Philadelphia (1993)



PHILADELPHIA (1993)

Introduction

Besides entertainment, movies give a detail and in-depth analysis of social and psychological behaviors of humans (Boyatzis, 1994, p. 99-101). This is why for studying psychology and human manner films form an excellent source. They give support to the educational text, the lectures of the teachers and also to the class room discussion (Hollander, 2000, p.22-23, 28). In addition they by giving face and gestures to the material which before them was lacking life and hence was difficult to understand make sense of the theoretical mater. It is very necessary for the student of psychology to see in which circumstances do the theories and the principles of psychology operate and what are their outcomes. Topics relating to psychology is liked by filmmakers may be because of the reason that all of us are unprofessional psychologists by birth (Conner, 1996, p.33-35). But on the other hand it also creates another reason to study films - to expose wrong representation of theories of psychology and make the students critical analyzers of the prevalent information (Fleming et.al, 1990, p.85-187). Through these films as a source we can show that all of the matter displayed on the screens is not correct and hence students should sensitively and deeply infer the psychological interpretations taken in the films (Gross, 1993, p.68). At times the directors of the films exaggerate the substance of psychology just to make their movie attractive to the viewers and it may hit the box office but it is the task of the psychologists to see where they are deviating from the real principles. I will examine the theories of psychology that are applicable in the film and through which the director has tried to awaken the consciousness of the viewer. It will help me in remembering the theories and will also make me able to think and express my ideas about the principles of psychology. Furthermore, it will give me assistance in investigating the ambiguities of brain and body. In the film Philadelphia (1993) I saw many psychological theories in practice and helped me to understand them in a better way. In this paper I will discuss Schema, Groupthink and self-fulfilling prophecy occurring in Philadelphia (1993). I have described the scenes in which they are applicable and have also described in detail the way they are applicable in those scenes.

Discussion

Principle 1

Scene description

Andrew Backett, an intelligent and expert young lawyer works in a law firm who has got fame and is admired for its work. Philledelphia is selected for the setting of the play as the metropolis is known in the United Sates for creating the best lawyers as Beckett which usually come from University of Pennsylvania Law School. Mr Backett due to his knowledge and skill wins a tough court case. In this case his opponent was Joe Miller, TV sleaze ball lawyer who has got fame as ambulance chaser. After winning the case he drives to a hospital where his blood was ...