Twilight Club - As Good As it Gets

In ‘As Good As it Gets’ the central character Melvin Udall (JackNicholson) is a successful author who is racist, misogynistic, homophobic and belligerent. He has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). With his acerbic tongue and misanthropic wit he manages to alienate everyone with whom he comes into contact.

In this talk you will look at the portrayal of mental illness in film – what is OCD? Are Melvin’s symptoms typical or exaggerated for comedic and dramatic effect? Can he be helped by drugs, by the kindness of people or would behavior therapy have been more effective?

Professor Karen J. Pine will lead the discussion after the showing of this film.