Romancing with Death in Hollywood Paul T. P. Wong, PhD, Professor Department of Psychology, Tyndale University College Date: August 7, 2009

Abstract The presentation discusses the portrait of death and dying in Hollywood films. A meaning-management theory was proposed to account for death acceptance. The paper identifies 7 pathways of death acceptance in films. It concludes that meaning offers the best protection against death fear and the best promise of hope beyond death.

An overview Death and dying as an important topic Death denial vs. death acceptance Cinema as an educational tool Seven pathways of death acceptance

The importance of death & dying Death is universal We are scared to death about death The end impacts us more than the beginning & everything in between Dying well is the last frontier of positive psychology

Different death attitudes Fear of death Avoidance of death Neutral death acceptance Approach death acceptance Escape death acceptance

The Psychology of Death Terror management theory: Focusing on death denial & avoidance Meaning management theory: Focusing on death acceptance & approach Defensive vs. purposeful orientation (Existential & Spiritual Issues in Death Attitudes (2008) edited by Tomer, Eliason, & Wong. Published by Francis & Taylors)

Dual-system model The approach system – life expansion and processes of personal growth The avoidance system – life protection and defensive mechanisms The duality hypothesis of coping with death and dying

Cinema as an educational tool It reflects life & popular culture Its aesthetic power of beauty Its evocative power of imagination Its narrative power of story telling Its instructive power of inspiring virtue Its mystical power of transcendence

A two-factor theory of cinema Dream-making: Entertainment thru aesthetic & emotional appeal (escape from reality) Myth-making: Enlightenment thru moral & spiritual appeal (confront and transcend reality)

Romanticism in death & dying films Individual’s heroic response to tragedy Sentimentality: tension & relief, feel-good & break your heart Virtues of courage, passion for living and self-sacrifice Transcendental and spiritual aspects of human existence

Criteria for selection of films Focusing on death acceptance Exploring the deep dark realities of death and dying Showing the triumphant human spirit in the face of danger, suffering & death Showing sparks of love & goodness in the midst of atrocity & terror

Criteria for exclusion Horror/slasher films Gangster/crime films The Casper genre Trivialize & dehumanize death

Seven pathways of death acceptance Die loving Die doing what one loves Die pursuing a dream Die saving others Die redeeming one’s wrongs Die becoming a better person Die believing in hope

Die loving Love is the key to make life & death meaningful To die happy is to die with love in one’s heart To love is to mourn its loss Love is made poignant by death Undying love is seen only after losing the loved one

Die doing what one loves To die happy is to do what one loves most and does best Hedonic happiness – The Bucket List Eudaimonic happiness – Dance in the Dark, The Wrestler To enjoy each day as if it were your last Finding salvation in your passion

Die pursuing a dream To live is to pursue a dream worth dying for (Milk, Iron Jawed Angels) Die for an ideal (Defiance, The Last Samurai) The meaning of your life is defined by your ultimate sacrifice Self-transcendence is the key to resilience and meaning in life

Die saving others A heroic and altruistic act Another example of self-transcendence A living sacrifice for another person (Life is Wonderful, Saving Private Ryan) A living sacrifice for humanity (Deep Impact)

Die redeeming one’s wrongs Die happy without regrets (GranTorino) Die happy after reconciliation Need for confession, forgiveness & redemption

Die becoming a better person The idea of death can save many lives Encounter with death is an life-altering experience (It’s a Wonderful life, A Christmas Carol, Life as a House) Death acceptance leads to authentic living

Die believing Die happy believing in hope The invisible becomes more real than the visible when life ebbs away A spiritual vision gives hope in the face of death (The Messenger, Miracle at St. Anna) The power of the mystic meta-narrative

Conclusion Meaning offers the best protection against death fear and the best hope for a happy life The 7 pathways to death acceptance are also the keys to happiness and meaning in life Dying well is related to living well

Thank You Dr. Paul T. P. Wong, Professor Department of Psychology, Tyndale University College www.meaning.ca; www.existentialpsychology.org dr.paul.wong@gmail.com; ptpwong@rogers.com 416-546-5588, 416-587-4990