"Psycho 11 and III say, in effect, there's no way to survive with a psychological problem. If you've got it, the law can keep you locked up because there's no chance for cure"
About this Quote
Joseph Stefano, a crucial screenwriter for the initial "Psycho" directed by Alfred Hitchcock, attends to the representation of mental disorder and its societal implications in his quote about the follows up "Psycho II" and "Psycho III". The quote suggests that these movies communicate a rather grim point of view on psychological disorders, implying that individuals affected with such conditions are beyond redemption or recovery. This analysis requires a more detailed examination of how mental illness is represented in media and its possible impact on public understanding.
The 2 follows up continue the saga of Norman Bates, the notorious character whose life is marked by serious mental disturbances. Through Stefano's lens, these movies communicate a deterministic outlook: as soon as someone is branded as 'psychologically ill,' their fate is sealed-- they undergo perpetual confinement due to the fact that the legal system views them as incurable. This representation enhances the stereotype of mental disorder as a life sentence, lacking hope, rehabilitation, or social reintegration.
Furthermore, Stefano's review points to the more comprehensive social tendency to conflate mental disorder with criminality and danger. Rather than viewing individuals with mental health issues through a compassionate lens that prefers therapy and reintegration, these narratives mirror a justice system focused more on containment than cure.
Stefano's observation invites a discussion about the obligations of filmmakers in forming cultural stories surrounding psychological health. While cinema's main aim is frequently home entertainment, it holds the power to affect public attitudes and understandings profoundly. Films like "Psycho II" and "Psycho III" enhance a cycle of fear and misunderstanding, potentially discouraging people from seeking help or discussing their struggles openly.
In summation, Stefano's quote highlights the vital need for more nuanced and humane representations of mental problems in media, ones that show the capacity for recovery and the intricacies of the human psyche. Society needs to challenge narratives that recommend incurability and explore more understanding methods to both media representation and real-world psychological health care.