20 Great Movies That Show The Effects of Psychological Trauma (Taste of Cinema)
Created by Armoreska.
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The powerful and tragic effects of psychological trauma truly entered the consciousness of mainstream America as veterans were returning from the Vietnam War. This prompted the American Psychological Association to finally recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as an actual affliction in 1980.
Prior to this new diagnosis, terms like “shell shock”, “combat fatigue”, and “hysteria” were used to describe the bevy of short- and long-term symptoms that patients often felt after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
While the diagnosis of PTSD did not exist until the early ‘80s, authors and filmmakers had been exploring the horrifying and detrimental impact of psychological trauma for decades. As is the case with trauma, film has represented the varied and unpredictable symptoms that manifest in sufferers.
Additionally, through the years the film industry has captured the wide array of events and situations that can leave a permanent scar on the psyche. While some portrayals have bordered on melodramatic and over-the-top, many others have been subtle and nuanced in their approaches.
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1 new
The Deer Hunter
1978, in 26 top lists Check -
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The Fisher King
1991, in 4 top lists Check -
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Atanarjuat
2001 — a.k.a. Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, in 6 top lists Check -
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Marnie
1964, in 8 top lists Check -
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The Magdalene Sisters
2002, in 2 top lists Check -
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Coming Home
1978, in 5 top lists Check -
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Monster
2003, in 3 top lists Check -
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The Machinist
2004, in 1 top list Check -
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Fearless
1993, in 1 top list Check -
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Ordinary People
1980, in 9 top lists Check -
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Das weiße Band - Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte
2009 — a.k.a. The White Ribbon, in 10 top lists Check -
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Sleepers
1996, in 0 top lists Check -
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The Prince of Tides
1991, in 3 top lists Check -
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Mysterious Skin
2004, in 3 top lists Check -
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Blue Ruin
2013, in 0 top lists Check -
16 new
Jeux interdits
1952 — a.k.a. Forbidden Games, in 15 top lists Check -
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Äideistä parhain
2005 — a.k.a. Mother of Mine, in 1 top list Check -
18 new
Metamorfoza
2005, in 0 top lists -
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El laberinto del fauno
2006 — a.k.a. Pan's Labyrinth, in 33 top lists Check -
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Vals Im Bashir
2008 — a.k.a. Waltz with Bashir, in 11 top lists Check
Last updated on Aug 8, 2021 by Armoreska; source