An Anorexic's Tale: The Brief Life of Catherine (1993, 80 minutes)
Videocassette: Films for the Humanities and Sciences; P.O. Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543 (1-800-257-5126)

This long but involving docudrama tells the story of Catherine Dunbar, a lively and attractive teen who became obsessed by her weight at the age of 15. For the next seven years, she battled anorexia nervosa, went on binges, and became addicted to laxatives. When she died, she weighed only 40 pounds. The film is based on Catherine's own diaries as well as interviews with her mother. Although it is probably too long for most introductory psychology classes, it is both moving and informational, and I recommend trying to show at least parts of it. (A companion film, Parents of an Anorexic: The Story Behind Catherine, is also available.) {review by M. Matlin}

Eating Disorders (1990, minutes)
Videocassette: Films for the Humanities and Sciences; P.O. Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543 (1-800-257-5126)

Here is a short video that provides a decent overview of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The video is part of the "Doctor is in" series that Films for the Humanities & Sciences produces. We meet a female nutritionist, now probably in her 30s, who recalls her goal of being the thinnest student in her high school of 1000 students. A young man, perhaps in his 20s, recalls how his health suffered following his attempts to lose weight for wrestling competitions. Both of these individuals later experienced bulimia nervosa. The host of the program also interviews college students who are currently struggling with eating disorders. No people of color are included in the video, and it is specifically targeted for college-age people. It was produced in 1990, but it did not seem especially outdated. {review by M. Matlin}

Eating Disorders: When Food Hurts (1996, 27 minutes)
Fanlight Productions, 4196 Washington St., Suite 2, Boston, MA 02131 [Phone (800)937-4113]

This video provides a good introduction to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. It has a fairly balanced perspective on these disorders, because it includes a White female college student, a White male college student, and a White waitress who does not attend college. Although it could have included more on people of color, we do hear some information on the topic. I like the fact that it emphasized the contribution of media images and our culture's emphasis on slimness, and it seems to take an appropriate stand on the value of psychotherapy. This video will not "grab" your students in the same fashion that a more sensationalistic presentation might do. However, that may be valuable, because students will see that eating disorders affect real people, rather than the "high drama, death's door" view we often see on television specials. {review by M. Matlin}

Shadows and Lies: The Unseen Battle of Eating Disorders (1999, 24 minutes)
Fanlight Productions, 4196 Washington Street, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02131 [Phone 800-937-4113]

Four women tell their stories about anorexia and bulimia in this video. Unfortunately, the video includes hand-held camera sequences, shot at angles and distorted, that will distract students from the message. In addition, a couple of the women have unusual hairstyles that will also distract students' attention and prevent them from identifying with these women. Finally, the video has a religious, 12-step approach to therapy, that many professors would not choose to endorse. {review by M. Matlin}

Slender Existence (2001, 32 minutes)
Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016 [Phone (212)808-4980]

I recommend this film, because it is the most effective first-person narrative about eating disorders that I have seen. Laura, the filmmaker, discusses how she made an appointment with a modeling agency when she was in 9th grade. She was told that she was basically attractive enough, but that she would not be acceptable unless she lost 15 pounds. This one comment set in motion a prolonged period of anorexia and excessive, compulsive exercise. After many months of psychodynamic therapy, her family switched to another therapist, who appears to have used cognitive behavioral therapy, in combination with antidepressants. The turning point was when Laura was told that her starvation had eaten away at her muscles and her liver, and now it would diminish her brain. This vivid image encouraged her to begin eating more normally. I was especially impressed with the insightful, loving commentaries provided by her mother, her father, and her best friend from high school, as they recall the experience of trying to help Laura. Also, the video includes some dramatic images, such as a knife whittling away a soft clay statue of a young woman until it is emaciated. {review by M. Matlin}

Slim Hopes (1995, 30 minutes)
Media Education Foundation, 26 Center Street, Northhampton, MA 01060 [Phone (413)586-4170]

This video features Jean Kilbourne, familiar to many instructors through her videos on the role of the media in contributing to assorted psychological problems. This video focuses especially on the role of advertising in encouraging anxiety about eating and eating disorders. Kilbourne has organized the format of the video into several categories, such as the standard of impossible beauty, the waif look, and cigarette advertisements' emphasis on women's slimness. Students in my introductory psychology class report that it is both interesting and informative. I strongly recommend this video. {review by M. Matlin}

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