Victor Chavez, writing major, from Fort Worth, Texas
Movies. What comes to mind when that word is brought up? I’m assuming it has to do with them being a source of temporary entertainment that has a certain time limit for each one. Or maybe you think of AMC Theaters and the annoying Nicole Kidman ad before each movie. Maybe you just view them as a story that is being told with actors, who are being told what to do by a director. Yes, these are true, and I agree with both. Another way I view them is as a temporary escape from reality. Obviously, it’s great to give your mind a break here and there from overworking and tiring it out, and some people use films as this break. Being that I am one of these people, I feel it’s okay for me to explain why I use them this way. I’m someone who suffers from and is clinically diagnosed with severe depression, high anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggles to get through some days. These tend to be the days where my brain begins to feel the effects of working on too much homework or creating lesson plans for classes for which I’m substituting. The breaks are necessary for anyone’s mental health, no matter what.
It is important to make your mental health one of your top priorities. Sometimes watching a movie about someone struggling with their mental health could be a perspective or glimpse into what could happen if one doesn’t truly focus on their mental health, or if they do unhealthy things to take care of it rather than doing what’s needed. Other times, just watching certain genres could be beneficial to focus on something out of this world, science fiction, horror, drama, fantasy, and many other genres could work so easily with this task. This concept of movies helping with one’s mental health has been studied and is sometimes used by professionals to help their patients. “A therapist might choose a commercial film or video (documentary) related to your challenges.” (Benton, 2022).
Cinema Therapy is the act of patients watching movies to help their mind get a break. “Cinema and video therapy are sometimes used as a part of psychotherapy. Therapists might use this type of therapy to expose you to a character who might be having a similar emotional experience, according to a 2021 study” (Benton, 2022). Although it’s viewed as a great source of helping the mind, I want to stress that you shouldn’t feel the need to get lost in movies all the time – it could be an unhealthy way to deal with life. I don’t judge people that do this since it is a tempting thing to do. It’s just scary and sad to think that this could be someone’s drug for escaping reality for too long.
With that in mind, I would like to share with you some movies that help me in times of needing to take a break from reality.
Any Harry Potter film: It’s obvious that people use these films to escape reality. I mean it’s about a boy who is viewed as an outcast within his “home” and suddenly finds out he’s a wizard. It’s just a wonderful way to escape reality and even wonder, “What would it be like if this happened to me?” Also, the special effects are a good factor when it comes to deciding that these films will be a great temporary escape. If you’ve watched these films and know what I mean, then I am sure you agree with this. If you have not watched these films, try it out! The first two can be a little slow, so be sure to give them a chance.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019): This film really helped me escape a time when there was something happening in my life. Also, I grew up watching the original Japanese films where people wore monster suits and fought each other in a ridiculous way. It is pure enjoyment and just so ridiculous you cannot help but feel the escape from our world for a bit. Giant monsters fighting and (spoiler) destroying Boston is just fun. Also, a three headed dragon is so freaking cool.
It Chapter One and It Chapter Two: There are many films within the genre of horror that could help you escape for a bit, but these two really hold a special place in my heart. I was introduced to horror by watching the 1990 miniseries of Stephen King’s IT and have read the book more than five times. Something about the way Pennywise The Dancing Clown, is just some other worldly being that feeds on the fear and souls of children that truly terrifies me. If you have not watched these two films, be warned that there is blood and gore and a lot of colorful language throughout.
Jurassic Park Trilogy & Jurassic World Trilogy: I have some sort of fascination with dinosaurs. Being as they have been extinct for an awfully long time and then to have them brought back… it just screams sci-fi! It is just interesting watching how humans would interact with the dinosaurs and brings back the aspect of wondering if it were happening today and how you personally would deal with it. I especially enjoy the scenes with the Tyrannosaurus Rex and how they play out. I will be honest and state that I find the whole genetically modified dinosaurs in the Jurassic World trilogy to seem a bit dumb, but it works. Again, if you have not watched these six films, I would recommend you try.
These are just some of my recommendations for escaping reality momentarily, but I’m sure you have movies you go to when you need that break from all the studying and working. I’ve asked my friends, and they tell me that Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, any Disney or Pixar film, and any others help them destress after a long day or week.
All in all, movies are a great way to contribute to your mental health. Cinema Therapy is used by professionals but doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be researched a bit more before using. I’m just wanting to inform you that movies could be a healthy temporary escape. Now go and find a movie to watch on a streaming service or grab a Blu-ray, press play, and relax.