Best Films Involving Psychologists/Psychiatrists/Therapists
Best Films AND TV episodes Involving Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychoanalysts and Therapists that I've seen so far.
I haven't included horror/extremely violent movies.
I haven't included horror/extremely violent movies.
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- DirectorRobert RedfordStarsDonald SutherlandMary Tyler MooreJudd HirschThe accidental death of the older son of an affluent family deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother, the good-natured father and the guilt-ridden younger son.Outstanding film about a boy suffering from depression. This isn't just a bleak portrayal of 'ordinary people', it's uplifting and each main character has psychological depth.
- DirectorBarbra StreisandStarsBarbra StreisandNick NolteBlythe DannerA troubled man talks to his suicidal sister's psychiatrist about their family history and falls in love with her in the process.Prince of Tides tends to polarise opinion - but go for it. I loved it.
Beautifully shot, intricate characters, plot, excellent narration, and also it should be praised as exceptionally well adapted from the novel, which is very long and often clumsily structured. - DirectorRichard KellyStarsJake GyllenhaalJena MaloneMary McDonnellAfter narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.Difficult film to write about, but the psychiatrist is very well played (I wish there were more scenes with her). If you haven't seen 'Donnie Darko' then you really should because it's just so.... odd and mind-bending.
- DirectorStephen ChboskyStarsLogan LermanEmma WatsonEzra MillerCharlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.Psychiatrist has a very brief role at the end. The film deals with adolescent mental illness and difficulties throughout, but it isn't the main theme, which is friendship.
I liked it very much, although I wasn't convinced by Charlie's friends, who seem to demand a lot and give back very little. - DirectorGus Van SantStarsRobin WilliamsMatt DamonBen AffleckWill Hunting, a janitor at M.I.T., has a gift for mathematics, but needs help from a psychologist to find direction in his life.Great film all round. What works so well here is the writing - great dialogue, with memorable lines that make you think.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsMeryl StreepShirley MacLaineDennis QuaidA substance-addicted actress tries to look on the bright side even as she is forced to move back in with her mother to avoid unemployment.Rehab scenes. I just love this film - it's very well acted (not a surprise given who's in it), good dialogue (at times hilarious), visually satisfying, and never boring.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsRussell CroweEd HarrisJennifer ConnellyA mathematical genius, John Nash made an astonishing discovery early in his career and stood on the brink of international acclaim. But the handsome and arrogant Nash soon found himself on a harrowing journey of self-discovery.although this is a wonderful film, I can't help but get bored around half way through. I guess once you know what happens, it's not quite as enthralling at this point, but it does have longevity as I've enjoyed watching it many times.
- DirectorRobert RedfordStarsRobert RedfordKristin Scott ThomasSam NeillThe mother of a severely traumatized daughter enlists the aid of a unique horse trainer to help the girl's equally injured horse.Ok so I'm stretching the rules a little here, as there isn't a psychologist within sight...BUT...Robert Redford plays the part of someone who is sensitive to troubled souls. Without giving anything away, his empathy, patience, and willingness to listen are key.
I think this film reminds us that you don't need a degree in Psychology to make a difference to someone simply by listening. - CreatorAaron SorkinStarsMartin SheenRob LoweAllison JanneyInside the lives of staffers in the West Wing of the White House.See episode 'NOEL' Season 2
This episode is all about a psychologist treating someone with PTSD.
See episode 'Night Five' Season 4
The president is suffering from insomnia.
And if you haven't seen The West Wing before you REALLY SHOULD. Although there's quite a bit of American patriotism shoved in your face the dialogue is excellent... no, I'll go further... for a TV show it's outstanding, but hard to follow especially if you don't know much about US politics. - DirectorSidney LumetStarsRichard BurtonPeter FirthColin BlakelyA psychiatrist attempts to uncover a troubled stable boy's disturbing obsession with horses.Richard Burton is brilliant as the psychiatrist, challenging our ideas of madness versus sanity. Wonderful writing in places.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsPierce BrosnanRene RussoDenis LearyA very rich and successful playboy amuses himself by stealing artwork, but may have met his match in a seductive detective.Faye Dunaway as the therapist to a bored billionaire is memorable but the role is very small, barely amounting to a few minutes - exciting movie regardless. and I think it's underrated.
- CreatorRodrigo GarcíaHagai LeviNir BergmanStarsGabriel ByrneUzo AdubaDianne WiestA psychotherapist questions his abilities and gets help by reuniting with his old therapist, whom he has not seen for ten years.I watched this a few years ago and had a sort of love/hate relationship with it. Gabriel Byrne acts the part of the psychologist very well (as do the other actors who play therapists) and generally the cases are interesting. Of course this is TV so it's all spiced up for more dramatic effect, but it feels convincing and definitely similar to real-life therapy.
What I didn't enjoy was the arguing between the main therapist and his supervisor. I suppose it makes it more believable but watching people argue isn't really my idea of a swell evening.
I would highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in therapy. - CreatorAaron SorkinStarsJeff DanielsEmily MortimerJohn Gallagher Jr.A newsroom undergoes some changes in its workings and morals as a new team is brought in, bringing unexpected results for its existing news anchor.By the same man who wrote and created The West Wing, Aaron Sorkin.
3 episodes involve therapy, all in Season 1.
The relationship between client and psychiatrist is an interesting one, involving funny, smart dialogue. The sessions add to our understanding of the main character. - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsIngrid BergmanGregory PeckMichael ChekhovA psychiatrist protects the identity of an amnesia patient accused of murder while attempting to recover his memory.Will keep you guessing until the end. Never boring.
- DirectorJames IvoryStarsJames WilbyRupert GravesHugh GrantTwo English school chums find themselves falling in love at Cambridge. To regain his place in society, Clive gives up Maurice and marries. While staying with Clive and his wife, Maurice discovers romance in the arms of the gamekeeper Alec.Involves a psychoanalyst hypnotising a patient in order to 'cure' them of homosexuality. Set in the Edwardian period. Some very good performances/engaging story.
Directed by James Ivory. - DirectorArnaud DesplechinStarsBenicio Del ToroMathieu AmalricGina McKeeA troubled Native American veteran forms an extraordinary friendship with his maverick French psychoanalyst as they try to find a cure to his suffering.I've now watched this several times and each time I've enjoyed it more. At first I found the plot difficult to follow, (which is I think the reason why I didn't love it to start with).
The psychoanalyst here is played exceptionally well. He plays a fascinating character who draws you in and leaves you thinking about after. His patient, also very well acted, is however a little pedestrian. Their relationship is described as 'deeply powerful' in the IMDB summary of the film, but I don't think I agree with this. I thought that the cultural barrier between them seemed too strong.
Definitely try this. I found it ultimately rewarding and made me go back and watch it again! - DirectorAnton CorbijnStarsSam RileySamantha MortonCraig ParkinsonA profile of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic singer of Joy Division whose personal, professional, and romantic troubles led him to die by suicide at the age of 23.Brief scene with a psychiatrist prescribing medication for epilepsy and an amateur hypnosis scene. Also brilliant portrayal of depression throughout by Sam Riley.
- DirectorNunnally JohnsonStarsJoanne WoodwardDavid WayneLee J. CobbA doctor treats a woman suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder.Finally got around to watching this. Great film.
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsJack NicholsonLouise FletcherMichael BerrymanIn the Fall of 1963, a Korean War veteran and criminal pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rallies up the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse.I think this probably deserves to be higher up on my list because it's such a 'classic', but I enjoyed other ones more.
- DirectorDenzel WashingtonStarsDenzel WashingtonDerek LukeJoy BryantAntwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins.Moving film. The psychiatrist makes a lot of mistakes.
In many ways, this is a poorer version of 'Good Will Hunting'. The problem is that the writing isn't as crisp or poetic and the psychiatrist is frustrating. - DirectorRoger KumbleStarsSarah Michelle GellarRyan PhillippeReese WitherspoonTwo vicious step-siblings of an elite Manhattan prep school make a wager: to deflower the new headmaster's daughter before the start of term.What's the perfect revenge for an inept psychologist who overcharges?
One teenager's answer to this question is explored at the very start of 'Cruel Intentions' - a staple of the late 90s slew of vaguely amusing high school movies. It's about what could happen when parentally neglected, super rich adolescents have too much time on their hands...
I make it sound awful, but actually it's quite fun and engrossing... that is, if you can sit through over an hour of adolescent angst. - DirectorJames MangoldStarsWinona RyderAngelina JolieClea DuVallA directionless teenager, Susanna, is rushed to Claymoore, a mental institution, after a supposed suicide attempt. There, she befriends a group of troubled women who deeply influence her life.This left a bitter taste in my mouth, but the story is moving and Vanessa Redgrave is impressive as one of the Psychiatrists... as is Whoopi Goldberg who plays a Psychiatric nurse.
- DirectorNancy MeyersStarsMeryl StreepSteve MartinAlec BaldwinWhen attending their son's college graduation, a couple reignite the spark in their relationship. But the complicated fact is they're divorced and he's remarried.Meryl Streep's character goes to see her shrink to discuss a few problems.
Otherwise, a silly feel-good film that is fine to watch if you just want to be entertained and can put up with all the superficiality. Quite fun. - DirectorDavid FrankelStarsMeryl StreepTommy Lee JonesSteve CarellAfter thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship.Brilliant acting.
A little pedestrian at times with a soundtrack that leaves much to be desired (cliched contemporary sentimental pop songs are used now and then just to fill up space).
However, brave film that is definitely worth watching with amusing moments. - DirectorRobert MullanStarsElisabeth MossDavid TennantMichael GambonDuring the 1960s, a renegade Scottish psychiatrist courts controversy within his profession for his approach to the field, and for the unique community he creates for his patients to inhabit.A quite good movie. David Tennant does a marvellous job as the maverick and complex R D Lang, and there are other excellent performances. As someone who knows next to nothing about his contributions to Psychology I can't comment on historical accuracy regarding his unusual/enlightened/important/dicey practise methods, but I thought this was documented well and engagingly.
I left the cinema feeling, ironically, rather blue. Although it was, as just said, engaging, there was a lot of arguing and chaos within Lang's world. There was a bleakness to the film, which I struggle to define. I certainly don't feel I learnt very much and that, once again, this was another big blockbuster movie with intellectual pretensions. Style no substance. I'm sure many will disagree with this diagnosis but I feel, in the end, too much emoting and not enough serious thought. It seemed to be more soap opera than a considered view of his work.