"There is only one thing that can kill the Movies, and that is education."
-Will Rogers, US humorist & showman (1879 - 1935)
Friday, June 8, 2007
Quote of the Day
"There is only one thing that can kill the Movies, and that is education."
-Will Rogers, US humorist & showman (1879 - 1935)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hypnophobia? Thank Hollywood
Hypnotherapy is a proven method that's been used to eliminate fears and phobias for decades. While no method will ever be 100% effective, it's really quite amazing just how quickly a little hypnosis and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) can do the trick.
That said, there's one little problem... what if you're afraid of hypnosis?
What a terrible position in which to find one's self. You have this fear of flying, or driving, or heights, or even mascots (yes, click the link), and you've heard hypnosis can help... but darn it, you're afraid of being hypnotized, too!
There are many good reasons people are hesitant to try hypnosis, and a lot of it has to do with Hollywood. You see, the idea of hypnosis, combined with a complete lack of understanding as to how it is produced and how it actually works... well, mix those ingredients together with a clever script, and you've got yourself a highly-entertaining movie!
One of the first things I do with nearly every client I meet is to debunk all the misinformation about hypnosis that has permeated our society thanks to some creative, yet naive writers in Hollywood. Now, I must confess that I love movies... even a few that portray hypnosis inaccurately. So here I'll discuss a few of the more recent and/or well-known movies that have used hypnosis, let you know where they went wrong, and whether they're worth seeing as well.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) (photo above)
While the 2004 remake with Denzel Washington attempted to update the story, the original was far more controversial. In fact, after the assassination of JFK, the film was withdrawn from movie theaters throughout the United States. It was banned in Eastern bloc countries until the fall of communism in 1993.
The plot involves a military officer who is captured by communists and brainwashed through the use of hypnosis. Once he is released, the officer responds obediently to every post-hypnotic command he is given by his captors, usually over the phone. They tell him to play a game of solitaire, and when he views a particular card, he becomes a mindless pawn who blindly follows their every command, including cold-blooded murder.
This is a very entertaining and creepy movie that I would strongly recommend. However, as a hypnotherapist, I must point out that hypnosis is a voluntary process that requires the cooperation of the subject. No one can be forced to do something against their will, either during or following a trance.
In this film, the hypnotist is all-powerful and the subject is completely powerless. Bottom line: you always have a choice of whether to respond or not, and will never do anything against your morals or values.
Office Space (1999)
This is one of my all-time favorite comedies. Anyone who has ever worked in an office environment will appreciate the humor here. The main character, Peter Gibbons, is so frustrated and unhappy with his job as a drone worker at a software company that he seeks the help of a hypnotherapist.
A few moments after the hypnotherapist begins the hypnotic induction, Peter is relaxing comfortably in a trance, "without a care in the world." Just then, the hypnotherapist keels over and dies on the spot. Since Peter is never officially "roused" from the trance, the plot dictates that he continues to feel wonderful for days and days... skipping out on work, asking Jennifer Aniston's character out on a date, eventually getting a promotion because he's so smooth and comfortable during an interview with some annoying consultants.
It's a great concept, and many hypnotherapists probably wish they were so powerful. I am thrilled to have this movie in my library, since what follows is hilarious stuff. However, if a hypnotherapist was unfortunate enough to pass away in the middle of a client's trance, the suggestions given wouldn't be any stronger than if the session were completed as normal.
Somehow, I take comfort knowing that I'm more powerful alive than dead!!
Stir of Echoes (1998)
Not a bad thriller. This one features Kevin Bacon as a blue-collar guy who doesn't believe in hypnosis, but allows his sister-in-law to hypnotize him at a party. He goes into a deep trance, and the next thing he knows he's awake and sweating profusely, with no memory of what has happened. Everyone is laughing and telling him what he said and did, but he looks and feels stressed out and afraid.
Later that night, he begins to see horrifying images of violence and of a dead woman or ghost. Basically, hypnosis is used as a gateway to supernatural mental abilities (a common use of hypnosis in movies, including "Donnie Darko" and "Close Your Eyes"). This is a handy tool for a Hollywood screenwriter, but there isn’t any fact behind this fiction.
Amnesia is possible following hypnosis, but it is very rare for anyone to have absolutely no memory of what happened. I have also never seen or heard of anyone drenched in sweat and panicked upon awakening. Hypnosis is a very relaxing and comfortable experience. If at any point a person imagines or experiences something frightening or traumatic, they can easily open their eyes and return to a state of normal conscious awareness.
And no, hypnosis is not, nor has it ever been, a gateway to supernatural or psychic abilities.
Bummer, huh?
Other Movies Featuring Hypnosis
•Svengali (1931); starring John Barrymore
•Spellbound (1945); directed by Alfred Hitchcock - highly recommended
•Dead Again (1991); Kenneth Branagh
•Shallow Hal (2001); Jack Black, Cameron Diaz
•Oldboy (2003); similar to Manchurian Candidate - recommended
•The Butterfly Effect (2004); Ashton Kutcher
That said, there's one little problem... what if you're afraid of hypnosis?
What a terrible position in which to find one's self. You have this fear of flying, or driving, or heights, or even mascots (yes, click the link), and you've heard hypnosis can help... but darn it, you're afraid of being hypnotized, too!
There are many good reasons people are hesitant to try hypnosis, and a lot of it has to do with Hollywood. You see, the idea of hypnosis, combined with a complete lack of understanding as to how it is produced and how it actually works... well, mix those ingredients together with a clever script, and you've got yourself a highly-entertaining movie!
One of the first things I do with nearly every client I meet is to debunk all the misinformation about hypnosis that has permeated our society thanks to some creative, yet naive writers in Hollywood. Now, I must confess that I love movies... even a few that portray hypnosis inaccurately. So here I'll discuss a few of the more recent and/or well-known movies that have used hypnosis, let you know where they went wrong, and whether they're worth seeing as well.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) (photo above)
While the 2004 remake with Denzel Washington attempted to update the story, the original was far more controversial. In fact, after the assassination of JFK, the film was withdrawn from movie theaters throughout the United States. It was banned in Eastern bloc countries until the fall of communism in 1993.
The plot involves a military officer who is captured by communists and brainwashed through the use of hypnosis. Once he is released, the officer responds obediently to every post-hypnotic command he is given by his captors, usually over the phone. They tell him to play a game of solitaire, and when he views a particular card, he becomes a mindless pawn who blindly follows their every command, including cold-blooded murder.
This is a very entertaining and creepy movie that I would strongly recommend. However, as a hypnotherapist, I must point out that hypnosis is a voluntary process that requires the cooperation of the subject. No one can be forced to do something against their will, either during or following a trance.
In this film, the hypnotist is all-powerful and the subject is completely powerless. Bottom line: you always have a choice of whether to respond or not, and will never do anything against your morals or values.
Office Space (1999)
This is one of my all-time favorite comedies. Anyone who has ever worked in an office environment will appreciate the humor here. The main character, Peter Gibbons, is so frustrated and unhappy with his job as a drone worker at a software company that he seeks the help of a hypnotherapist.
A few moments after the hypnotherapist begins the hypnotic induction, Peter is relaxing comfortably in a trance, "without a care in the world." Just then, the hypnotherapist keels over and dies on the spot. Since Peter is never officially "roused" from the trance, the plot dictates that he continues to feel wonderful for days and days... skipping out on work, asking Jennifer Aniston's character out on a date, eventually getting a promotion because he's so smooth and comfortable during an interview with some annoying consultants.
It's a great concept, and many hypnotherapists probably wish they were so powerful. I am thrilled to have this movie in my library, since what follows is hilarious stuff. However, if a hypnotherapist was unfortunate enough to pass away in the middle of a client's trance, the suggestions given wouldn't be any stronger than if the session were completed as normal.
Somehow, I take comfort knowing that I'm more powerful alive than dead!!
Stir of Echoes (1998)
Not a bad thriller. This one features Kevin Bacon as a blue-collar guy who doesn't believe in hypnosis, but allows his sister-in-law to hypnotize him at a party. He goes into a deep trance, and the next thing he knows he's awake and sweating profusely, with no memory of what has happened. Everyone is laughing and telling him what he said and did, but he looks and feels stressed out and afraid.
Later that night, he begins to see horrifying images of violence and of a dead woman or ghost. Basically, hypnosis is used as a gateway to supernatural mental abilities (a common use of hypnosis in movies, including "Donnie Darko" and "Close Your Eyes"). This is a handy tool for a Hollywood screenwriter, but there isn’t any fact behind this fiction.
Amnesia is possible following hypnosis, but it is very rare for anyone to have absolutely no memory of what happened. I have also never seen or heard of anyone drenched in sweat and panicked upon awakening. Hypnosis is a very relaxing and comfortable experience. If at any point a person imagines or experiences something frightening or traumatic, they can easily open their eyes and return to a state of normal conscious awareness.
And no, hypnosis is not, nor has it ever been, a gateway to supernatural or psychic abilities.
Bummer, huh?
Other Movies Featuring Hypnosis
•Svengali (1931); starring John Barrymore
•Spellbound (1945); directed by Alfred Hitchcock - highly recommended
•Dead Again (1991); Kenneth Branagh
•Shallow Hal (2001); Jack Black, Cameron Diaz
•Oldboy (2003); similar to Manchurian Candidate - recommended
•The Butterfly Effect (2004); Ashton Kutcher
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Question Your Reality
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."
-Albert Einstein, US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)
Remember that your beliefs and convictions are the result of your own individual life experiences. Your limitations grow from those experiences, and are reinforced each time you identify something that fits in with your belief system.
Anytime you catch yourself saying "I could never do that," take the time to consider why that's the case. Is it really true, or does that belief simply ring true given your past experiences? Can other people do it? If so, how are those people different from you?
Recognize the difference between the words can't and won't. Ask yourself the question: Are you are really incapable, or just unwilling?
-Albert Einstein, US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)
Remember that your beliefs and convictions are the result of your own individual life experiences. Your limitations grow from those experiences, and are reinforced each time you identify something that fits in with your belief system.
Anytime you catch yourself saying "I could never do that," take the time to consider why that's the case. Is it really true, or does that belief simply ring true given your past experiences? Can other people do it? If so, how are those people different from you?
Recognize the difference between the words can't and won't. Ask yourself the question: Are you are really incapable, or just unwilling?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
"Thanksgiving is a typically American holiday... The lavish meal is a symbol of the fact that abundant consumption is the result and reward of production."
-Ayn Rand, US (Russian-born) novelist (1905 - 1982)
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A Story about Belief
Please feel free to laugh at the image of me in the wig below (taken during an improv comedy show). Part of being a comedian involves being able to laugh at yourself... so I’m laughing with you!
A number of years ago I began taking acting classes as a hobby. Before I had discovered hypnosis, I needed a creative outlet to go along with my 9-to-5 job. The classes were for improvisational comedy at Whole World Theatre in Atlanta.
After a while, I was in an "advanced" class with a number of other students. Some had previous experience acting. Others, like me, had no previous experience. I viewed the veteran actors -- those who performed in front of sold-out crowds every week -- as being completely different creatures from myself. They were "actors." I was a student.
When this advanced class concluded, some of the students were chosen to form a new group. Others, like me, were asked to continue taking classes. I instead took a break and stuck around to help out behind the scenes.
Many months later, a fellow student of mine (who also had no previous acting experience) from that group had his first opportunity to perform in the "big show" on a Saturday night.
It was a big deal at the time. Before the show, I sat down next to him and asked an honest question with a slight sense of wonder: "Did you ever think you'd make it this far?"
His reply: "Yes."
I didn't realize it until much later, but the truth was that I had never believed I'd make it that far. I didn't believe myself to be an actor. "They" were actors. I was a just a journalist.
Simple as that.
What's notable is that both my friend and I took our beliefs and made them our reality. We each became what we believed we would become.
Years later, I returned to acting with that knowledge and thus, a new attitude. With some hard work and a little patience, I fully expected to make my way to the stage. I proceeded to perform in front of live crowds every week.
And yes, even though I’ve long since retired, I’m still an actor.
A number of years ago I began taking acting classes as a hobby. Before I had discovered hypnosis, I needed a creative outlet to go along with my 9-to-5 job. The classes were for improvisational comedy at Whole World Theatre in Atlanta.
After a while, I was in an "advanced" class with a number of other students. Some had previous experience acting. Others, like me, had no previous experience. I viewed the veteran actors -- those who performed in front of sold-out crowds every week -- as being completely different creatures from myself. They were "actors." I was a student.
When this advanced class concluded, some of the students were chosen to form a new group. Others, like me, were asked to continue taking classes. I instead took a break and stuck around to help out behind the scenes.
Many months later, a fellow student of mine (who also had no previous acting experience) from that group had his first opportunity to perform in the "big show" on a Saturday night.
It was a big deal at the time. Before the show, I sat down next to him and asked an honest question with a slight sense of wonder: "Did you ever think you'd make it this far?"
His reply: "Yes."
I didn't realize it until much later, but the truth was that I had never believed I'd make it that far. I didn't believe myself to be an actor. "They" were actors. I was a just a journalist.
Simple as that.
What's notable is that both my friend and I took our beliefs and made them our reality. We each became what we believed we would become.
Years later, I returned to acting with that knowledge and thus, a new attitude. With some hard work and a little patience, I fully expected to make my way to the stage. I proceeded to perform in front of live crowds every week.
And yes, even though I’ve long since retired, I’m still an actor.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Quote of the Day
"To be aware of a single shortcoming within oneself is more useful than to be aware of a thousand in somebody else."
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist religious leader (1935 - )
Friday, April 28, 2006
Open up and Say "Hello"
In an effort to stay active and healthy, within the past year or so I started going to the gym twice a week and playing basketball with a group of guys. Roughly the same group of men get together at the same time of day for some good old fashioned exercise and competition as a welcome break from the workday.
I played basketball from the time I was ten years old right on up through college, but being the shy kid I was at the time, never would have thought to start up a conversation with someone I didn't know outside of the gym.
Recently while I was playing, just before a game began, I noticed one of the guys on my team was wearing a Detroit Lions t-shirt. Being a long-suffering Lions fan from Michigan myself (and guessing that no one outside of Michigan would wear a Lions shirt), I asked him if he was from Detroit. He said yes. I told him the city where I grew up. Then he mentioned that he played basketball at Catholic Central High School. Well, guess what? That's my high school!
Small world!
I found out that he graduated a couple years before my brother, and I told him that I'd probably seen him play while he was there. We talked about the teachers we knew and threw names back and forth, and then we went out and won five games in a row as teammates before calling it a day.
This fellow is, by the way, probably the best player at our gym on any given day. I have played against him many times, but never spoke to him off the court. Who knew?
Just last week I struck up a conversation with another player who mentioned that he spent a significant number of years in the military, most of that time involved in combat situations in countries including Somalia and Cambodia. I had an endless fountain of questions for him and I learned a lot about war, politics, the media... and human beings.
I played basketball from the time I was ten years old right on up through college, but being the shy kid I was at the time, never would have thought to start up a conversation with someone I didn't know outside of the gym.
Recently while I was playing, just before a game began, I noticed one of the guys on my team was wearing a Detroit Lions t-shirt. Being a long-suffering Lions fan from Michigan myself (and guessing that no one outside of Michigan would wear a Lions shirt), I asked him if he was from Detroit. He said yes. I told him the city where I grew up. Then he mentioned that he played basketball at Catholic Central High School. Well, guess what? That's my high school!
Small world!
I found out that he graduated a couple years before my brother, and I told him that I'd probably seen him play while he was there. We talked about the teachers we knew and threw names back and forth, and then we went out and won five games in a row as teammates before calling it a day.
This fellow is, by the way, probably the best player at our gym on any given day. I have played against him many times, but never spoke to him off the court. Who knew?
Just last week I struck up a conversation with another player who mentioned that he spent a significant number of years in the military, most of that time involved in combat situations in countries including Somalia and Cambodia. I had an endless fountain of questions for him and I learned a lot about war, politics, the media... and human beings.
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