Upcoming Film “The Messenger” Tackles Death, Grief
Woody Harrelson. Photo courtesy of Film Festival Ticker.
The soon-be-released movie “The Messenger” handles two topics many people would rather avoid — death and grief. Actors Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster play soldiers who must tell families their loved ones died in service to their country. This issue resonates with social workers who provide services to the military and grieving families. To read more about the role of social workers click here to visit the Grief and Loss section of NASW’s “Help Starts Here” Web site.
QUESTION: Do you think the process of death and grieving is handled accurately in the news, television and movies? Leave a comment!
The biggest travesty in the many forms of current media regarding grief and loss is the use of the term of “closure”. When people die very seldom can the loved ones left behind achieve nor desire to achieve “closure.” This word needs to removed and replaced with something more appropriate. This mean coming to terms with someone’s death but not closing the door on a prior significant relationship.
I agree as well. In addition, the media tends to portray grief as something that a character gets through in one episode. How many times have you seen a person grieving in one episode and then they are back to normal in the next? That is unrealistic and so when people experience the loss of a loved one, they expect the grieving process to be just as quick. I would like to see movies or shows that acurately depict loss and grief.