OBJECTIVES: This study aims at describing characters portraying psychiatrists in Academy Award winning films from 1991 to 2001, and determining whether these plots disseminate negative messages or idealized portrayal of practitioners, like some previous movie productions. METHOD: Dramatic characterization analysis was performed. Movies produced before 1991 with similar characters and dramatic situations were identified to compare themes and messages concerning psychiatry. RESULTS: Nine films were selected, 17 characters were analyzed. "The Silence of the Lambs" associates psychiatry and madness, brightness and madness, analysis and cannibalism. According to "The Madness of King George," "Good Will Hunting" and "Girl, Interrupted," the ideal professional has modern ideas, background similar to his/her patient, informal posture and demonstrates emotion. "Shakespeare in Love" suggests the association between psychiatry and magic. "As Good as it Gets" presents a positive representation of psychiatric medication. "Shine" and "Beautiful Mind" stress the importance of family in patient's recovery. "Blue Sky" has a negative portrayal of psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS: These plots recognize the value of psychiatry, but present a battle between traditional and unorthodox approach, formal and informal professionals. They propose that a psychiatrist should be someone "out of the box" and exceptionally talented to be able to understand and treat another human being. The criticisms and negative images about psychiatry presented in the plots may be a consequence of a deep rooted stigma against professionals and patients dealing with mental disorders.
Psychiatry; mass media; motion pictures; health communication
