SOCIAL PATHOLOGY IN THE MOVIE ‘JOKER’ AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY

Abstract

This chapter employs a qualitative content analysis approach to examine the portrayal of mental health and social desensitization in the 2019 movie, Joker, directed by Todd Philips. This study explores how the mental health narratives in movies can influence public perception and serve as a film-based intervention for mental health literacy. Moreover, this chapter emphasizes the importance of mental health literacy in recognizing and addressing mental health needs, and suggests that films like Joker can initiate valuable discussions on mental health and societal contribution to psychological distress. In conclusion, this case study positions movies as a powerful medium for examining social pathology and its implications for mental health, aligning with research on the benefits of media campaigns in improving mental health literacy and reducing stigma.