The Evolu on of the Portrayal of Mental illness in Films

• Q. How have the portrayals of mental illness in films evolved from the early 20th century
to the present?
• Q. What impact do these portrayals have on public perception and stigmas surrounding
mental health conditions?
• Q. How have narratives and characters contributed to the destigmatisation of mental illness
throughout the years?
• Q. What are the methods used by filmmakers and actors to research and portray an illness
for the story and how has it affected the authenticity?

“Maybe he's having some problem, maybe some children are unlucky.” (Taare Zameen Par, 2008)
From the evolution of time, we have discovered that Mental illnesses have been considered morally
dubious, it is surely a cultural thing but mostly it’s also a myth by the illiterates as cultures like
Indian/Pakistani believe that getting mental help or having internal disabilities is a hoax. Similarly,
the depiction of mental illness in films has undergone a notable transformation from the early 20th
century till today. This shift mirrors wider changes in societal comprehension, stigma, and
approaches to mental illnesses. Indian movie "Taare Zameen Par" and Korean series "It's Okay not
to be Okay," are two examples that we can observe from how modern media portrays mental
illnesses either with greater empathy and accuracy or with over dramatization compared to past
representations. As in the early 20th century, media often depicted mental illness through a lens of
misunderstanding and fear. The mentally ill characters were frequently portrayed as dangerous,
unpredictable, and socially unacceptable. “A famous children’s book writer turned out to have
antisocial personality disorder. What do you think will happen when people find out?” (Its Okay
Not to Be Okay, 2020) Modern portrayals do however instead of reducing these characters to their
conditions exaggerates them which sometimes causes confusion as to what is authentic
representation and what is dramatized. This complexity does sometimes allow for a deeper
connection with the audience, fostering a better understanding of the challenges and strengths of
individuals with mental health issues but it also aids to misunderstandings and overdoes the ethical
guideline. However these portrayals were heavily influenced by societal stigma and a lack of
scientific understanding that’s why there were such harsh reactions. Mental illness was often used
as a plot device for horrors or as an important characteristic of the villains, reinforcing negative
stereotypes. “They called her a monster who brings along the shadow of death.” (Its Okay Not to
Be Okay, 2020) over time, these portrayals started shifting towards empathy and proved
educational, reflecting a broader societal change in understanding mental health/illnesses. This
evolution has led to more compassionate representations that aim to inform and enlighten
audiences about the realities of living with such conditions. In addition to nuanced character
portrayals, contemporary films and series often aim to raise awareness and advocate for better
understanding and treatment of mental issues. These narratives frequently address the importance
of care and the need for societal support and resources. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs
of individuals with mental health conditions, the media works to reduce stigma and promote a
more inclusive and compassionate perspective on mental health. There is a specific scene in the
movie “Taare zameen per” where the child actor with dyslexia is being talked about to the parents
who had no idea what he’s been going through they had assumed he makes mistakes because he’s
non serious but its the teacher who realises what’s wrong with the child and works on him little by
little to raise awareness “His self-confidence must have been shattered. He must have
been fighting by hiding his inabilities under stubbornness. He must have been making a hell out
here. Thinking, that why should he tell the world that he can't do things” Furthermore, recent
narratives tend to focus on the possibility of positive outcomes through support, therapy, and
acceptance. These stories emphasize the potential for recovery and improvement, providing hope
and encouragement to those affected by illnesses, showcasing characters who find strength and
resilience through therapeutic interventions and community support, it inspires a message of hope
and the importance of seeking help. This positive focus not only benefits those with illnesses but
also educates and reassures the wider audience about the effectiveness of mental treatment and the
potential for positive change.

Talking about changes and the impacts, these films serve as powerful tools for raising awareness,
fostering empathy, and promoting a clearer understanding of mental illnesses. These portrayals in
the film influenced public perception and reduced stigma by educating audience about dyslexia
for example, a learning disability that is often misunderstood or overlooked, the film enlightened
the viewers about the signs and challenges of dyslexia moreover following the film's release, there
was a notable increase in awareness and discussions about dyslexia all over the world. Schools
and parents became more attuned to the signs of learning disabilities and the importance of early
intervention and tailored educational approaches. Moreover, by covering a range of mental health
issues, including antisocial personality disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma, the media
educates viewers on the diversity of illnesses and their complications. The detailed character
backgrounds and therapeutic sessions, the series demystifies treatments and interventions, making
them more accessible and understandable to the public. It also humanizes mental illnesses, the
characters helped viewers to see beyond learning disability and understand unique perspectives
and creativity. The film underscores the critical roles parents and teachers play in the development
and well-being of children with learning disabilities, fostering a supportive environment that can
lead to positive outcomes. This humanizes them and challenges viewers to see them as whole
people with strengths, vulnerabilities, and stories. “It's a Neurological Disorder. It can happen to
anyone. Sometimes it can be genetic. To make it simple, there's just some wiring problems in his
brain.” (Taare Zameen Par, 2008) The portrayals of mental illnesses in "Taare Zameen Par" and
"It's Okay to Not Be Okay" have contributed to a more informed, empathetic, and supportive
society. Through portrayals like these, mental conditions are brought into mainstream
conversations, promoting greater understanding and acceptance.
Filmmakers and actors employ a diverse array of methods to research and authentically portray
illnesses, significantly enhancing the realism and depth of their characters. These methods,
rooted in thorough research and collaboration with medical professionals, include consulting
with experts, engaging with personal accounts, conducting observational research, delving into
scientific literature, applying method acting techniques, and collaborating with advocacy groups.
The implementation of these methods has had a profound impact on the authenticity of
portrayals, contributing to a more realistic and empathetic representation of illness in film. One
of the primary methods used by filmmakers and actors is consulting with medical professionals.
Medical advisors and consultants provide invaluable insights into the symptoms, treatment
protocols, and patient behaviours associated with various illnesses. This collaboration ensures
that portrayals are grounded in medical accuracy. Additionally, actors may participate in
workshops or receive specialized training from healthcare professionals to gain a deeper
understanding of the physical and psychological aspects of an illness. This hands-on training
allows actors to accurately replicate medical procedures and patient interactions, adding a layer
of authenticity to their performances. Another crucial aspect of research involves engaging with
personal accounts and conducting interviews with individuals who have experienced the illness
firsthand. Speaking directly with patients provides actors with a unique perspective on the
personal impact and daily challenges of living with a condition. Understanding the emotional and
psychological toll of an illness from those who have lived through it allows actors to portray
their characters with greater empathy and nuance. Additionally, gathering insights from family
members and caregivers broadens the understanding of the illness's impact, highlighting its
effects on relationships and daily life. Observational research is another effective method
employed by actors. Shadowing medical professionals in hospitals or clinics allows actors to
observe real-life interactions, medical procedures, and patient behaviours. This firsthand
observation helps actors replicate the subtleties of patient experiences with greater accuracy.
Watching documentaries and reading real-life stories also provide a wealth of detailed
information, offering personal stories and experiences that can be incorporated into character
development. Delving into scientific literature is a critical component of the research process.
Reading medical journals, articles, and books written by experts offers actors and filmmakers a
comprehensive understanding of the clinical aspects of an illness. This research helps them grasp
the illness's progression, treatment options, and statistical data, ensuring that portrayals are not
only emotionally resonant but also scientifically accurate. Method acting techniques further
enhance the authenticity of portrayals. Some actors immerse themselves in their characters'
experiences by altering their diets or routines to mimic symptoms. This immersive approach
allows actors to experience firsthand some of the physical and emotional challenges faced by
individuals with the illness. Physical transformations, such as weight loss or gain, makeup, and
prosthetics, are also employed to accurately depict the physical changes caused by an illness.
Collaboration with advocacy groups plays a significant role in ensuring the authenticity of
portrayals. By partnering with organizations dedicated to the illness, filmmakers and actors gain
access to valuable resources, support, and feedback. Engaging in public awareness campaigns
helps them understand the broader social and cultural context of the illness, ensuring that
portrayals are respectful and do not perpetuate harmful stereotypes. The impact of these rigorous
research methods on the authenticity of portrayals is profound. Accurate depictions based on
thorough research make characters more believable and relatable to the audience. Attention to
detail in symptoms, medical procedures, and patient behaviours adds credibility to the story,
enhancing its overall quality. Moreover, authentic representations educate audiences about the
realities of living with an illness, fostering empathy and reducing stigma. Films that accurately
depict illnesses can serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and prompting discussions
about healthcare issues. Critically acclaimed performances rooted in meticulous research often
led to recognition and awards for actors and filmmakers. These authentic portrayals elevate the
overall quality of the film, contributing to its reception and legacy. Furthermore, ensuring
accuracy in depicting illnesses is an ethical responsibility. Misrepresentation can perpetuate
myths and misinformation, potentially causing harm. Collaborating with medical professionals
and advocacy groups ensures that portrayals are respectful and do not trivialize the experiences
of those affected by the illness.
To conclude the research indicates that the portrayal of mental illness in media can have
significant impacts on audience perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, both positive and negative.
It features negative stereotypes, stigma, and inaccuracies by depictions that emphasize
dangerousness, criminality, and unpredictability can reinforce public prejudices and lead to
increased social distancing and discrimination. Humorous or trivializing portrayals can also be
harmful. However, positive and authentic portrayals that show the nuances, challenges, and
resilience of those with mental health conditions can have the opposite effect. They can increase
understanding, empathy, and willingness to seek help among audiences. Portrayals that allow
viewers to develop a "parasocial relationship" with characters are particularly impactful. The
research highlights the need to study the effects on different audience groups, including those
with lived experiences of mental illness. Individuals with mental health conditions may be
especially sensitive to negative stereotypes and respond differently than the public. Experimental
studies are needed to test the impacts of various types of portrayals on attitudes, behaviors, and
mental health outcomes, particularly for marginalized groups. Researchers should also
investigate the experiences and perspectives of content creators to understand how they approach
depicting mental illness. Overall, the media has a powerful influence, for better or worse, on
public perceptions of mental health. Responsible, nuanced, and authentic portrayals can be an
important tool for reducing stigma and promoting mental health literacy.
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