Positive Psychology Oscar Awards

Last week in my Positive Psychology class my teacher showed us an article in which Ryan Niemiec who is a pretty big name in the Positive Psychology field created a list of 'Oscars' for Positive Psychology movies in 2009. He described them as: "films that both appeal to a wide audience and have important messages. Many are perfect for use in the classroom, the therapy room, and the coaching relationship. I hope you will view them yourself and reflect on how you and your clients might benefit from thinking and talking about them. These films allow us to explore ourselves (through common dialogue recreated on the screen), feel deeply and learn about the world (through the characters’ journeys), and see the greatness that is possible (through virtuous role models). Let go of preconceptions, approach each film with mindfulness (openness, curiosity, and controlled attention), and the benefits will come."

I was really interested in this list, because I definitely agree that from certain movies you can learn so much about yourself and the world around you and then be inspired to become greater or to make a difference in the world around you. Each of the movies was chosen for a different aspect of positive psychology that it exemplifies. I had already seen 4 of the 10 movies, but I saw 3 more of them this week. So I thought I'd share the list with you guys and give you my own opinions on the movies. Two of the movies are rated R and one of them does not have any appeal to me, so I just skipped those three on this list.

Number 10 for Flow: Whip It!

Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of this movie, and I think there are other films that better portray flow....but maybe not in 2009. For those who do not know, flow is "the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity." I think I probably just wasn't a huge fan of the plot or the execution of the movie, but I could see clearly how it demonstrated flow. But for all of you, my faithful readers, it wouldn't be a movie that I would necessarily recommend.



Number 7 for Goal Setting: Julie and Julia

I saw this movie in the dollar theater and would definitely agree with this award. It is based on two true stories...one about Julia Childs, and one about Julie, the self-trained cook who starts a project to replicate all of Julia Childs' recipes and keep a blog about her findings. As his article says, "Julie’s goal follow-through and maintenance is extraordinary and inspirational for any coaching client." I completely agree and think that this was a great movie to show all the aspects of goal-setting and following through....all the setbacks, the moments of doubt and considering giving up, determination to push through the tough spots, and then the euphoria when you succeed.


Number 6 for Savoring: Up

This was such a cute movie! His article talked about how a repeated theme in this movie was the "adventure book" full of photos of him and his wife who had passed away. Later in the movie he discovers that his wife had added pictures in it that demonstrate their love and connection. And "as he savors the memories, he realizes he has lived a full life." I would definitely agree with their review and would recommend this movie to anyone...it is super cute!




Number 5 for Integration of Medical Model and Positive Psychology: The Soloist

I watched this movie today and thought that it was really good. It is based on the true story of a homeless musician and the newspaper reporter who discovers him and writes about him. The musician's struggle with schizophrenia is an important part of the story. As the article says, the "film integrates a focus on mental illness with what is strongest and best in people" which is a main goal of Positive Psychology. I agreed with the article when he said, "as it portrays a burgeoning friendship, significant creativity, and the schizophrenia of musician Nathaniel Ayers, it refuses to shy away from the pain, suffering, and realities of mental illness." I feel like movies like this are important to see because it helps me better understand mental illness and to have more knowledge and compassion towards the situation.


Number 4 for Positive Application: The Blind Side

I am sure that everyone who has seen this movie is not surprised that it made the list. What an incredible and touching true story! Sandra Bullock does an amazing job of playing the assertive and loving woman who takes in a young man from a difficult background and teaches him to "tap into what is strongest in him" and helps him become a successful football player. It is a perfect example of positive application and definitely a movie that demonstrates positive psychology. I would recommend the movie to anyone, and based on the large amount and great variety of people that have told me how much they loved it, I think it is a movie that anyone and everyone can love.



Number 2 for Cinematic Elevation: Avatar

This movie was definitely more than just high quality special effects for me. I think the article says it best: "Avatar powerfully portrays moral courage, love, and racial harmony, and is ripe with inspiring messages for viewers to act more courageous, loving, more grateful, or more hopeful upon leaving the theater." It worked for many people and led to more articles on how Avatar demonstrates Positive Psychology. If anyone is interested in reading more, I really liked this article: http://positivepsychologynews.com/news/louis-alloro/201001297785. My favorite lines from it were: "Avatar is real-life, not just a sci-fi epic, if you’re open to seeing it that way. Ultimately, this is what positive psychology is about for me – being willing to see things in different and perhaps more positive ways. It is a mindset that can be built consciously, over time by challenging old habits of thinking, speaking, doing, and ultimately, of feeling."

And now for the winner...

Number 1 for Depiction of Character: Invictus

I saw this movie at the dollar theater this week and it is definitely inspiring, as well as full of Positive Psychology and depiction of character. It is the true story of Nelson Mandela and how he united South Africa through the game of rugby. Although it includes both, it is not a sports story or a story about race, rather it is a story of human potential. As a special shout-out to my family, I think you guys would really like this one, especially Dad. The poem that is encompassed throughout the movie and is the source of the movie title, is definitely a good one that is made more meaningful through the movie. It is:

Invictus
By William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

These are just a short list of some of the year's Positive Psychology movies, and although I strongly agree with a lot of it, there are many more out there that are not listed. I just have to stick one of my own in here at the end, because I recently saw it and it was much better and more meaningful than I had expected....

Love Happens

I think this movie has probably been passed by as 'just another chick flick,' but it is definitely more than that. I don't think I would even label it as a chick flick, it is more of a story of character development and the healing process. The love story is not even what the movie was all about, it is only one aspect of it...a very important part, but not what the movie is all about. I was surprised at how meaningful this movie was, and definitely a tear-jerker. When I watched it I had been thinking about all these Positive Psychology films and it struck me how much this movie exemplified it. The main character in the film is the author of a self-help book about overcoming the death of loved ones and he uses the experience from his life with the death of his wife to connect with his readers and those that attend his conferences. But it is seen throughout the story that all of the advice he is giving to others, he has not applied in his own life. His realization and recovery is a process throughout the movie that is natural and realistic...two qualities that this movie captures wonderfully. I really liked this movie and felt like it had a lot to offer!

Well that was probably more than anyone wanted to hear, but I hope that it demonstrates the messages of Positive Psychology that can be found...not just in movies, but all around us. Many of these movies were based on true stories, so these things are happening all around us, if we are willing to look for them.