Dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) is a mental illness where two or more distinct identities are present in a person, each with their enduring pattern of perception and thoughts of their environment and self (Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder), 2019). Personalities appear as alterations in behavior, consciousness, perception, cognition, and sensory- motor function (Tracy, 2018). These shifts can be observed by either the person suffering from the disorder, as well as those around them (Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder), 2019). Secondary criteria for diagnoses include amnesia, difficulty in managing daily life, and whether the shift in personality is not a result of the use of a substance or another possible medical condition (Tracy, 2018).
One of the most well-known films for portraying dissociative identity disorder (DID) is Fight Club. Fight Club concerns the perspective of the Narrator, a sufferer of DID, whose alter (Tyler) attempts to gain control of the world. The first instance of observable DID symptoms is when Tyler reveals to the Narrator that they are both disassociated identities in the same body after the Narrator ‘tracks down’ Tyler, following an act of domestic terrorism by members of the Fight Club. Following this, the Narrator blacks out, with no recollection of what happened in the previous few hours. The second major instance in which symptoms are manifested is when attempting to stop another terrorist attack by Tyler. The Narrator ends up fighting Tyler, overcoming Tyler’s dominance, and breaks free by shooting himself through the mouth, effectively killing Tyler.
A more recent popular film, Split, also features a character with DID. The plot involves the kidnapping of three girls by Kevin, who suffers from DID. While holding the girl hostage in secret, Kevin receives psychotherapy. His therapist has identified 23 personalities and knows of a 24th personality that has not yet manifested. During the introduction of the girls to Kevin, three malicious personalities manifest. This is one of the most prominent scenes where Kevin’s symptoms are displayed. After the climax of the film, the same three personalities are shown to converse about what to do with the power of the 24th personality and how they can protect themselves from harm.
In Fight Club, the Narrator shows typical symptoms of DID throughout the movie. He experiences changes in behavior, consciousness, perception, cognition, and sensory-motor function. The Narrator thinks and acts differently when Tyler has taken over, going to rescue an overdosing friend (Marla) as Tyler, whereas the Narrator, ignores her pleas for help. In addition, he suffers from insomnia and amnesia, which makes normal life difficult.
Fight Club’s portrayal of DID is accurate. Besides the telltale symptom of amnesia, the Narrator is recognized as Tyler multiple times, which is a common occurrence for those with DID. Furthermore, the Narrator speaks of an absentee father, which involves psychological trauma, a common factor shared among those with DID (Cleveland Clinic, 2016).
Kevin also exhibits typical symptoms of DID. He is confirmed to have 23 individual personalities, with a concealed 24th. Kevin has symptoms like the Narrator, supplemented by radical changes in sensory-motor function (bending thick iron bars when the 24th personality takes over). Split’s portrayal of DID is less precise compared to Fight Club. As Kevin’s personalities shift, his body changes in subtle ways, such as appearing to have greater muscle mass or a higher perception of sound. People tend to be limited by the functions of a normal human body in reality. However, Kevin’s backstory describes trauma from having lost his father and suffering from multiple abusers. This was similar to the Narrator, who also had an absentee father.
Both characters receive some form of psychotherapy. In Fight Club, despite the unorthodox method of receiving treatment, it does have a positive effect on the Narrator’s life. His insomniac episodes are reduced, and he feels better about his life. The Narrator primarily receives group therapy (a form of talk therapy (NHS, 28)) and it does help his situation by allowing a cathartic release of the stresses he feels, despite him faking another disease to receive therapy.
Kevin also receives talk therapy as treatment from his psychologist, which proves ineffective as his symptoms tend to worsen over time. During one session, a more malicious personality is present, and uses the information he gains to advantage at a later stage to take over Kevin’s body. Due to the sheer number of personalities held by Kevin, and their strong beliefs and tendencies held by them, Kevin should be institutionalized and given medication (such as antipsychotics or anti-anxiety pills (Goldberg, 2018)) and additional counseling (such as hypnotherapy) to manage his symptoms.
Both films represent the availability of treatments that are limited to talk therapy. No mentions of medication or other options are depicted. In Fight Club, the Narrator’s case of insomnia is dismissed by his doctor, despite his suffering. In Kevin’s case, he receives continuous therapy but due to the extremity of his condition, it appears to be ineffective. This is accurate to the degree that different treatments are effective for different people. It is likely Kevin would manage his disorder better if he was institutionalized.
Overall, both films show DID poorly. In Fight Club, people with mental disorders are dangerous to society. Tyler is antagonistic to the way the world works and destroys it. In Split, Kevin is shown to be secretive, unhinged, and dangerous (Nedelman, 2017). Both films stigmatize those with mental disorders, providing the image that they are beyond saving.
In conclusion, both films are accurate in their portrayal of the symptoms of DID but treat those who suffer from it as dangerous. This is shown in Fight Club as the Narrator and Tyler commit acts of domestic terrorism and in Split, where Kevin kidnaps and torments three girls. These films also do portray therapy correctly, but also show that it can be ineffective, which has some basis.