"As Good as it Gets"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how the character played by Jack Nicholson in the film "As Good as it Gets" is such an obvious and visible one, with characteristics and attitudes that are blatantly obsessive-compulsive. It evaluates how there are a number of behaviors that the character engages in which are indicative of a psychiatric problem. It provides an insight into obsessive-compulsive behavior together with treatment such as medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy and looks at what treatment would be the best method to treat Jack Nicholson's dysfunctional character.

From the Paper:

"This requires a great deal of support from others. While a therapist may be a primary support system, it helps for individuals to help other assistants in their attempts to break free of the ritualistic activity. In As Good as It Gets, Jack Nicholson's character gradually developed a few relationships with people who could serve as those assistants/confronters, helping him to break down, or let go of, certain ritualistic behaviors. For example, in one of the last scenes, he is on the sidewalk with Helen Hunt and must decide whether to engage in the ritual activity of avoiding cracks, which also distances him from her, or to move toward intimacy and away from the ritualistic behavior. Her presence and obvious affection for him are supportive, but so is her impatience, or implicit demand that he change some of his behaviors to be more responsive and more in relationship with her, rather than his own obsessions."

More papers on "As Good as it Gets":

• Term Paper # 92674 : "'As Good as It Gets'"
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• Film Review # 47180 : "As Good As It Gets"

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