Chronic grouch and acerbic author Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) lives in an obsessive-compulsive fog, sidestepping sidewalk cracks and rigidly following his routine of daily breakfasts in the bistro where the only waitress he'll abide is stressed-out single mother Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt). But Melvin's structured world crumbles when his gay neighbor (Greg Kinnear) needs a dog sitter, and only longtime antagonist Melvin will fill the bill.

STARRING

Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich

DIRECTOR

James L. Brooks

LENGTH

138 Minutes

CATEGORY & RATING

Comedy (PG-13)

AWARDS

1998 Academy Award: Best Actor: Jack Nicholson
1998 Academy Award: Best Actress: Helen Hunt
1998 Academy Award: Best Picture nominee
1998 Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor nominee: Greg Kinnear
1998 Academy Award: Best Writing Original Screenplay nominee
1998 Academy Award: Best Film Editing nominee
1998 Academy Award: Best Music Score nominee
AFI: Top 100 Laughs nominee

POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC ISSUES

1. The terror of opening, the torment of staying closed.
2. When control chains and crushes rather then supports the scared, scarred, and shattered.

DSM-IV Considerations

Axis I: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Axis II: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

QUESTIONS

Write short essay answers to any four of the following six questions.

1. Using the DSM-IV, please assess and give a diagnosis for Melvin Udall (Jack Nicholson) and give at least three examples (DSM criteria) from the movie which support your impression.

2. What does the distancing behaviors and words of cruelty, callousness, and indifference, provide to Melvin Udall? Might there be a clue contained in Melvin's under his breath remark, when Carol demands a compliment, “The moment someone gets that they need you, they threaten to walk out?”

3. How would you clinically assess the manner in which Melvin's psychotherapist established his boundaries when Melvin, in a panic, sought therapy without prior notice or scheduling?

4. Describe a treatment plan for one of the characters in the film assuming he or she came to you for psychotherapy.

5. What did you learn from the film that you believe will enhance your clinical skills?

6. How might clients benefit from viewing the film and discussing it in therapy?

DIRECTIONS

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