STARRING

DIRECTOR

LENGTH

CATEGORY & RATING

AWARDS

POTENTIAL THERAPY RELATED ISSUES

QUESTIONS

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

1. William Goldstein M.D. writing in his article “Understanding Kernberg on the Borderline Patient” (NAPPH Journal/Vol. 13/No.l P.12-13) had the following thoughts about the borderline patient: “Object relations are often superficially intact...Under close scrutiny it becomes apparent that the relationships are often characterized by a striking lack of depth and a lack of concern for the other individual as a person. The other person is seen as someone who can be used to meet the borderlines needs rather than as a person in his own right. Depth and empathy are lacking.” Can you give any examples from the film which exemplifies this behavior or attitude in Norma Desmond?

2. In the same article cited above, Goldstein also states about the Borderline: “Reality testing is intact except at times of stress when the patient can regress to transient psychotic episodes.”
“Regulation and control of drives is uniformly characterized by poor impulse control and a lack of frustration tolerance.”
“Aggression often breaks through directly in disruptive ways, such as outbursts of anger and rage.”
Are there any examples of how Norma Desmond manifests these observations?

3. At one point in the film, Max (the butler) explains to Joe (the writer), “There are no locks anywhere in this house.”
When Joe later starts to feel trapped in the house he appeals to what he feels must be Norma's understanding nature, “Norma, you don't want me to feel that I'm locked up in this house.”
What clinical reactions or responses do you have to the paradox and irony of these two statements together, or to any metaphor contained within the concept of one dwelling in a “house with no locks?”

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

Your responses must be typewritten and submitted along with our completed registration form one of three ways: (1) by mail with a check or credit card information; (2) by fax along with credit card information, or (3) by e-mail along with credit card information. If you do not wish to submit credit card information via e-mail or fax, please mail your registration for processing. Your payment must accompany your answer sheet. Do not e-mail or fax us your forms and request us to call you for your credit card information. Submissions via e-mail or fax without credit card information will incur a $10 surcharge. Please visit our contact information page for our mailing address, fax number, and e-mail.