The late author Norman Cousins wrote about watching
humorous films as part of his recovery from degenerative dis-
ease: “Ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic
effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep.”^2
Increased physical well-being most often improves our psy-
chological state.
Laughter can also relieve anxiety as well as reduce aggres-
sion and fear. Many clients have told me that after watching a
humorous movie they were able to approach a solution to a
problem they were worried about with less emotional involve-
ment and a fresh and creative perspective. Even light depres-
sion can lift for a while.
Most of us respond differently to different kinds of humor-
ous or sad movies. With our unique sensibilities, some of us
like intellectual humor, some gallows humor, some slapstick,
etc. A “one-hanky” film for one person might be a “five-hanky”
movie for her friend. Therefore you will find the best emotional
release when you choose a movie using your own experience
of your typical emotional responses. For guidance consult the
Film Index. You will find two categories that are designed to
help you choose movies for catharsis: Laugher Works As
Medicine (under Inspiration) and Crying For Emotional
Catharsis(under Pe rsonal Questions).The criteria you use in selecting your film should not be
based on the same criteria typically used by a movie critic or a
jury of a film festival. For E-Motion Picture Magic to be effec-
tive it is much more important that your choice center on find-
ing a film that speaks to you about your specific life situation,
not on whether it has high artistic merit. A movie that touches
you deeply or demonstrates a character development you are
aspiring to will help you best with your healing or personal
growth. Through the exercises and film recommendations in
this book you will learn to choose the right movie for your spe-
cific need at a certain time.“Films trigger emotions
and open doors that might
otherwise be closed.”
John W. Hesley
& Jan G. Hesley18 E-Motion Picture Magic