Psychology e cinema

No discussion of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) would be complete without a discussion of the Academy Award Winning picture, “As Good As It Gets,” and the Best Actor portrayal of its tragic/comedic hero, Melvyn Udall, by Jack Nickolson. Melvyn is a successful writer of pulp romantic novels, who suffers from OCD. He cannot control his compulsive thoughts and obsessive behaviors, and this has brought him to an isolated and angry existence. Melvyn is also a racist, homophobe, and anti-semite, but I am going to look in depth at Melvyn’s behavior in the film that is classic OCD. In addition, Carol, the only waitress who will tolerate him, must leave work to care for her sick son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.
After Melvyn’s homosexual neighbor is brutally beaten, he is entrusted to care of the neighbor's dog. He develops a difficult relationship with the only waitress who will wait on him at the only restaurant and only table he will eat at. When this waitress’s (played by Helen Hunt) son becomes ill, requiring her to take time off from work and depriving Melvin of her service, the plot really takes off. What develops is a weekend trip/triangle between these three individuals, and together they learn the true meaning of "the sunny side of life".
This is one of my all time favorite films, not just because all of the main characters are so adeptly portrayed, but because it is so well written. It is at once hysterically funny and touchingly poignant, angry and reverent, and it takes a fair look at OCD in a way that brings understanding and sympathy to those who suffer from what can only be called a frustrating mental and behavioral tsunami.
According to the Panic and Disorder Guide, “Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a type of anxiety disorder, is a potentially disabling illness that traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts and behaviors.” People with OCD are plagued by recurring and distressing thoughts, fears, or images