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Movie Review: Out of Darkness

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Movie Review: Out of Darkness
Letitia Y. Wright
CO 810 – Abnormal Psychology
Katherine James, PhD, LPC, NCC
Ashland Theological Seminary
February 10, 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review the depiction of a person suffering with and living with the mental condition of Schizophrenia in the movie, Out of Darkness. The film has a dynamic cast including: Diana Ross as Paulie Cooper (the individual suffering with schizophrenia), Rhonda Stubbins-White as Zoe Price (Paulie’s sister), and Beach Richards as Ms. Cooper (Paulie’s mother). There are a number of other characters portrayed in the film; however for the purpose of this paper, the focus is on these three. The first portion of the paper gives a brief description of the initial onset of Schizophrenia for Paulie; however, as a back drop, it is imperative to note that the film opens with Paulie having already been diagnosed with the condition some 18 years prior and waking up with a full episode of dealing with this diagnosis. Additionally, the paper will explain the mental illness, explore the criterion for being diagnosed with the mental illness and describe ways the disorder was portrayed accurately as well as some of the inaccuracies of this disorder portrayed in the film. Finally, the paper will focus on how my own view as well as the view of the lay persons view may have been effected by the film and its portrayal of this mental illness.

Movie Review: Out of Darkness
Imagine if you will, your life is everything you expected! You are a 23-year-old beautiful, young woman who has been described as vibrant, intelligent and brilliant. You are in your 3rd year of medical school and you see your goals materializing right in before your very eyes. You are living the life you always thought you would live, your goals are within arm’s reach and your life’s plan is in full effect. Life is

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