Facing Reality (1954)

★★★★ · I Don't Think I Can Adequately Review This...Uh, Excuse Me, I Meant to Say, This is a Stupid Film! · Christine Hennig · 2006-06-01

This mental hygiene film from the 50s attempts to teach the complex issue of defense mechanisms in 11 minutes and, as you might expect, it oversimplifies the issue vastly. The first half of the film is very surreal, containing spinning teens doing dances that represent their defense mechanisms, the strangest of which is a girl wearing a mask with a face on both sides of it. Then it settles down into typical social guidance territory and tells us the story of Mike, a boy who criticizes everything he secretly feels insecure about. Itâs because he bottles up the things that bother him, instead…

★★★★ · Effective for the time alloted · ERD · 2007-04-24

The film does a good job covering the topic in the short time alloted. A good script that is well acted and directed.

★★★ · Don't cry over spilled milk · Spuzz · 2003-05-05

Somewhat interesting tale about Mike, who has trouble paying attention, is arguementative and self centered. Yes, but what MADE him that way. Unfortunately finding out about that only takes about 30 seconds (and they're real doozies too) over pretty bland teenage angst. The beginning, with it's surreal descriptions of the types of angst you can have is interesting, but the rest is pretty much blah.

★★ · WRONG · noisepuppet · 2008-07-31

Makes a complete hash of classic Freudian defense mechanisms. Besides, Mike isn't neurotic. He is just a knob.

★★ · Another Troubled Teen · JayKay49 · 2012-01-16

No....no...no What on earth is wrong with this kid anyway? Maybe its in that comment about not wanting to see another girl... ever....but its only 1954 and it would be at least 10 years before he'll be able to discuss that "issue" - and not get locked away in a state hospital. A typical film of its type - not particularly entertaining but it does get a point across about defense mechanisms.