Mental Health Representation, Stereotypes, & Stigma

Stereotypes and Stigmas of Severe Mental Illnesses

There is little research on the stereotypes, stigmas, and prejudices around the mental illness, schizophrenia. Expanding from my undergraduate senior thesis that evaluated the representation of schizophrenia in film, we are evaluating via focus groups how schizophrenia’s representation amongst various films and television shows is interpreted. How do audiences manage their interpretation of schizophrenia’s cinematic representation when confronted with stereotypical narratives?

Leer, K.A. (Published 2023). “Maximus: The Twenty-First Century Traumatic Hero.” A Hero Will Endure: Essays on the Twentieth Anniversary of Gladiator. Vernon Press.

This volume adds to previous historical and political studies about 'Gladiator' with essays about the movie’s relation to pop culture and contemporary discourses. It not only relates 'Gladiator' to traditional cinema aspects such as heroism, music, acting, studio culture, and visual effects, but it also connects the film to sports, religion, and the environment, expanding the ways in which the film can be evaluated by modern audiences. The volume can be read by individuals or in classroom settings, especially as a recommended text for students studying the ancient world in film.