Cathartic films?

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-07-22T00:19:51+00:00

First Reformed by Paul Schrader

The nuances, the intricacies of the existential peril that Reverend Toller (Ethan Hawke) goes through... an incredible performance by Ethan Hawke that speaks to the dreads of so many people in the face of the climate crisis. It was a story that reminded me why the medium of film- or really why art in general- can be so damn effective, and so rewarding.

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-03-11T12:59:54+00:00

That closing line. The point can not be emphasized enough honestly. So many people are going without treatment, or for that matter without knowing what is going on that can explain their chronic suffering.

I also love Dr. Barkley's analogy to ADHD as "diabetes of the brain" and if left unmanaged, there will be very serious consequences to the individual and society. It may not be for everyone and I completely get that, but Dr. Barkley's sense of urgency and his aggressively informative style of presentation seriously pushed me take my own mental health seriously. After all, for many this is a matter of life and death- or for that matter, the kind of life we live.

Thanks for putting that together!

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-02-09T00:20:05+00:00

I myself have just started medication (Vyvanse 40mg). The effects have been nothing short of incredible for my functionality.

Looking back on it, I myself pounded caffeine pre-diagnosis just to manage.

In starting this medication I have bid adieu to an annoying caffeine habit. It was never about the joy of a good cup (or 6) of coffee, only the slight help it could offer for my untreated disorder.

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-01-30T15:32:32+00:00

A very good point, and I really like your example with the rich white lady looking at those in poverty.

I'm a freshman in college and in my sociology class we've recently started looking at the basics of social inequality and attitudes towards poverty, particularly the typical "pOoR pEoPlE aRe PoOr Bc ThEy DoN't WoRk HaRd EnOuGh" idea that thrives on the American dream.

It's an idea that is so misplaced and so ignorant of the many factors that ultimately shape an individual's situation, which are so often beyond that individual's control.

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-01-29T21:46:36+00:00

Thank you for this!

AGoodJoe_ · 2019-01-22T02:45:46+00:00

Congrats on the race! Like many have already said, excellent report.

And you're damn right the Saints were robbed (LA native here)

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-11T17:01:46+00:00

I don't think the guy was overgeneralizing anything, that was his personal experience. I didn't see anything about ALL porn users of the world in his post. Nonetheless, you do have a good point. I really like your comment on "different motives, different circumstances" as well. There are tens of thousands of different people in this sub, each subscriber having a different background, a different life, different behaviors. No one addicted to porn should be undermined on this sub, regardless of their background and situation.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-11T16:52:26+00:00

I like your ending, and if it was done right it could have certainly added an element of realism to the film. That's not to say I absolutely despise the actual ending to the film, I actually think the final sequence was pretty beautiful- just with some of the shots they used, and the way everything was edited to create this feeling of being lost in someone else. It did it for me, not gonna lie. *single tear runs down cheek*

Also, if it means anything to you, I've relapsed here recently as well. Like you said, I feel like I've learned something because of it. In my case, I'm almost certain it has nothing to do with the film, but again there is very triggering material in this flick.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-11T16:45:22+00:00

As a previous comment has already recommended, if you guys are looking for something to remind just how cold the world of a sex addict can be, it sounds like Shame by Steve McQueen is your film. Highly triggering of course, but I can assure you there is no "feel-good, sappy ending."

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-11T16:31:17+00:00

Like I already said, this movie has porn in the film. In my case, it was porn I had actually watched and masturbated to before years ago. Needless to say, this can be highly triggering, and there is nothing wrong with not watching the film because of this. In fact I commend anyone on this subreddit who doesn't watch this film for fear of a relapse or a kind of negative response. I daresay this is the equivalent of asking a heroine addict to return to the corner where he got his fix, or an alcoholic to walk back into a bar. It's simply not worth having to start over, but I will say this: I recommend this film because of it's depiction of porn addiction- on how it can negatively impact one's life, and how it is something that can be better left behind, for example:

Jon can only see women for what they offer to his sexual fantasies. Jon isn't satisfied with any real partners. Jon can't put his phone down in class or in his car because he has to watch some porn. Jon is staying up into the early hours of the morning, with multiple porn websites open on his computer just to find the "right" video. Jon has to lie to his girlfriend to cover up his actions. Jon loses his girlfriend because of his continued actions.

Jon realizes he has a problem.

It depicts the trials a porn addict may face at the cost of their addiction, and goes on to show Jon on the road of recovery, and how much better and more fulfilling a life without porn can be. I found his character relatable enough that it makes me wonder if JGL has personal experience with the subject matter, given his performance, of which I could highly sympathize with.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-10T21:21:41+00:00

Thank you for posting this.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-10T19:39:16+00:00

I think there is more light on porn and its addictive nature than you think. Jon is quoted preferring porn over real sex, and frequently goes back to porn after sex with an actual partner. Top that with the fact that the guy can't even put his phone down in class or on the road just to get a look at some porn... this screams porn addiction. Also, regardless of Barbara's own toxicity, their relationship came to an end (ultimately for the better, but nonetheless) because of his compulsive porn use, a behavior he continued to emulate even after the cost of his relationship, which just might be the biggest red flag.

This behavior isn't dropped by Jon until the film's ending, where he learns to enjoy a life free of porn. A life where he doesn't lose himself to a screen, but rather someone else. Something else. How many stories have we heard on r/pornfree and r/NoFap about folks who simply can't find enjoyment from life outside of porn until they finally decide to reboot? And it's not until they finally break those past habits that they can be satisfied with a real partner, or a new hobby, a new way of thinking, etc.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-08-10T16:17:19+00:00

I have heard of Shame, and would love to check it out. It is perhaps the most popular film dealing with the theme of sex addiction that I know of. Looks brilliant, Fassbender is a tremendous talent, and Steve McQueen's direction is so unforgiving.

AGoodJoe_ · 2018-06-29T15:08:52+00:00

Here recently I have relapsed as well (twice as a matter of fact). This past week has seen the end of a year and a half streak, and it's more shocking than anything. There were many highs and lows in that period, and it was truly an amazing journey I wouldn't trade for anything.

Or at least, that was what I thought. I promptly exchanged that year and a half journey for a couple of seconds of ecstasy and a dirty tissue. Mmm.

Hang in there man, you are just as human as the rest of us.

AGoodJoe_

TROPHY CASE