Republic of the Philippines

EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZ

Name: Esguerra, Arnold S. Date: December 02, 2024

MOVIE: SPLIT

I. Introduction

Split (2016), directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is a psychological thriller that dives deep into the
complexities of the human mind. It combines elements of suspense and horror to explore themes
related to mental health. The film follows Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with dissociative identity
disorder (DID), who kidnaps three teenage girls. As the story unfolds, it examines how Kevin's multiple
personalities, each shaped by his traumatic past, impact his behavior and the lives of those around him.

II. Plot Summary:

The story centers on Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with dissociative identity disorder, which causes him
to have 23 distinct personalities. He kidnaps three girls, and the movie follows their desperate attempts
to escape from his captivity. As the plot unfolds, we learn more about Kevin’s fragmented psyche, with
each personality—ranging from harmless to violent—playing a role in the events that transpire.

Key characters include:

- Kevin Wendell Crumb: The central figure with DID, whose many personalities take control at different
moments.

- Casey Cooke: One of the kidnapped girls, whose troubled past helps her survive the ordeal.
- Dr. Karen Fletcher: Kevin’s therapist, who tries to understand his condition but ultimately
underestimates its severity.

Kevin’s internal struggle is at the heart of the movie, as his personalities, each tied to a different aspect
of his trauma, clash and interact with one another.

III. Psychological Analysis:

The film portrays dissociative identity disorder (DID), a condition where a person has multiple distinct
personalities, often resulting from childhood trauma. In Kevin’s case, his personalities form as a coping
mechanism for the abuse he experienced. The film accurately shows how DID can be linked to trauma,
but it takes artistic liberties by adding supernatural elements, like "The Beast," which is portrayed as a
powerful, violent persona with extraordinary strength. While the movie does capture the idea of DID
being a result of severe trauma, it sensationalizes the disorder by linking it to violence and criminal
behavior. This could reinforce harmful stereotypes about people with DID, making it seem as though
those with the disorder are inherently dangerous, which is not typically the case in real life. While the
movie is engaging, it’s important to approach it critically, as it could mislead viewers about the real
nature of DID.

IV. Character Analysis:

Kevin Wendell Crumb is a deeply complex character whose many personalities reflect the deep
psychological scars left by his childhood abuse. These personalities, each representing a different coping
strategy, vary widely—from a childlike personality named Hedwig to a more sinister persona, "The
Beast."

- Kevin’s personalities: Dennis is controlling and obsessive, while Patricia is nurturing, and Hedwig is
innocent and childlike. Each personality has developed as a way to deal with his traumatic past.

- The Beast: The most violent and destructive of Kevin’s personalities, symbolizing the culmination of his
repressed pain and rage.

Dr. Karen Fletcher, Kevin’s therapist, plays a significant role but fails to fully grasp the extent of Kevin’s
dissociation. Her character highlights how difficult it can be to diagnose and treat such a complex
condition. Kevin’s journey reflects the struggle of living with trauma and trying to survive in a world that
doesn’t fully understand his condition.
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V. Treatment Approaches:

The film briefly touches on therapy, with Dr. Fletcher trying to understand Kevin’s condition through
their sessions. However, the movie doesn’t dive deeply into the specifics of mental health treatment.
Kevin’s case requires much more intensive care than what is shown, and his therapist is too unaware of
the severity of his condition to intervene in time. In real life, treating DID would likely involve trauma-
focused therapy, where all of a person’s identities would be integrated in a way that allows them to
function as a whole. The movie doesn’t explore these treatment methods in depth, choosing instead to
focus on the psychological drama and suspense of Kevin’s condition.

VI. Impact on Stigma:

The movie has drawn criticism for its portrayal of dissociative identity disorder, mainly because it
associates DID with violent and criminal behavior. While the film presents Kevin as a tragic character
whose disorder stems from years of abuse, it also links his condition to the emergence of a dangerous,
superhuman personality, "The Beast." This portrayal risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes about people
with mental health conditions, suggesting that they are prone to violence, which is far from the truth for
most people with DID. On the other hand, the movie could spark important conversations about the
effects of trauma and mental illness, encouraging greater empathy. Still, it falls short of offering a
balanced view, leaving the potential for reinforcing misconceptions about mental health.

VII. Cinematography and Atmosphere:

The visual and auditory elements of *Split* play a significant role in building tension and reflecting
Kevin’s troubled mind. The use of lighting, with dark or high-contrast scenes, creates a sense of unease,
while close-up shots during Kevin’s transformations into different personalities help convey the
psychological intensity. The sound design, particularly the use of dissonant music, adds to the unsettling
atmosphere, making viewers feel as though they are experiencing Kevin’s mental breakdown firsthand.
These cinematic choices enhance the horror and suspense, helping the audience connect emotionally to
the characters’ psychological turmoil.

VIII. Conclusion:
The movie offers a fascinating yet disturbing portrayal of dissociative identity disorder and its
connection to trauma. While the film accurately shows how DID can develop as a response to childhood
abuse, it sensationalizes the disorder by depicting it in violent and supernatural terms. The portrayal of
Kevin’s multiple personalities, though compelling, strays from reality, making the film more of a
psychological thriller than a realistic exploration of mental health. For those interested in the
psychological aspects of the film, it provides an interesting, albeit exaggerated, look at trauma and
dissociative identity disorder. However, it’s important to remember that the movie doesn’t provide an
accurate representation of DID or mental health treatment