Neuropsychology and Popular Film
Hollywood movies often portray neuropsychological disorders such as amnesia, head injury and dementia among others. As both a neuropsychologist and a screenwriter I am interested in the manner in which neurological problems are depicted in the context of story. I teach Movies and Mental Illness, and incorporate the analysis of neurological problems in my Neuropsychology classes. I study the depiction of "amnesia" in popular film, and enjoy consulting with screenwriters on the depiction of neuropsychological disorders in movies. See NeuroPsyFi, a website devoted to understanding the Brain science behind the movies, that I have developed with a group of Drexel students. For those interested in how science and film connect to produce accurate science and good story see the National Academy of Science's Science and Entertainment Exchange.
Relevant Papers:
•Spiers, M.V. (2011). Neuroenhancement: Do "Smart Pills" Have Limits. [Review of the film Limitless, 2011]. PsycCRITIQUES, 56(31).
•Spiers,M.V. (2010, November). Can we forget about love? Amnesia in feature and documentary film. Presented at the Film and History Conference, Milwaukee, WI.
Screenwriting awards: Grand prize and regional prize winner of the 2009 Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition.
Relevant Papers:
•Spiers, M.V. (2011). Neuroenhancement: Do "Smart Pills" Have Limits. [Review of the film Limitless, 2011]. PsycCRITIQUES, 56(31).
•Spiers,M.V. (2010, November). Can we forget about love? Amnesia in feature and documentary film. Presented at the Film and History Conference, Milwaukee, WI.
Screenwriting awards: Grand prize and regional prize winner of the 2009 Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition.