Analysis of Movie Reign over Me

From a 'society' perspective, Alan believes that Charlie is mentally disturbed because Charlie socially isolates, denies his family even existed, and has sudden outbursts of anger, followed by inappropriate and inconsistent behaviors and affect (i.e. playfulness, forgetfulness, blunt). Charlie's parents-in-law Jonathan and Ginger believe Charlie is mentally disturbed because Charlie avoids them and does not want to talk with them about his family.

The conception of psychopathology as maladaptive (dysfunctional) behavior applies to Alan's perspective and judgments about Charlie's mental state. Alan believes that Charlie's way of existing and behaving following the death of his wife and children is abnormal. He even explains this to a psychiatrist he knows. He states that Charlie is lost and needs help. The conception of psychopathology as maladaptive (dysfunctional) behavior refers to behaviors that are ineffective, harmful or makes situations or issues worse. Social norms also determine which behaviors are considered maladaptive or abnormal.

Alan tries to assist Charlie by convincing him to seek help from a psychiatrist. Alan's judgment appears to be purely unselfish. Alan wants only to see Charlie well. He believes others are enabling Charlie's current behaviors and causing him more harm than good.

The concept of psychopathology as social deviance applies to Charlie's parents-in-laws and how they judge if Charlie is mentally disturbed. Charlie's in-laws believe that Charlie should be open to their way of grieving. They believe Charlie should want to reminisce with them (i.e. look at pictures of his wife and children) and spend time with them. They try to get Charlie to talk with them, however Charlie avoids them. In fact, Charlie avoids anyone who reminds him of his family or his life with them before their deaths.

Because Jonathan and Ginger feel shut out by Charlie they deduct that his behavior is maladaptive and abnormal. Because they believe Charlie's behavior to be abnormal, when Charlie is taken to court after a suicide attempt they initially agree that he should be committed into a psychiatric hospital. Jonathan and Gingers motives appear to be selfish in nature and because Charlie has removed them from his life. Their attempt at trying to connect with Charlie manifests into a way for them to dictate his way of grieving.

The court system becomes involved when Charlie attempts suicide by proxy (police). Once Charlie begins therapy, he becomes so overwhelmed by grief that he wants to die. He purposely gets into an argument with a cabdriver, and then draws and gun on the driver. When the police confront him he points the gun at them and begs them to just shoot him. Charlie is subdued by one of the policemen, disarmed and arrested. Later he is mandated to receive a psychiatric evaluation. After some time in court and after seeing Charlie's reaction to the viewing of his family photos the judge asks to meet with the attorney's and family. The judge stated that he believed that Charlie's mental state and possible commitment into a hospital should not be decided in court. The judge believed that Charlie was going through a difficult time and that he needed help. The judge also, believed that family members should be supportive of each other.

From the 'individual' perspective, upon first glimpse Charlie is oblivious about his own mental state. Charlie appears to not have a problem living in denial and isolation. He then allows Alan into his world, because Alan is not familiar with his family and initially does not ask him any questions about them. However, once Alan brings Charlie's abnormal life and behavior to his attention, Charlie agrees that he needs help. By allowing Alan into his world, Charlie may have been ready to start the healing process. Prior to Alan, Charlie allowed no one to get close to him. Although he accepted

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