Movies You Can't Watch Because The Hit Too Close To Home?

[Spiderallis]

I will never watch anything with Batman, the symbol causes problems for me. Long before I was diagnosed, even before the worst of my trauma, I frightened the friend sitting next to me watching "Requiem for a Dream". I had to explain that a few years before we met I'd kicked, and that film was a very accurate depiction of addiction.

 

[Shellbell]

Sleeping With The Enemy - Julia Roberts. I saw this with my worst abuser in 1991.

 

[Lionheart]

I have difficulty watching "The Prince of Tides" although I thought it was a good movie and there is a scene in the movie "The Crow" that I could have done without seeing as well. The movie "The Cell" also bothered me. Any violent movie or television show which depicts or alludes to child abuse, rape, gang-rape, physical violence etc. are off limits for me.

I was once at the cinema watching the previews before the main feature, when I lost a period of time and sort of 'blacked out' for a few minutes. As it turns out, there was a violent rape scene that I totally missed as my brain fought to block it out. It was like I went temporarily blind or something as I "checked out". So when a movie is rated "R" or a show recommends viewer discretion, I take it seriously and try to screen out offending material (usually opting to forgo the movie/show completely).

I do like a good ghost story, but I have a dislike for the horror movies that I used to love so much. They give me *intrusive thoughts; I see brief glimpses of horrible things in my minds eye (unwanted visuals), I get paranoid, end up locking all the doors and windows then, I can't sleep or have nightmares. Think I will stick with Disney movies and romantic comedies.

 

[maddog]

Sleeping With The Enemy - Julia Roberts. I saw this with my worst abuser in 1991.

Ug, yes, that's an awful one, creeped me out badly too, and that's without the horrible association you have with it.

"Not Without my Daughter", from some time in the early 90s also, was another that deeply troubled me. It was actually a very compelling movie, but one that upset me deeply for the captivity and helplessness of that woman. I don't think I could watch it now...

Maddog

 

[shell]

I can't remember the last time I had the attention span to watch a movie anymore. I find most TV programs triggering these days, and refuse to watch even the news.

I've learnt my lesson after pushing myself too far to watch CSI and next thing I know I've dissociated really badly and could no longer see the tv. I get triggered by some kids shows, what hope have I got.

 

[Froggie]

A few years ago I registered a mini serie on sexual traffic trade. I have never been able to sit down to watch it. I don't know if I'll ever have the courage and strength to do it. It's a direct trigger to my PTSD.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I cannot watch the prince of tides or sleepers. Or the exorcist and any of those kinds of movies.

 

[Orglethorp]

I'm actually often drawn to things that hit close to home. I'm not entirely sure why, but I think it's because I tend to be so intrigued by abnormal psych. I love TV shows like Criminal Minds, and my favourite episodes are the ones that ring true to my own experience. If you could take the personality of character Spencer Reid, fears of his own mind included, ad give him a back story that's a mix of Ashley Seaver (referencing epsiode 6-11: What Happens at Home) and Derek Morgan (referencing episode 2-12: Profiler, Profiled) you might end up with a pretty good understanding of how I view myself, my past, and my purpose.

I do have movies that I avoid because I think they might trigger me (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, for example), and I've been triggered by movies that I really didn't expect (like Children of Men).

 

[Britt.f7]

Actually any movie or show that involves pedophiles. Though, I seem to watch Criminal Minds without too many problems. I could handle Enough and Sleeping with the Enemy, probably because they got back at their abusers.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Any movies with knives. I always close my eyes during the hard parts. What does not go into the brain does not haunt me. LOL:roflmao:

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

Me, too. Anything that impales is tough for me. Luckily, my boyfriend and I have an agreement: when a scene with a knife comes along, he turns down the volume and I go to the kitchen to freshen our drinks; then, he tells me when the coast is clear. (However, I am getting better at some such scenes -- depends on the evening.)

 

[Bilby]

I have difficulty with Dead Poet's Society.