Chapter 24: Ten Films That Include NLP Processes 359
Dune demonstrates the power of the mind and how it can conquer fear. In
particular, when Paul Atreides is tested by the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen
Mohiam (Sian Phillips), he has to consciously control the fear gripping him in
order to survive the test.
Starring: Kyle MacLachlin, Jürgen Prochnow, and Francesca Annis. Director:
David Lynch. Studio: Universal Studios (1997).
As Good as it Gets
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of a curmudgeonly, obsessive–compulsive
recluse, Melvin Udall, is hilarious. This film has lessons about rapport – or
rather, how not to do rapport!
Udall behaves horribly. He doesn’t care about the way he treats people and
he’s an ace at breaking rapport, even when he doesn’t know it. Greg Kinnear
plays a gentle, gay artist, Simon Bishop, who bears the brunt of Melvin’s
unpleasantness. Unfortunately, Simon gets beaten up and ends up in hospital
and Melvin is forced into looking after Verdell (Jill the dog), Simon’s pet. The
way Verdell trains Melvin in rapport building will delight animal lovers. One
of Melvin’s behaviour patterns is to avoid cracks in the pavement. The bond
between man and dog is sealed when Verdell follows Melvin’s example and
daintily avoids the cracks in the pavement too.
In Chapter 2, we discuss an NLP presupposition that ‘every behaviour has a
positive intention’. Melvin ends up doing kind deeds that are really appreciated
by the recipients, however, the positive intention is usually to keep Melvin
stuck in his obsessive–compulsive behaviour. One example is when Carol
Connelly (Helen Hunt), a waitress who works in the place where Melvin has
breakfast, is off work because her son is sick. Melvin gets a private doctor to
treat the boy so that Carol can come back to work to serve him because he
can’t abide anyone else serving him.
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear. Director: James L
Brooks. Studio: Columbia/Tristar Studios (1997).
