Everything is in its proper place in the Jarrett household -- except the past. Mary Tyler Moore won an Oscar nomination for her role as a repressed mother whose favorite son has died, leaving her with another (Timothy Hutton) she can barely tolerate.

STARRING

Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, Timothy Hutton

DIRECTOR

Robert Redford

LENGTH

124 Minutes

CATEGORY & RATING

Drama (R)

AWARDS

1981 Academy Award: Best Picture
1981 Academy Award: Best Director: Robert Redford
1981 Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor: Timothy Hutton
1981 Academy Award: Best Writing Adapted Screenplay
1981 Academy Award: Best Actress nominee: Mary Tyler Moore
1981 Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor nominee: Judd Hirsch
AFI: Top 100 Movies nominee

POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC ISSUES

QUESTIONS

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

1. Using the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (criteria A through F), please give a brief listing of stressors, and symptoms of Conrad Jerrett (the son), which would confirm (or dismiss) whether he is experiencing this disorder.

2. After a short period in therapy, Conrad in distress yells at Dr. Burger, “I'm supposed to feel better, right?” Dr. Burger quietly answers, “Not necessarily.” Later Conrad tells Dr. Burger, “When I let myself feel, all I feel is lousy.” Dr. Burger replies, “A little advice about feeling kiddo, don't expect it to always tickle...Feelings are scary, and sometimes their painful and if you can't feel pain then you're not going to feel anything else either.” Please briefly share some of your thoughts or feelings, pro or con, on the therapeutic process, questions, attitudes, responses, or style of Dr. Burger in this film.

3. This film entitled “Ordinary People”portrays an ostensibly ordinary family confronted with an extraordinary situation. With all its solitary and isolated family fears, dissonant personality dynamics, denial, non-communication, intimacy and control issues, and feelings of blame, guilt, anger, and grief, do you observe or experience the Jerrett family as being “ordinary?”

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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