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As Good As It Gets Udall

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The film As Good As It Gets characterizes Melvin Udall, a misanthropic author with an obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who is inept at building relationships due to his unconventional behaviors. Irregular acts otherwise known as compulsions that interfere with his daily life activities in an effort to minimize the obsessive thoughts that cause him distress. However, his life takes a completely different turn when he discovers some compassion during the care of his neighbor’s dog and the affection he develops for Carol the waitress. While not an immediate change, his life gradually starts making some adjustments as he comes to terms with his feelings and the effect of his action on others. Exploring Melvin’s Mind Character Analysis Melvin …show more content…

It is noted in the DSM that individuals with OCD report a strong feeling of disgust when things that trigger compulsions are faced ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In order to rectify his routine, Melvin takes the extreme measure to visit Carol’s house because she called off work and disrupted his routine. In an impulsive act like this, he projects himself as weird and obsessive to Carol and is unable to fulfill his request of having a meal served by her. Moreover,with his routine out of line he feels incomplete and has no way of functioning throughout the day. Even while performing the compulsions the people who have OCD feel incomplete and are uneasy until things are deemed as accurate ( American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Internal feelings that lead Melvin to participating in these behaviors is persistent fear and anxiety for not following through as his mind is invaded with pessimistic thoughts. Resisting the intrusive thoughts gives arousal to more anxiety and in future incidents will subject itself with more intensity.(American Psychiatric Association, 2023). Furthermore, this disorder impacts Melvin’s relationships with others because it puts his needs before others and denies him the access to establishing a good connection. Noting that a relationship needs input from both sides and not only

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