The purpose of this research paper is to discuss abnormal behavior in the film "As Good As It Gets."
The Jack Nicholson character is an obvious and visible example of a dysfunctional personality, with characteristics and attitudes that are blatantly obsessive-compulsive. The interesting thing about this movie, however, is how he starts to make changes in his behavior, using both medication and support from other people.
There are a number of behaviors that the character engages in which are indicative of a psychiatric problem. He avoids stepping on cracks in the sidewalk, and when faced with a floor pattern rife with cracks, he is almost
overwhelmed. His eating behavior is extremely rigid and organized. He demands the same waitress, the same type of food, the same table, the same silverware and organization of silverware, and the same basic set-up in all respects. It is not his personal interest in the waitress that impels him to go find Helen Hunt, but his need to reestablish order in his universe of compulsions.
There is nothing in his history from the movie that would help us, except the information that he has already been in treatment for the disease, but has been unable, or unwilling, to consistently involve himself in that treatment. He seems to have chosen to say with the ritualized behavior and the life he has created for himself around those rituals. In terms of earlier history, though, there is little information.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is actually categorized as one of the anxiety disorders. It is characterized by obsessions that are distasteful or frightening to the individual, often comprising unwanted, intrusive thoughts of a violent or sexual nature. People try to eliminate those thoughts, but are unable to do so by direct attack. Instead, the thoughts tend to become even more persistent, intrusive, and painful to the person. In an attempt to control their thoughts, and their world, ...