Weekend Psychings: It’s Books And Movies Galore

By Alicia Sparks

I still haven’t thought of a clever name for this little weekend roundup (well, a name I think is clever, anyway - Weekend Psychings…what do you think? Serves the purpose, at least), but I’ve decided that the weekend roundup idea is definitely one I want to pursue.

There are just too many psyching opportunities out there each week to pass up, after all.

Most of the little news bits I received this week focused on mental illness in new literature and films, so, without further ado…

In book news, New York Times reviewer Jeremy McCarter shares his thoughts on Stefan Kanfer’s biography of Marlon Brando, Somebody: The Reckless Life and Remarkable Career of Marlon Brando, a book I’m not likely to read (undoubtedly because I’m too wrapped up in fiction right now), but one that calls mental illness the “‘Rosebud’ in Brando’s life”…

Songwriter and author Rand Bishop is calling for uplifting tunes to bring some hope during these otherwise seriously depressing economic times in his new book Makin’ Stuff Up, which Bishop calls “a songwriting course wrapped in a memoir.”

Perhaps the most interesting, and bizarre (though not really new, as the book was released in October) is Library of Dust, David Maisel’s book covering photos from the abandoned ward at Oregon State Hospital that houses canisters that “contain the unclaimed cremated remains of former psychiatric patients.” Natural first response of “scary!” aside, that is really sad.

As for movies, Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting) may be portraying R. D. Laing in an upcoming movie about the well-known London-based psychiatrist from the 60s and 70s, but it’s Revolutionary Road that remains the movie I want to see; not just because it looks seriously interesting (and reunites Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet), but also because apparently “the only clear thinker of the story” is “John,” a character battling mental illness in an institution. I’m always intrigued with that kind of character - someone whom you may think has trouble grasping reality, but, who in reality, sees it the clearest.

If you found anything worth psyching in the media this week (or if you find anything in the weeks to come), feel free to share with me. In the meantime, enjoy your weekend!


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