There are possible exceptions to what I just said. A movie
or movie scene might remind you of an emotionally traumatic
experience and trigger intense emotions that seem too over-
whelming or depressing. Trying to be more aware of these
emotions might feel unbearable because it takes you out of a
state of protective denial. In this case be gentle with yourself
and make sure to take care of yourself. If you sense that con-
tinuing to watch the movie might re-traumatize you, leave the
theater or turn off the television. I suggest that you talk to a
professional psychotherapist about your experience. Do not
continue with the exercise.
For everyone else, after watching the movie reflect on the
following. (It is helpful to write down your answers):Exercise Recording Your Observations
Do you remember your feelings and sensations,
or whether your breathing changed throughout
the movie? In all likelihood, what affects you
in the film is similar to whatever influences
you in your daily life.
Notice what you liked and what you did not
like or even hated about the movie. Which
characters or actions seemed especially
attractive or unattractive to you?
Did you identify with one or several characters?
Were there one or several characters in the
movie that modeled behavior that you would
like to emulate? Did they develop certain
strengths or other capacities that you would
like to develop as well?
Notice whether any aspect of the film was
especially hard to watch. Could this be related
to something that you might have repressed?
Did you experience something that connected
or reconnected you with certain values, virtues,“Films also introduce
clients to ideas that might
be too threatening if
suggested directly.”
John W. Hesley
& Jan G. Hesley54 E-Motion Picture Magic