Is Carrie White in the Stephen King’s movie, Carrie, suffering from depression? Mental illness and psychological instability has for quite some time been a fixture of American horror movies. From mind flights to depression to insanity, the theme of mental issue often drives the plot in these films. The National Institute of Mental Health says that depression is more than being unhappy but is a severe mood disorder. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act” (par. 1). Depression can cause anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts. If left untreated, a person may take his or her own life. Carrie White is your typical high school teenager. But what makes her different is that she has telekinesis and a religious crazed mother who is obsessed and fearful of any sexual expression. She often punishes Carrie and locks her up in the closet to pray and prohibits her from building friendly relationships with her peers. The main character, Carrie White, in Stephen King’s 1976 movie, Carrie is the perfect example of someone who may suffers from some form of depression. The director, Brian De Palma uses cinematic techniques such as lighting, sound, and camera angles to illustrate the symptoms of depression. One characteristic …show more content…
The changing of the soundtracks illustrates the emotional rollercoaster that is often prevalent in those who suffer from panic attacks. As Carrie showered a melodic almost serene soundtrack is played. Once she noticed blood on her hand, the soundtrack changes to one of frantic. The director performs a close-up of Carrie’s eyes which were filled with fear and panic. A low angle shot is used to show Carrie in a cowering position in the corner of the shower stall. These techniques help to depict the signs of depression in