MENTAL ISSUE REPRESENTATION IN GIRL, INTERRUPTED MOVIE
A PROPOSAL
Submitted to the Proposal Examiners Team in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of the Degree of Sarjana Sastra (S.S.) at English Literature Study Program,
Language and LiteratureDepartment of Faculty of Humanities Universitas Halu Oleo
NUR AININ BINTANG OKTAVIANA MATALAPU N1D220072
ENGLISH LITERATURE STUDY PROGRAM FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
HALUOLEO UNIVERSITY
2023
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1Background
The health issue has always been a popular topic of discussion, and one of them is the issue of mental health. Recently, people in this modern era have been more aware of how important it is to understand mental issues because unlike physical health problems that are easily recognized such as colds or flu and coughs, mental issues can only be known by people who really understand the symptoms. Departing from this public awareness, the media as one of the most obvious forms of the evolving era is becoming a forum to expand understanding and raise the issue of mental health so that global discussions related to it can be more and more frequently sparked. Referring to this context, one of the easiest forms of media to reach the public widely and easily in this era is visual media such as movies.
Nowadays, movies are no longer just for entertainment. As a medium that combines visual, narrative, and emotional elements, films have great potential in responding, reflecting, and even representing various aspects of the problems of an issue that occur in society so that many people choose to use it as a forum to reflect social reality, culture, or even the psychological condition of society. The representation of mental issues by the media, especially in the form of movies, has an important role in shaping people's knowledge as well as behavior patterns in dealing with matters related to mental issues such as symptoms or stigma, and of course to encourage a more open dialogue related to this issue through the packaging of the storyline which is then combined with other interesting visual elements. One of the most interesting films in terms of raising the topic of mental health issues as its main theme is Girl, Interrupted.
Girl, Interrupted is an adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's memoir with similar title, directed by James Mangold and released in 1999. Girl, Interrupted is a cinematic work that creates an in-depth narrative about the journey of a person in facing mental issues. Girl, Interrupted captures the journey of the main character, played by Winona Ryder, during her recovery at Claymoore Mental Hospital after being referred there by her family's trusted doctor for
attempting to end her own life by swallowing a mixture of aspirin and vodka. By combining visual, narrative and emotional elements, Girl, Interrupted creates a powerful representation of the complex and multifaceted issue of mental experience, its aim to provide understanding and raise awareness of the issues that are raised as the main focus of its theme and plot is fulfilled.
One of the moments that Girl, Interrupted clearly reveals the choice of mental health issues as central to their storyline is when the taxi driver who takes Susanna to the mental hospital at the doctor's request says that Susanna doesn't 'look' crazy at all. This is a representation of the reality of mental issues that can only be recognized by individuals who truly understand the symptoms. However, at the same time in the process of watching a movie, each viewer may bring their own background knowledge and experiences gained from the surrounding environment and existing cultural norms so their interpretation of that scene can also be different, also because representation in movies is not a simple reflection of reality, but the result of complex interpretation, construction and conveying, so before concluding the meaning or what kind of reality is reflected in a media, a further and in-depth analysis of representation is needed. This is where Stuart Hall's representation theory is important.
Representation in Hall's (1997) view is the intersection between sign and meaning, between representation and the world it represents which then creates a space where meaning can be generated and then interpreted. In order to create meaning and refer to reality in the story, representation in movies generally refers to how movies use linguistic elements such as language, images, sounds, or other signs. By using Hall's approach in analyzing Girl, Interrupted, this research will focus on how messages regarding mental health issues, asylums, and psychological challenges are presented in this movie in depth, especially to identify various layers of meaning that may be hidden behind the narrative. The use of social issues as the theme of the main plot of the movie is expected to provide a better understanding of the issues, especially in this case mental health issues, so that the audience can gain a deeper view and empathize with the experience of individuals facing mental problems, as well as gain knowledge related to what impacts can occur related to these issues so that more awareness will arise against them. Therefore, the researcher decided to analyze how mental issues are represented in the movie Girl, Interrupted in order to provide information related to mental health issues as mentioned earlier.
However, it is also not enough to only analyze with a representation approach, to get a clearer idea of how mental health issues are being represented in Girl, Interrupted, the behavior and mindset of the characters in this movie also become a central point. Therefore, this study will also include a cognitive-behavioral approach to provide a more in-depth view of how negative thought patterns, maladaptive behaviors, and cognitive changes occur in the context of mental disorders since by analyzing the characters in Girl, Interrupted through this lens, an understanding of how mental health conditions affect thoughts and behaviors will also be obtained. This study is important to conduct in relations to how representations are constructed and interpreted by society. Analyzing the aspects of mental issues represented and presented by the characters in Girl, Interrupted can provide a more in-depth view of the complexity of mental health issues.
When looking at previous studies, the researcher found that there have been several studies that focus on issues related to mental health. Tüysüz (2020) examined how women and mental health issues are associated and represented in movies but only focused on certain aspects of the complexity of these issues. The same goes for other studies that discuss types of mental health issues or stigma and tend to explore specific elements of mental health issues.
That is why the researcher decided to conduct a more in-depth analysis by taking a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach by combining Stuart Hall's representation theory and a cognitive-behavioral analysis approach to the characters in Girl, Interrupted.
The researcher chose to analyze the girls characters from Girl, Interrupted because this movie focuses on depicting individuals in seeking recovery from their mental problems, the second reason is because Girl, Interrupted relates to the current reality of how complex the condition of a person with mental illness who must also get pressure from the environment due to being labeled as 'crazy' because of differences or lack of knowledge of some people about how to deal with these problems, and the third reason is because the changes in emotions and mindsets represented by the characters in Girl, Interrupted during the search for recovery have never been studied before.
The researcher decided to investigate the representation of mental issues because lately these issues have been increasingly talked about and received attention by the global community, and Girl, Interrupted itself was a movie that has been making a comeback among teenagers-adults, so it is important to do a more in-depth analysis through this study.
The interesting thing about Girl, Interrupted is this movie presents the story of the struggle for recovery of people with mental disorders in an interesting way, one of which is to invite the audience to take part in the confusion experienced by Susanna's character regarding her mental health condition through the switching of scenes that appear suddenly, this is what makes Girl, Interrupted different from other films that also raise similar issues in the storyline.
1.2 Research Question
Based on the background above, the problem of this study is formulated in following : How mental issues are represented in Girl, Interrupted movie?
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objective of this study is to describe how mental issues are represented in Girl, Interrupted movie
1.4 Scope of the Study
This research is conducted based on the analysis of how the mental health issues are represented in the Girl, Interrupted movie through the behavior, mindset and emotional changes of the characters in it. This research analysis focuses on the representation of the complexity of people with mental health issues by using the cognitive-behavioral approach as a foundation for analyzing changes in behavior, patterns, thoughts and emotions that occur in the characters. However, the approach will also be integrated with Stuart Hall's representation theory to provide a broader understanding of mental health issues representation in this movie because in addition to analyzing the characters, this research will also analyze how Girl, Interrupted represents mental health issues in general through the narrative, dialogue and interaction of the characters. Therefore, the researcher uses Stuart Hall's (1997) representation theory and the Cognitive-Behavioral approach as the basic concepts of this research.
1.5 Significance of The Study
This research is expected to have significances both theoretically and practically, as follows :
1. Theoretically
This research, that combines Stuart Hall's representation theory and cognitive behavioral approach, is expected to contribute to the study of linguistics, especially in the use of language in representing mental issues.
2. Practically
This research can be used as a reference for other researchers with an interest in the same issues and problems. On the other hand, the benefits that can be obtained by readers and movie viewers through this research are that readers and viewers can gain an understanding of mental health issues representation in movie media.
1.6 Definition of Terms
In order to provide a similar understanding between readers and researchers, here are some terms that need to be defined as keywords in this study.
1. Representation
Representation is the intersection of signs and meanings in culture and media to form an understanding of the world around us. (Hall, 1997)
2. Mental Issues
Mental health issues refer to problems, challenges and conditions related to a person's mental well-being. It includes various mental disorders, feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, as well as the stigma and public perception of mental health.
Mental health issues involve cognitive, emotional and behavioral aspects that then affect individual well-being.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
The Cognitive-Behavioral approach is an approach that integrates elements of cognition (thoughts) and behavior to understand and address psychological problems.
The main focus is on identifying, understanding, and changing harmful thought patterns and unhealthy behaviors.
CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2. 1 Representation
Representation is the method used by culture to create, communicate, and influence meaning through the use of signs and symbols in language and media. Within the framework of representation as a linguistic event, it is important to remember that language is not just a tool for conveying ideas or information, but also has the potential to influence how we interpret and perceive the world. Language plays a highly significant role in shaping our understanding of reality, and this can have profound implications in culture, politics, and the way we interact with each other.
Representation is involved by two key dimensions. First, whether individuals, groups or ideas are represented fairly. This highlights whether they are portrayed truthfully or in a demeaning way. Second, how they are represented. This relates not only to physical appearance and description, but also to the meaning or value associated with the representation. In an analogy, physical representations such as clothes can often hide or reveal meanings that are actually hidden underneath.
Representation is the bridge between the ideas in our minds and language. It allows us to interpret objects, individuals or phenomena in real life, as well as create imaginative worlds that are fictitious. Moreover, when we talk about representation systems, there are two main processes that are key. First, there is mental representation, where every object, individual or event is associated with a number of concepts stored in our minds, and these concepts can be accessed at any time. It is important to remember that without these concepts, we would not have the ability to give meaning to anything in the world. This implies that meaning is highly dependent on the system of concepts that have been formed in our minds. This system allows us to represent the world around us and give interpretations to objects, whether they exist only in our minds or in the real world. Second, language plays a central role in this whole process of meaning construction.
Understanding something that is owned by another group of people does not always reflect the meaning used by that group. Meanings themselves are the result of a construction process formed through a system of representations and reinforced by certain codes. These codes are used to ensure that within the same cultural group, people can understand and use the same name for something, which has been socially agreed upon. Therefore, new views that result in different understandings are also the result of the development of human thought. It involves the process by which meanings are produced and constructed, ultimately giving things a certain meaning.
Chris Barker cited by Rina (2010) argues that representation is a major study in cultural studies which is defined as a step in socially constructing the presentation of meaning to society in different meanings. Meanwhile, Marcel Danesi, also cited by Rina (2010), provides an understanding of representation, which is a series of processes of recording ideas or ideas, knowledge, and messages physically. More specifically, it can be understood as the use of signs to re-present something that is absorbed, sensed, imagined and even felt in physical form. Representing something means displaying something in thought through description or imagination. The first process that makes it possible to make sense of the world is by constructing a set of chains of correspondence between things and concept maps using symbols or language that serve to present concepts about things. At the core of the production of meaning through language is the relationship between "things", "conceptual maps" and "language and symbols". The process of representing is the process of determining the real form of abstract ideological concepts, for example the representation of women, workers, love, war, family and so on.
Stuart Hall (1997) points out that representation is one of the important practices by which a person produces a culture. Culture is a very broad concept and involves personal experience. A person is said to come from the same culture if the people there share the same experiences, codes, language, and cultural concepts. The concept of representation itself is seen as a product of the representation process. Representation not only involves how cultural identity is presented or rather constructed in a text but also constructed in the process of production and perception by the people who consume the cultural values represented. The meaning of culture itself is always mediated by language to be shared with every member of
the culture. From here, Hall suggests the importance of representation as a means of communication and social interaction, he even emphasizes representation as a basic need for communication without which humans cannot interact.
2.1.1 Representation by Stuart Hall
According to Stuart Hall (1997) representation is a production of meaning concepts in the mind through language. It is the relationship between concepts and language that portrays real objects, people, or even events into fictional objects, people, or events. Representation means using language to say something meaningful, or to describe a meaningful world to others. Stuart Hall (1997) states that meaning is constructed by a system of representation and meaning is produced through a language system whose phenomena occur not only through verbal expressions, but also visual. The representation system is composed not of individual concepts, but through ways of organizing, infiltrating, and classifying concepts and various complexities of relationships.
Considering the point mentioned above, it can be said that representation itself has two main processes. First, mental representation, which is the concept of something that exists in each of our heads (conceptual map). The form is still something abstract. Second, language representation, where this process plays an important role in the production of meaning. The abstract concepts in our heads are then translated into language that is often used, so that we can connect concepts and ideas about something with certain signs or symbols. This interweaving of relationships is called representation. Representation is the production of meaning from concepts that exist in our minds through language which has two principles, namely to interpret something in the sense to explain or describe it in the mind with an imagination to place this equation beforehand in our thoughts or feelings. While the second principle is the representation used to explain (construction) the meaning of a symbol. So, we can communicate the meaning of objects through language to other people who can understand and understand the same language conventions (Hall, 1997). Therefore, the process of representation cannot be separated from the terms reality, language, and meaning.
There are three approaches to explain how to represent meaning through language, including reflective, intentional, and constructionist (Hall, 1997). The reflective approach explains that meaning is understood to trick objects, people, ideas, or events in real life. In
this view, the function of language is similar to that of a mirror. A mirror that reflects the true meaning of everything in the world. So, this approach says that language works with a simple reflection of the truth that exists in normal life demanding normative life. In this approach, reflective emphasizes whether the language has been able to express the meaning contained in the object in question. The second approach is the intentional approach. This approach sees that language and its phenomena are used to say intentions and have personal meanings.
It does not reflect but stands for itself with all its meanings. Words are interpreted as owners of what they mea. So in this intentional approach, more emphasis is placed on whether language has been able to express what the communicator intends. While the third approach is constructionist. In this approach, more emphasis is placed on the process of meaning construction through the language used. In this approach, language and language users cannot determine meaning in language through themselves, but must be confronted with other things to bring up what is called interpretation. Social construction is built through social actors who use the concept system of language culture and combined by other representation systems. Specifically for constructionist representation, Hall came up with two approaches to study it, namely the semiotic approach and the discourse approach. This idea resembles the concept of encoding and decoding that Hall also spawned in media studies.
Encoding is how information is packaged by the speaker (information producer), while decoding is how the information consumer reconstructs the information.
Representation is important because culture is always shaped through meaning and language, in this case, language is one form of symbol or one form of representation. The meaning of culture itself is always mediated by language to be shared with every member of the culture. From here, Hall suggests the importance of representation as a means of communication and social interaction, he even emphasizes representation as a basic need for communication without which humans cannot interact. The concept of representation itself can change over time, and there are changes in understanding. This means that representations are not fixed; their meaning can change over time through an ongoing process of negotiation in understanding.
2.1.2 Representation in Visual Media
Representation in visual media plays a central role in shaping meaning and perception of the world. It involves the use of visual symbolism such as color, arrangement of objects, and layout to communicate deeper messages or create associations with certain values and concepts. However, it is important to remember that representations can also be influenced by stereotypes, which often simplify and even ignore social diversity.
The media has great control over the way things are represented, as they can choose what to include or ignore in the representation. This in turn affects how the audience perceives reality. Representations also often reflect certain social and political ideologies, which can reinforce or undermine those ideological views. Importantly, the audience's interaction with the representation plays a key role in interpretation and meaning. The images can have different meanings in different contexts and require visual analysis to reveal hidden meanings. Therefore, visual media has great potential in shaping viewers' worldviews, attitudes and perceptions on various issues.
A deeper understanding about representation in visual media is crucial since visual media has a huge impact in shaping popular culture and social views. Therefore, representation is a key concept in the analysis of visual media such as movies. It refers to the way messages, ideas, and meanings are conveyed through the visual and narrative elements present in movies. In a movie context, representation has a very significant role in shaping the way people see and understand various social and cultural issues. In movies, representation includes how characters, events, and issues are shown through moving images, dialog, music, and other audiovisual elements.
2.2 Mental Health
Mental health is a condition where a person has good self-awareness and is able to develop their potential optimally. In this State of wellness, individuals have the ability to deal with common stressors in life, function productively, and make a positive contribution to society. According to Sumampouw (2019), the main aspects of mental health involve the mind, emotions, and spiritual dimensions. Mental health also means being able to maintain a
good balance without experiencing complaints or mental disorders, whether in form of neurosis or psychological problems, and being able to well-adapt in social environments.
In more comprehensive perspective, Hawari (1997) states that in medical science context, mental health refers to the condition where individuals have the capability to achieve optimal physical, intellectual, and emotional development, while also remaining in synch with other people's conditions. By other words, mental health involves all aspects of human life and their social interactions, with the aim of creating a synchronious balance in an individual's life.
According to Jaelani (2001), mental health is a field of study that emphasizes the importance of spiritual well-being in human life, considering individuals as complex entities consisting of interrelated psychological and physical dimensions.
Meanwhile, Darajat in Bukhori (2006) states that mental health is influenced by two main factors: internal factors that include personality, physical condition, development, psychological condition, religious aspects, attitude towards life problems, and individual thinking balance; and external factors that consist of factors outside the individual such as economic conditions, culture, and social conditions such as family, community, and educational environment.
So based on the experts' opinions, it can be concluded that mental health is a condition in which a person's physical, intellectual and emotional growth develops in line with the realization of compatibility and self-adjustment between humans with themselves and their surroundings based on faith and devotion so as to achieve a happy life in this world and the afterlife.
2.2.1 Mental health criteria
Schneiders in Semium (2006) has elaborated several criteria relevant in examining mental health, which include:
1. Mental efficiency
Mental efficiency is used as an indicator of mental health, where individuals with neurotic emotional disorders or psychological inadequacies often lose this aspect.
2. Mind-behavior control and integration
The ability to control thoughts and integrate them with behavior is an important sign of mental health. Without this control, the risk of obsessions, phobias, delusions and other psychological symptoms increases.
3. Integration of motives and control of conflict as well as frustration
Conflicts often arise when an individual's motives are not well integrated. For example, conflicts may arise between the need for affection and security and the drive for autonomy, or between sexual desires and moral principles.
4. Feelings and emotions that are positive or health
Positive feelings such as a sense of acceptance, affection, security, and self-esteem contribute to mental stability and are considered indicators of mental health.
5. Peace of mind
Adjustment and mental health are closely related to peace of mind. When there is emotional balance, positive feelings, control of thoughts and behaviors, and integration of motives, mental calmness becomes more likely.
6. Healthy attitude
Individual attitudes are related to feelings from the context of mental health. A healthy attitude towards life, people, work, or reality in general is important in dealing with individuals who are unable to adapt or feel anxious.
7. Healthy self-concept
Mental health is greatly influenced by self-concept, and it is important to maintain a realistic view of oneself.
8. Adequate ego identity
Ego identity reflects an individual's ability to be themselves. With a stable and autonomous ego identity, individuals will be better able to act consistently and adapt to various situations.
9. Relationships that fit reality
A person who is overly fixated on the past or who creates their own imaginary world is often not in reality. Mental health involves balance in the individual's relationship with reality.
2.2.2 Mental issues
Mental health issues refer to various problems or challenges related to the mental health condition of individuals or communities. Mental health itself is defined as a state of well-being in which a person realizes their abilities, is able to cope with the pressures in life, and can work productively and contribute to their community. Gunatrin (2018) has pointed out that mental health is something that can change over time or individual situations.
The conditions of individual mental health can be divided into three, namely;
positive mental health, mental health problems, and mental illness. Positive mental health is a state where in a healthy state, individuals can face various situations and are able to build resilience. Meanwhile, a mental health problem is a condition that can cause problems in the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Mental health problems can occur when someone is required to deal with pressure in life. And mental illness stated by Morin (2021) is a health condition that involves changes in emotions, thinking, or behavior that reflect problems in mental function.
Mental illness is related to difficulties or problems that interfere with the functioning of individuals in social activities, work, and also family activities. The common symptoms of mental illness in a person include; experiencing excessive worry or fear, excessive feelings of sadness, confused thoughts or disruption of concentration during the learning process, poorly regulated mood changes such as experiencing highs or euphoria, strong irritability and prolonged anger, avoiding social environments and activities, difficulty understanding and sympathizing with others, changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low in energy, changes in eating habits such as increased or decreased hunger, difficulty in understanding reality, changes in sex drive, excessive alcohol and drug use, physical illness without an apparent cause, suicidal thoughts, and inability to complete daily activities.
2.3 Cognitive-Behavioral Approach
The cognitive-behavioral approach is a framework that focuses on understanding how humans process information, organize knowledge, and apply it in problem solving and
decision making. It emphasizes the role of thinking, perception, attention, memory and other cognitive processes in shaping human behavior. The cognitive-behavioral approach considers the role of emotions in cognitive processes, recognizing that emotions can influence perception.
Aaron T. Beck (1964) defines the cognitive-behavioral approach as something designed to solve counseling problems by rescuing cognitive and deviant behavior. According to Beck in his definition of the cognitive-behavioral approach, if a person's beliefs do not change then there will be no improvement or change in the symptoms that a person has. Beliefs function as small operational units. This means that one's thoughts and beliefs (schemas) influence one's subsequent behavior and actions. Beck believes that behavioral dysfunction is caused by thinking dysfunction, and that thinking patterns can shape one's beliefs which then direct actions. The cognitive-behavioral approach basically believes that human thought patterns are formed through the process of a series of Stimulus Cognition-Response (SKR), which are interrelated and form a kind of SKR network in the human brain, where cognitive processes will be the determining factor in explaining how humans think, feel, and act.
The Cognitive Behavioral Approach suggests that a person's emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and bodily sensations, are interconnected and that whatever people do and whatever they think, affects how they feel. Moreover, changes in any one of these will cause changes in the others. When a person feels stressed or worried, they can fall into thought patterns and emotional responses that can exacerbate negative feelings. This approach outlines how a person's mental processes play an important role in the development of their emotional state.
2.3.1 Cognitive-Behavioral approach in movie character analysis
Cognitive behavioral approach in movie character analysis involves understanding and evaluating the behavior, thoughts, and emotions of the characters based on the basic principles of the cognitive behavioral approach itself. The cognitive behavioral approach in movie character analysis is used to analyze how the representation of characters in a visual medium can influence the audience's perception and understanding of an issue. It helps explore how characters in movies can be a reflection
of the experiences and challenges that people face in real life, and how these views can influence the stigma as well as the general understanding of an issue.
Some important elements in conducting character analysis using this approach are including Identifying thought and behavior patterns, assessment of cognitive factors, Relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions, Reordering negative thoughts, what are the character's emotional involvement, and how the characters in the film evolve through emotional or cognitive changes throughout the storyline.
2.4 Previous Study
In this research, the author relies on previous studies to strengthen their arguments. The author specifically focuses on two categories of previous studies. The first category includes studies that align with the same theoretical framework, while the second category encompasses studies that explore similar subject matter.
First, a study by Comawati et al., (2021) entitled Representasi Isu Kesehatan Mental Dalam Video Musik Heavy Oleh Grup Musik Linkin Park. This study explores how mental issues are represented in music videos through behaviors that show symptoms of mental conditions. This study was conduct by using Stuart Hall's representation theory to analyze mental issues that were reflected in Heavy music video by Linkin Park music group by paying attention to the technical shooting of the cast, the color of the wardrobe and the gloomy mood used by the cast. This study is related to the writer's research because both of them use the same representation theory, and are also based on similar analytical points, including visuals and images of behavior displayed by the media. However, the two authors took different objects, because Comawati was using audio-visual media, which is a music video called Heavy by the music group Linkin Park.
Second, the study by Purba et al., (2023) with the title Representasi Gangguan Kesehatan Mental dalam Film “Kembang Api” (Analisis Semiotika John Fiske) which focuses on analysis using semiotic theory and three levels of television code proposed by John Fiske in order to provide a clear picture of how mental health disorders are represented in movies as
visual media. The author of this study focuses on relevant signs to analyze the messages implied through the display of scene sequences, sets of places, the way of shooting, and the atmosphere displayed throughout the movie based on the three levels of the television code theory by John Fiske, which is, the level of reality, the level of representation, and the level of ideology. This study also seems to have a connection with the research conducted by the author because it also analyzes to find points of representation displayed by similar objects, which are movies. Although in this study Purba et al., were more concerned about the view of semiotic theory.
Third, the study entitled Pandangan Konseling Kognitif-Perilaku (CBT) Terhadap Masalah Tokoh Utama pada Film “Kim Ji Young, Born 1982” by Adriana (2022). This study focuses on analyzing movie characters using a psychological approach, which is cognitive- behavioral counseling approach to analyze the causes of mental health problems in the form of depression by the character Kim Ji Young. Both authors analyzed the characters in the object, which is a movie with a similar psychological approach, but the study conducted by Adriana (2022) did not include points from the perspective of representation theory in explaining the issues and tended to focus on analyzing character psychology.
Fourth, as mentioned earlier, the study by Tüysüz (2020) entitled Mental Illness and Women in Cinema: "Beautiful and Troubled Woman". This study focuses on analyzing the phenomenon of how women and mental issues have recently been associated and represented in movies. This study also has relevance to the research conducted by the author because both authors use the same research base, which is representation, explore the complexity of similar issues, and use movies as research objects. The difference between the two studies is that Tüysüz talks about the complexity of the phenomenon of using women as characters with mental disorders in movies, while the author focuses on how mental health issues are portrayed through character behavior analysis in movies.
2.5 Conceptual Framework
Representation refers to the way visual media, such as movies, are used to clearly convey messages of social issues, such as issues around mental health, to audiences. It involves the way meaning is constructed through visual and narrative elements in a movie. To understand the
messages in such media, an in-depth analysis is required so that the process of representation can produce the appropriate meaning.
In this study, researchers chose the movie "Girl, Interrupted" (1999) directed by James Mangold as the object of research. The researcher uses representation theory developed by Stuart Hall to explain how issues surrounding mental health are portrayed and conveyed in this film through dialog, storyline, and visual elements. The aim is to increase the audience's understanding of mental health issues that are the main themes in this movie, such as mental illness or life in a mental hospital. In the analysis, the researcher will also focus on using a cognitive-behavioral counseling approach to provide further insight into mental health issues through character analysis, so that the representation of mental health issues contained in the film Girl, Interrupted can be further understood to its roots.
The conceptual framework of this research can be seen in the following diagram ;
GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999) MOVIE BY JAMES MANGOLD
STUART HALL’S REPRESENTATION
THEORY CHARACTER ANALYSIS
USING COGNITIVE- BEHAVIORAL APPROACH
BY AARON T.BECK
MENTAL ISSUE REPRESENTATION IN GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999)
MOVIE
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Type
Qualitative research method is an approach that produces descriptive information in the form of written or spoken words from people and observed behavior. This approach emphasizes a holistic understanding of the background and individuals without limiting them to certain variables or hypotheses. Rather, this approach sees individuals as an integral part of the context they are exploring. Qualitative research aims to understand the conditions of a context by conducting a detailed and in-depth description of the circumstances that actually occur in natural situations, focusing on what actually happens in the field of study.
In conducting research on the representation of mental health issues presented in Girl, Interrupted (1999) movie, the research applied a literature method with a qualitative approach.
This approach is used to describe aspects related to mental health issues through the analysis of characters, dialog, plot, and visual elements in the movie. The researcher attempted to take very detailed and complete notes, describing the situation that actually occurred on screen to support the presentation of data. The data is analyzed by maintaining their original nuances as they were noted or collected.
Based on the reasoning above, it can be concluded that qualitative methods involve human observation to reveal facts, followed by the collection of data reports, and data analysis.
3.2 Data and Source of Data
The data used in this study consists of transcriptions of written speech spoken by the characters in the movie "Girl, Interrupted." This data is obtained through the process of screenshooting and transcription. The source of data for this research comes from audio-visual materials in the movie, as well as other supporting data that portrays related issues in the movie.
3.3 The Technique of Data Collection
The researcher used several data collection techniques as follows:
1. The researcher searched and downloaded the movie through safe and reliable websites to ensure the existence of irreplaceable data or to anticipate the possibility of deleted data from various internet sources such as Netflix, Telegram, or other links that may be free or paid.
2. The researcher watched the movie repeatedly in order to have a deep understanding of the entire storyline of the movie. This is important as a basis for interpreting the meaning related to the issues that are portrayed in the movie.
3. The researcher organized and grouped data related to the signs and symbols that appeared in the movie.
4. The researcher recorded relevant data, such as conversations and actions, then classified them according to the needs of the research.
3.4 Technique of Data Analysis
In data analysis techniques, researchers follow a series of stages that aim to facilitate the process of collecting and understanding data, as follows:
1. Data Presentation
Researchers present the data that has been collected by taking samples from data sources and organizing the data in the form of display tables so that it can be processed analytically before starting the data description process.
2. Data Description
Researchers describe the context and situation related to the data that has been presented at the previous stage. This aims to facilitate researchers in interpreting existing data.
3. Data Interpretation
The researcher interpreted and detailed the data by referring to the representation theory proposed by Stuart Hall, as well as utilizing an interdisciplinary approach from the field of psychology, especially the cognitive-behavioral approach. This interpretation focused on aspects related to mental issues, such as experiences in mental hospitals, mental illness, stigma experienced, and the complexity of individuals experiencing mental health problems.
4. Data Conclusions
The researcher draws conclusions based on the data analysis that has been conducted to answer the research questions posed.
REFERENCES
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