Mental Illness in Media

    

    I recently watched an old movie which was a comedy that also interestingly addressed mental health disorders. In Frank Oz’s 1991 comedy “What About Bob?” Bill Murray plays the character Bob Wiley who is an individual who suffers from what he defines as “problems.” These problems are initially described as many phobias and anxieties. In the beginning of the film, Bob struggles to find a psychiatrist who can help him or even tolerate him. Eventually, he comes across Dr. Leo Marvin and Bob fully believes he’s the Doctor who can finally help him. However, this is where the film takes a twist and reveals Bob’s one of the more impactful disorders Bob has. After meeting with Dr. Marvin, Bob develops codependency towards him and for the rest of the film, we follow Bob as he constantly tries to fulfill his desire to be needed by Dr. Marvin.

    Understandably, some may view this film as making fun of the disorder or trying to make entertainment out of other's suffering; however, I think using media to raise awareness about issues is fine. I've personally never knowingly met someone who suffers from dependent personality disorder, so seeing it portrayed, although exaggerated, was new and interesting. Many films now aren't afraid to address mental disorders, but this film was released in the 90s where even more common and known disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder wouldn't get talked about. This film not only addressed it anyway but also addressed many kinds of disorders.