Drama Films typically hold up a mirror for viewers to examine societal issues, making them a critical engagement. Media is impactful and can help the general public feel more comfortable discussing these issues. Filmmakers have taken unique approaches to these issues in comedy or animation. However, starting these conversations sometimes requires looking at the harsh realities. Whether ripped from the headlines or inspired by personal events, these drama films have helped change the conversation.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
age by UnsplashOne of Jack Nicholsons’ most memorable roles as criminal turned mental patient R.P McMurphy. After pleading insanity to avoid jail time, McMurphy is sentenced to a psych ward. When there, he witnesses the abuse and degradation of the other patients. Especially by the tyrannical nurse, Nurse Ratched, who uses the patient’s mental health against them. With his influence, McMurphy and the other patients band together to rebel against the abusive staff.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a harsh look at the reality of caring for people with mental health conditions in the 1960s. At the same time, significant changes have been made when it comes to the care of the mentally ill. One Flew Over the Cuckoos’s Nest still showcases that abuse against people who have mental illness can have lasting consequences. As well as why well-researched care and treatments benefit patients needing mental health care.
Thirteen
While Thirteen has become a time capsule of fashion and music of the early 2000s, it’s also a look at mental illness among teen girls. 13-year-old Tracey is lonely and soon finds solace in popular girl Evie. As their friendship strengthens, Tracey is looped into a world of sex, drugs, and crime. As her mental state worsens, Tracey’s Mother, Melanie, begins to worry, unsure of why this change is happening to her daughter. Thirteen is a tragic look at mental illness among teenage girls and the importance of parents in their teens’ Manchester By the Sea
Casey Affleck won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Film at the 2017 Academy Awards. Manchester by the Sea follows Lee Chandler, a man struggling with depression and PTSD after a tragic accident. When his brother unexpectedly passes, he becomes the guardian of his troubled 16-year-old nephew. Forcing him to return to his hometown and confront his dark past. Manchester by the Sea is a vital drama film as it tackles the topic of men’s health. Typically, an issue that tends to be pushed aside or treated as if it is not natural.
She Said
Following New York Times Journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who broke the story on Harvey Weinstein. Based on the journalist She Said recounts the risks Twhoey and Kantor faced when investigating. From being threatened by Weinstein’s lawyers as well as finding women willing to go on record. She Said takes a look at how this one article changed the course of how we view sexual assault in Hollywood. Also, taking a look at the importance of listening to victims and the #metoo movement.
Parasite
Although the drama film takes place in South Korea, the issues of class struggle are universal. The Kims are a lower-class family struggling to make ends meet while living in a basement apartment. When eldest son Ki-Woo is offered a tutoring job for the wealthy Park family, he accepts. Once there, he soon learns he can con jobs for the rest of his family. Soon, the affluent lifestyle entrances the Kims, but their proximity to wealth is threatened. Parasite doesn’t hold back, showing the dark reality that those struggling will go to get by. Along with society’s view of the ultra-wealthy and the risk we are willing to take even to get a taste of it.
The Hate U Give
Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give is a vital drama film about standing up for what’s rwhat’sTeenager Starr Carter is constantly balancing her life between two worlds. Her lower-income, predominantly black neighborhood where she lives and the rich white private school she attends. After a night out, she witnesses the fatal shooting of her friend by a police officer. Soon, Starr feels the pressure from both sides of her world and struggles with what to do. As the pressure gets harder, Starr must find her voice and take a stand. The Hate U Give is an honest look at police brutality as well as the ongoing issues of racism.
Final Thoughts on Drama Films on Social Issues
Art is an excellent outlet for exploring issues we as a society face, past and present. These drama films don’t work when showcasing the dark reality many of us face. While they might not make for easy viewing, they are helpful in starting complicated conversations. Giving viewers a better understanding of what others might be facing. They also give audiences a chance to see themselves in these drama films.
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