1 Comments Posted by Kirkfried

wrote:
Titicut Follies: the movie.

Documentary filmed by Fredrick Wisemen in 1967--about Bridgewater State Hospital. "Originally banned by the State of Massachusettes for commercial release (outside the field of education). In 1992 , MS state supreme court overturned previous ruling.

Hosing, humiliation, and force-feeding of patients are all portrayed in the film--to a disturbling and brutaly real degree. The film maker/director says nothing nor questions anyone, rather just films the general going ons and interactions of patients, orderlies, nurses and doctors.

What is most disturbing about what is shown, is the general indifference and bullying on the part of the institutions staff--as well as the general conditons, treatment and "behavior modification" methods.

These are not Moral Treatment methods, by any stretch--on the contrary,..as one patient says while arguig his case to a doctor, "If your not mad when you come in here, you certainly will be when you leave...if ..you leave."

This is a great thread on an incredible site btw.

<sorry Lynne>
I don't mean to throw fuel on the "Institutionalized Treatment=Hell on Earth" fire. But you should definately check it out. It definately sticks with you for a few days afterward.