Schizophrenia in Film: an Analysis of the Psychopathology
Portrayed in Donnie Darko
PSYC 8012 - Psychopathology
University of Cincinnati
Abstract
The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the overall psychopathology
utilized in Donnie Darko. Donnie’s symptoms of schizophrenia can be
analyzed mainly through his hallucinations with Frank and the
delusion of the world ending in 28 days. These delusions and
hallucinations affect how he interacts with people and his actions. The
actions include him committing a series of crimes such as flooding his
school and burning down the house of a motivational speaker who’s a
pedophile. A proper DSM-5 based diagnosis is made through these
various aspects of the film. Despite the science-fiction aspects playing
a major role, the psychological aspect is not ignored. Donnie’s
symptoms can be seen becoming more severe over the span of the 28
days. The therapist in the film, Dr. Thurman, offers insight into
Donnie’s condition through a proper diagnosis. The film further finds
a balance of the fictional aspects so that the mental illness portrayal is
not tainted obscenely.
Introduction
The aspects of mental disorders are frequently represented in film as it
is a way to show society how they are portrayed. Mental disorders in
film often draw in the attention of numerous viewers as people are
infatuated with how the mind works. Not every film portrays these
aspects correctly as proper research, or for other reasons, is not
performed prior to the production of the film. Portrayals of
schizophrenia often focus on positive symptoms of the disease, visual
hallucinations, bizarre delusions, and disorganised speech. These
symptoms are presented as commonplace, ignoring the reality that
negative symptoms, for example, poverty of speech, decreased
motivation, and a flat affect (a severe reduction in emotional
expressiveness) are more common. These people are presented as
being prone to violence and unpredictable behaviour, in some cases
appearing “possessed”. This encourages viewers to develop harsh and
negative attitudes towards severe mental illnesses. When done
properly, an excellent production with a great message about mental
disorders can be accomplished. The film, Donnie Darko, is a prime
example that has performed this difficult feat. The plot of the movie
revolves around a teenage boy, Donnie Darko, who sleepwalks out of
his house one night and sees a six-foot-tall person dressed in a creepy
bunny-rabbit suit. The bunny-rabbit, named Frank, tells Donnie that
the world will end in 28 days. While Donnie is outside with Frank, a
jet engine falls mysteriously into Donnie’s room. Following this,
Donnie begins to obey whatever Frank tells him as he feels that he
saved his life. Donnie, who suffers from Schizophrenia, begins to
commit a series of crimes throughout the film, which is dictated by
Frank. These acts include flooding his school, burn down the house of
a motivational speaker/pedophile named Jim Cunningham, and steal
his father’s gun. Besides this, the film deals with science fiction
aspects such as time travel, portals, and the supernatural. In the end, it
shows how Donnie is ultimately killed by him going back to his room
and the Jet engine falling on him on the final 28th day (the end of the
world). It is not for sure known how Donnie ended up back in his
room, but it must do something with the aspect of time travel. The
ending is really up for interpretation and it is still debated and
theorized to this day. A popular fan theory includes the involvement
of a tangent universe. However, there is still no real answer. This
aspect of interpretation and debate makes Donnie Darko,
retrospectively, a cult classic. Looking past the science fiction aspects,
Donnie Darko does an excellent job of expressing Schizophrenia
throughout the film. It is often portrayed through Donnie’s overall
mood, his interactions with people, the hallucinations with Frank, and
his sessions with his therapist!
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
Description of Psychopathology
Donnie Darko is a sixteen-year-old white male who lives in the town
of Middlesex, Virginia. The year is 1998 and the month is October.
He lives comfortably with his Mother, Father, and two sisters,
Elizabeth and Samantha Darko, in the suburbs. Donnie is an
intelligent boy who expresses himself poetically and speaks with
rhetorical tendencies. His intellect is supported by his test scores,
which are phenomenal according to his principal. Even though he has
a comfortable life and is loved by his family, Donnie has
Schizophrenia. This was made apparent when Donnie’s therapist, Dr.
Thurman, informed his parents about the diagnoses. According to the
DSM-5, Schizophrenia “is characterized by delusions, hallucinations,
disorganized speech and behavior, and other symptoms that cause
social or occupational dysfunction.” These symptoms appear earliest
in during the mid-teens. It can be difficult to make a diagnosis as there
are no lab tests that can be utilized yet. For Donnie to be properly
diagnosed with schizophrenia, he must meet certain standards stated in
the DSM-5. According to the DSM-5, the typical symptoms to look
for are delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic
behavior, and negative symptoms (American Psychiatric Association,
2013). An individual must experience 2 of these symptoms for at least
a month, and one of them either must be delusions, hallucinations, or
disorganized speech. The span of the film lasts 28 days and within this
time frame, you see Donnie portray these symptoms. Donnie
experiences hallucinations when he sees Frank. During these
hallucinations, Donnie is in a catatonic state as he is either
sleepwalking or has no awareness of what is going on around him. All
he is aware of is Frank and what he is saying. Donnie experiences the
delusion that the world will end in 28 days if he doesn’t listen or do
what Frank tells him. Donnie follows through with this delusion
throughout the 28 days. He experiences disorganized speech when has
therapy sessions with Dr. Thurman and will sometimes talk in a baby
voice. Negative symptoms can be seen all throughout the film as he
has reduced emotional expression. He can often be lethargic and
sometimes angry when has to communicate with people, especially his
family. Donnie has an impairment in the major areas of functioning
during this period. This area includes work (or school in this case).
Even though Donnie is an intelligent teenager, he struggles in school
and gets into trouble. He often argues with teachers, even insulting
one explicitly during a lecture. Due to this insult, Donnie was
suspended from school. The DSM-5 claims that the signs for
schizophrenia must last for at least six months and include at least one
month of active symptoms. Since the movie spans only 28 days, this is
difficult to configure. At the beginning of the film, it was revealed that
Donnie has been going to therapy and taking medication for some
time. Also, Donnie claimed that he burnt down an abandoned house
when he was younger. Based on this, it can be assumed that Donnie
has been experiencing some form of symptoms for a long time.
Schizoaffective disorder and bipolar or depressive disorder have been
dismissed as claimed by Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis. His disturbance is
not caused by the effects of any other drugs as Donnie only takes the
one medication provided by Dr. Thurman. There is no reported history
of autism spectrum disorder or a communication disorder from
childhood. Besides meeting these major qualifications, Donnie also
experiences some associated features. He has a disturbed sleep pattern
as he is often restless at night and sleepwalks. He is sometimes hostile
towards other people, such as his mother and older sister. It is
apparent that Dr. Thurman’s diagnosis of schizophrenia is indeed
correct. According to the DSM-5 standards, Donnie meets all of them.
Description of 3 scenes
There are various scenes throughout the whole movie that portray
schizophrenia and its symptoms. The film can be viewed as a
metaphor for schizophrenia and mental disorders in general. The 3
scenes that portray these psychopathological factors most apparent
include Donnie’s first hallucination with Frank, Donnie publicly
embarrassing motivational speaker Jim Cunningham, and Donnie’s
final session with Dr. Thurman. During Donnie’s first interaction
hallucination where he met Frank, the scene begins with Donnie
taking his medication and going to bed. During some time in the night,
Donnie has an auditory hallucination where Frank tells him to wake
up. Donnie wakes up from bed in a depersonalized state and starts to
sleepwalk. His eyes have become dilated as well. As Donnie begins to
walk through his house, Frank can be heard telling him that he has
been watching him and to come closer. Donnie unconsciously follows
Frank’s voice until he treks out of his house. Once outside, Donnie
sees Frank for the first time. Frank then tells Donnie that the world
will end in 28 days. Donnie’s reaction is him just smiling sinisterly at
Frank with no other emotion. This is the first hallucination with Frank
and creates the delusion of the world ending in 28 days. It is also the
start of an irregular sleep pattern, as Donnie wakes up in a golf course
the next day. During the scene where Jim Cunningham, a motivational
speaker, is giving a motivational presentation at Donnie’s high school,
Donnie starts to have an auditory hallucination with Frank.
Cunningham is having students come up to the microphone and tell
him about their fears and worries. Cunningham provides students with
answers by telling each one to find their self-worth and to not be
afraid. He also brings each student up the stage. When Donnie goes up
to the microphone, he asks Cunningham how much the school is
paying him to be there. Cunningham, flabbergasted, begins to question
who Donnie is. Donnie tells him that his name is “Gerald” and that
essentially all his motivational advice is a farce. He then tells each
student upon the stage the harsh blunt truth to each of their fears and
worries. Cunningham explains to Donnie and the administration
standing by that Donnie is a troubled young man and needs to find
self-love. Donnie responds by admitting that he is confused, troubled,
afraid. The stinger occurs when Donnie proclaims that Cunningham is
the antichrist. At this point, Donnie is taken away by the school
administration and is laughing on the way out. This scene portrays
Frank's influence on Donnie. Donnie was under a hallucination while
he was speaking to Cunningham. Likewise, Donnie was experiencing
additional symptoms of schizophrenia. This included hostility and
inappropriate effect. He had no self-control of his actions and was
desensitized to what he was saying. During Donnie’s final session
with his therapist, Dr. Thurman, Donnie was under hypnosis. Dr.
Thurman was asking Donnie if ever feels any regrets or current
troubles. He responds by claiming that he has regrets flooding his
school and burning down Jim Cunningham’s house (who is a
pedophile). While Donnie is revealing this, he is speaking in a
mumbling baby voice (disorganized speech). He further claims that
Frank is making him do these crimes because he must obey him.
Donnie feels that if he doesn’t obey Frank, then the end of the world
will happen. He then becomes agitated and scared, transitioning from
the hypnotic state and into a hallucination. He tells Dr. Thurman that
he sees Frank and the sky will open up, leading to the delusion of the
world ending. Dr. Thurman tells Donnie that if the world ends, all that
will be left in existence is just him and Frank.
Donnie proceeds to become emotional and embraces Dr. Thurman.
She then snaps him out of the hallucination. During this scene, this is
the first time where Donnie can describe to someone what he is seeing
in his hallucination. The combination of the hallucination, delusion of
the end of the world, and disorganized speech present the full
expression of schizophrenia. It was also revealed by Dr. Thurman that
the medication Donnie was taking were placebos. This promotes that
his disturbances were not being caused by any medication.
Characterization
Throughout the progression of the film, it can be seen how Donnie is
steadily consumed by schizophrenia. Progression through the film can
be identified through the 28 days by periodically showing the
date/countdown. As the days go by it can be identified how Donnie
starts to experience more symptoms of schizophrenia. From the
beginning of the film, it is only Donnie experiencing visual and
auditory hallucinations of Frank. As Donnie starts to be consumed, his
acts of violence/crime become worse. From flooding the school, to
burning down Jim Cunningham’s house, to shooting an individual
with his dad’s gun. Through all of this, Donnie’s symptoms become
worse. The periodic date identification signifies not only the
countdown to the end of the world, but also how Donnie is slowly
deteriorating. The film’s awareness of the time allows for the audience
to keep in position with the concept of reality. Since the film spans a
course of 28 days, it is imperative for a presence like this. If not, it
would be difficult to realize when the end of the world would happen.
Characterization of psychopathology is performed well in the film due
to this aspect. From the beginning to the end of the film, Donnie’s
hallucinations become more and more frequent. They go from just
short auditory hallucinations to vivid visual hallucinations. Likewise,
Donnie’s delusion about the world's ending becomes obsessive. At the
beginning of the film, it is just a concept that Donnie was casually
wondering. His obsession grows through his acts of crime and
listening to whatever Frank says. This is due to him wanting to know
what Frank’s master plan about the end of the world is all about.
Donnie’s negative symptoms become more severe and present can
also be observed. In the beginning, even though he is irritable, he is
communicative with who he talks to. By the end of the film, he has no
emotional expression. When he shoots the individual with his dad’s
gun near the end of the movie, he shows no remorse or any emotions
whatsoever. The overall combination of the concept of time and the
progression of Donnie’s symptoms vividly portrays how he is slowly
succumbed by schizophrenia throughout the film. This
accomplishment is impressive since the film relies heavily on science
fiction aspects and audience interpretation.
Positive and Negative Messages
The pacing in Donnie Darko allows for the audience to understand
what is going on with Donnie in his struggle with Schizophrenia.
Frank’s frequent presence portrays Donnie’s descent into the
condition. Schizophrenia is taken seriously in this film and in all its
aspects. Realizing its presence and how it can affect an individual
psychologically can be clearly observed. The film's utilization of
symptom progression and psychological treatment through Dr.
Thurman portrays the film’s awareness of the condition. The film can
be utilized as a metaphor for not only schizophrenia but mental
disorders in general. Every individual who has mental experiences in
their own manner. If the film is interpreted solely as a metaphor, the
plot is basically a first-person perspective of schizophrenia through
the eyes of a teenager. Even though the film was released in 2001,
these psychological aspects can still be interpreted today. The film
was essentially ahead of its time, as mental health and various mental
disorders are prevalent. This is especially true for young people
around the age of Donnie. Besides these positive aspects regarding
schizophrenia’s portrayal, there is still one main hindrance presence.
The science-fiction aspects can sometimes obscure the reality of the
condition. With these science fiction aspects, there can be sometimes
over the top portrayals. These include the ideas and visualizations of
time travel and portals. The problem is that you do not know if they
are real or not.
They can be interpreted as either real or apart of Donnie’s
hallucinations and delusions. The aspect of interpretation helps aid
with understanding these fictional concepts. Ultimately, the decision is
left to the viewer and what they think.
Conclusion
The portrayal of schizophrenia fits well overall in the plot of Donnie
Darko. The film knows what is doing and what is trying to be.
Donnie’s symptoms were accurately represented, according to the
DSM-5, and it shows that research was done prior. Even though the
film is considered science fiction, Donnie’s descent into schizophrenia
can still be analyzed from a real-world perspective. From how he
interacts with individuals to the crimes that he commits due to his
hallucinations with Frank, it can be visually observed how Donnie
becomes sick over time. It was interesting to see how this condition
was overall diagnosed due to there being no real lab tests for
schizophrenia. Clinicians who make schizophrenia diagnoses need to
be able to recognize the symptoms and follow the DSM-5 guidelines.
What is really alarming about a condition such as this is the toll it can
take on an individual. Conditions such as schizophrenia and other
mental disorders plague millions of individuals each year. It is
imperative to seek help if an individual suffers from a mental disorder.
If aide and therapy are not found, the consequences over time can be
significant.
