Psychiatric Services, 63(10), pp.963-973. DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201100529. PMID: 23032675.

Ensslin, A. and Goorimoorthee, T., (2018). ‘Transmediating Bildung: Video Games as Life Formation Narratives’, Games and Culture, 15(4), pp. 372-393. DOI: 10.1177/1555412018796948

Green, M. C., Brock, T. C. and Kaufman, G. F. (2004). ‘Understanding media enjoyment: the role of transportation into narrative worlds’. Communication Theory 14, 311-327. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2004.tb00317.x

Maier, J. A., Gentile, D. A., Vogel, D. L. and Kaplan, S. A., (2014), ‘Media influences on self-stigma of seeking psychological services: The importance of media portrayals and person perception’, Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 3(4), 239-256, DOI: 10.1037/a0034504

Ritterfeld, U. and Jin, S., (2006). ‘Addressing Media Stigma for People Experiencing Mental Illness Using an Entertainment-Education Strategy’. Journal of Health Psychology, 11(2), pp.247-267. DOI: 10.1177/1359105306061185

Singorielli, N., (1989), ‘The stigma of mental illness on television’, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 33(3), 325-331 DOI: 10.1080/08838158909364085

Slater, M. D. and Rouner, D., (2002). ‘Entertainment-Education and Elaboration Likelihood: Understanding the Processing of Narrative Persuasion’. Communication Theory, 12(2), pp.173-191. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2002.tb00265.x

Wahl, O. and Yonatan Lefkowits, J., (1989). ‘Impact of a television film on attitudes toward mental illness’. American Journal of Community Psychology, 17(4), pp.521-528, DOI: 10.1007/BF00931176

Alexander, L. and Link, B., (2003). ‘The impact of contact on stigmatisation attitudes toward people with mental illness’. Journal of Mental Health 12(3), 271-289. DOI: 10.1080/0963823031000118267

Chung, A. H. and Slater, M. D., (2013). ‘Reducing Stigma and Out-Group Distinctions Through Perspective-Taking in Narratives’. Journal of Communication, 63(5), pp. 894-911, DOI: 10.1111/jcom.12050

Corrigan, P. W., (2000). ‘Mental Health Stigma as Social Attribution: Implications for Research Methods and Attitude Change’. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 7(1), pp.48-67. DOI: 10.1093/clipsy.7.1.48

Couture, S. and Penn, D., (2003). ‘Interpersonal contact and the stigma of mental illness: a review of the literature’. Journal of Mental Health 12(3), pp. 291-305. DOI: 10.1080/09638231000118276

Green, M. C. and Brock, T. C., (2000). ‘The role of transportation in the persuasiveness of public narratives’. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), pp.701-721. DOI: 10.1037//0022-3514.79.5.701

Hickson, T., 2020. On Writing: Mental Illness In Video Games – A Video Essay. [online] Youtube.com. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQCb7GiNOrE> [Accessed 10 January 2021].

Igartua, J. -J., (2010). ‘Identification with characters and narrative persuasion through fictional feature films’. Communications, 35(4), 347-373, DOI: 10.1515/COMM.2010.019

Moyer-Gusé, E., (2008). ‘Toward a Theory of Entertainment Persuasion: Explaining the Persuasive Effects of Entertainment-Education Messages’. Communication Theory, 18(3), pp.407-425. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2885.2008.00328.x

Rubenking, B. and Bracken, C. C., (2015). ‘The Dueling Influences on Stigma toward Mental Illness: Effects of Interpersonal Familiarity and Stigmatizing Mediated Portrayals of Mental Illness on Attitudes’. Studies in Media and Communication, 3(2). DOI: 10.11114/smc.v3i2.1130

Slater, M. D. and Cohen, J., (2017) ‘Identification, TEBOTS, and vicarious wisdom of experience: narrative and the self’. in The Routledge handbook of media use and well-being. (eds) Reinecke, L., and Oliver, M. B., New York, NY: Routledge.

Stout, P. A., Villegas, J. and Jennings, N. A., (2004), ‘Images of mental illness in the media: Identifying gaps in the research’, Schizophrenia Bulletin, 30, 543-561 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.schbul.a007099

(Iconography of editing in mental health representations in psychological horror. )

Briefel, L. A., (2005). Monster pains: Masochism, menstruation, and identification in the horror film. Film Quarterly, 58(3), 16–27.

Carroll, N., (1987). The nature of horror. Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 46(1), 51–59.

Cherry, B. (2009). Horror. Oxon, UK: Routledge.

Das, S., Doval, N., Mohammed, S., Dua, N., Chatterjee, S., (2017). Psychiatry and Cinema: What Can We Learn from the Magical Screen?. Shanghai Archives of Psychiatry, 29 (5), 310-313. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11919/j.issn.1002-0829.217014.

Ensslin, A. and Goorimoorthee, T., (2018). ‘Transmediating Bildung: Video Games as Life Formation Narratives’, Games and Culture, 15(4), pp. 372-393. DOI: 10.1177/1555412018796948

Goodwin, J., (2013). “The Horror of Stigma: Psychosis and Mental Health Care Environments in Twenty-First-Century Horror Films Part 1[a] and 2[b]”, Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, ISSN 0031–5990,

Hickson, T., 2020. On Writing: Mental Illness In Video Games – A Video Essay. [online] Youtube.com. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQCb7GiNOrE> [Accessed 10 January 2021].

Hyler, S. (2003). Stigma continues in Hollywood. Psychiatric Times. from http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/articles/stigma-continues-hollywood.

Kimmerle, J., Cress, U., (2013). The Effects of TV and Film Exposure on Knowledge About and Attitudes Towards Mental Disorders. Journal of Community Psychology. 14, 931-943.

Morrison, A., (2009). Using an adapted reflecting team approach to learn about mental health and illness with general nursing students: An Australian example. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 18, 18–25. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0349.2008.00566.x

Nairn, R. G., & Coverdale, J. H. (2005). People never see us living well: An appraisal of the personal stories about mental illness in a prospective print media sample. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 39, 281–287

Pirkis, J., Blood, W., Francis. C., McCallum, K., (2006). On-Screen Portrayals of Mental Illness: Extent, Nature, and Impacts. Journal of Health Communication, 11:5, 523-541. DOI: 10.1080/10810730600755889.

Smith, S., Choueiti, M., Choi, A., Pieper, K., Moutier, C., (2019). Mental Health Conditions in Film & TV: Portrayals that Dehumanize and Trivialize Characters

Wedding, D., Boyd, M. A., & Niemiec, R. M., (2010). Movies and mental illness: Using films to understand psychopathology (3^rd ed.). Ashland, OH: Hogrefe and Huber.

Barker, P., (1996). Psychotherapeutic metaphors: A guide to theory and practice. Philadelphia: Brunner/Mazel.

Byrne, P., (2000). Stigma of mental illness and ways of diminishing it. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 6, 65–72

Carroll, N., (1999). Horror and humour. Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 57(2), 145–160.

Corrigan, P.W., & Watson, A. C., (2007). How children stigmatize people with mental illness.International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 53, 526–546. doi:10.1177/0020764007078359

Damjanović, Vuković, Jovanović & Jašović-Gašić (2009). ‘PSYCHIATRY AND MOVIES’ Institute of Psychiatry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Serbia, Psychiatria Danubina; Vol. 21, №2, pp 230–235, © Medicinska naklada — Zagreb, Croatia

Domino, G., (1983). “Impact of the Film, “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” on Attitudes towards Mental Illness”. Psychological Reports. 53 (1): 179–182. doi:10.2466/pr0.1983.53.1.179. ISSN 0033-2941.

Gabbard, G. (2001). Psychotherapy in Hollywood cinema. Australasian Psychiatry, 9(4), 365–369.

Harrison, J., & Gill, A., (2010). The experience and consequences of people with mental health problems, the impact of stigma upon people with schizophrenia: A way forward. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 17, 242–250. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2850.2009.01506.x

Hyler, S. E., Gabbard, G. O., Schneider, I., (1991) ‘Homicidal maniacs and narcissisfic parasites: stigmatization of mentally ill persons in the movies’. Psychiatr Serv. 42(10), pp. 1044-1048, DOI: 10.1176/ps.42.10.1044

Igartua, J. -J., (2010). ‘Identification with characters and narrative persuasion through fictional feature films’. Communications, 35(4), 347-373, DOI: 10.1515/COMM.2010.019

Perciful, M., Meyer, C., (2016). The Impact of Films on Viewer Attitudes towards People with Schizophrenia. Curr Psychol, 36, 483-493. DOI: 10.1007/s12144-016-9436-0.

Singorielli, N., (1989), ‘The stigma of mental illness on television’, Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 33(3), 325-331 DOI: 10.1080/08838158909364085

Smith, G. M., (2001). “It’s just a movie.”A teaching essay for introductory media classes. Cinema Journal, 41(1), 127–134.

Wahl, O. F. (1999). Mental health consumers’ experience of stigma. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 25(3), 467–478.

Wedding, D., Boyd, M. A., & Niemiec, R. M., (2005). Movies and mental illness: Using films to understand psychopathology (2^nd ed.). Ashland, OH: Hogrefe and Huber.

Wedding, D., Niemec, R., (2003). The clinical use of films in psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59, 2003; 207–15.

Wilson, C., Nairn, R., Coverdale, J., & Panapa, A., (1999). Psychiatry and the media. Mental illness depictions in prime-time drama: Identifying the discursive resources. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 33, 232–239.

1. Research

Keywords

Film

blockbuster

large budget production

Psychological horror

audiences response and understanding

iconography (subconscious understanding and conditioning of visual elements)

mise en scene

the language of editing, colour, props

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Sharrett, C. (2015). The Haunter of the Dark: H. P. Lovecraft and Modern Horror Cinema. Cinéaste, 41(1), 22–26. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26356385

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Beloff, Z. (2008). MENTAL IMAGES: THE DRAMATIZATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE. In K. Beckman & J. Ma (Eds.), Still Moving: Between Cinema and Photography (pp. 226–252). Duke University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv11319sw.16