- Published: November 15, 2022
- Updated: November 15, 2022
- University / College: Université Laval
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 46
Introduction
There are many Hollywood films using main characters who display mood disorders. While some of the films bring disorder out naturally, some do not acknowledge its appearance and when identified, the immediate reference is depression. In this discussion, a film named Mr. Jones (1993) brings out the bipolar disorder through Richard Greer who is the main character. He poses as a carpenter with bipolar-I (Figgis, 1993).
Richard Greer who, in the cast acts as Mr. Jones, in the first scene displays symptoms of a hypo manic. This is by displaying a high level of confidence, which inspires both the finds and him to undertake tasks, which in normal sense are very difficult to handle. For the very first time, this kind of confidence lands him a job on a construction site (Figgis, 1993). Along the way, his friends come to realize the disorder when Jones believes he can fly off from the building. This false confidence expresses a manic episode due to bipolar disorder. From the events expressed in the movie to show differences between hypomania and mania, it is clear hypo manic people do not lose their sense of judgment even though an elevation in their mood makes them daring to handle risky things (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance). However, in mania, people lose their whole judgment thus worrying people close to them.
The mania condition in Jones prompts immediate medical attention. He seeks professional medication in which he gets mood stabilizing medicines. However, he eventually stops taking the medication because he enjoys being in the manic episode. In addition, he seems to hate the side effects brought by the medication. There is the use of LifeChart in tracking the moods. At some point, the doctors have to tie him up just to make sure he does not go around causing disturbances. This ensures the medical practitioners can see the changes due to treatment over time.
Mr. Jones becomes a victim of the bipolar-I disorder due to the stressful life situations. He depends solely on his carpentry to earn a living. In my own opinion, since the character shows mania symptoms, he needs a medical therapy. In this case, Olanzapine (Zyprexa) together with antidepressants can be of help in relieving him of the symptoms (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013).
Conclusion
In the movie, Mr. Jones expresses the bipolar condition in a very good way. Through it, viewers clearly get the symptoms, which include behaving in a funny manner, gaining a new sense of confidence and having a wrong judgment. However, medical attention is important in overcoming such conditions even though not all victims respond quickly to the treatment.
Work cited
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. (2012). Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders. Accessed April 21, 2014 from: http://www. dbsalliance. org/site/PageServer? pagename= education_signs_symptoms.
Figgis Mike (Director) (1993). Mr. Jones [Motion Pictures]. United States: New York.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2013). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved April 21, 2014 from: www. nimh. nih. gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index. shtml.