Matilda This paper provides an analysis of the film Matilda (DeVito et al., 2005) using developmental psychology. An overview of the movie will be provided for context, followed by an introduction to the developmental themes addressed. This paper will also connect these developmental themes to developmental theories. Through providing an understanding of developmental themes and theories, counseling goals and interventions will be developed for a particular character in the film. Finally, there will be a reflection on the film and the implications of analysis on future counseling practice.
Movie Overview
Matilda (DeVito et al., 2005) tells the story of a seven-year-old girl who develops extraordinary intelligence as well as telekinesis. Throughout …show more content…
Neuroplasticity is defined as “changes in the brain that occur as a result of some practice or experience” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015, p. 23). Critical periods are times during development where a skill or ability are most easily acquired (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Matilda exhibits neuroplasticity by developing telekinesis and training herself to hone her skill. Matilda’s experience with her father forcing her to watch the television as well as Ms. Trunchbull yelling in front of the class led to changes in Matilda’s brain (DeVito et al., 2005). These experiences allowed Matilda to develop telekinesis. Once Matilda learns that she is able to move objects with her mind, she repeats the task in order to gain more control (DeVito et al., 2005). This practice also led to changes in her brain, which made telekinesis easier for her to do, which is shown by her ability to manipulate several objects at the same …show more content…
Throughout the movie she found it necessary to demonstrate her power over the children by physically or verbally punishing them. She resorted to methods of humiliation, which included her having one child eat an oversized chocolate cake in front of the whole school. She also may have murdered her brother-in-law, Magnus, not long after the death of her sister. Given her reaction to Magnus addressing what she did, it can be assumed that she carries a lot of guilt and fear surrounding what she did. Ms. Trunchbull also emphasized her negative self-image by talking about her weight, lack of a partner, and her
Movie Overview
Matilda (DeVito et al., 2005) tells the story of a seven-year-old girl who develops extraordinary intelligence as well as telekinesis. Throughout …show more content…
Neuroplasticity is defined as “changes in the brain that occur as a result of some practice or experience” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015, p. 23). Critical periods are times during development where a skill or ability are most easily acquired (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015). Matilda exhibits neuroplasticity by developing telekinesis and training herself to hone her skill. Matilda’s experience with her father forcing her to watch the television as well as Ms. Trunchbull yelling in front of the class led to changes in Matilda’s brain (DeVito et al., 2005). These experiences allowed Matilda to develop telekinesis. Once Matilda learns that she is able to move objects with her mind, she repeats the task in order to gain more control (DeVito et al., 2005). This practice also led to changes in her brain, which made telekinesis easier for her to do, which is shown by her ability to manipulate several objects at the same …show more content…
Throughout the movie she found it necessary to demonstrate her power over the children by physically or verbally punishing them. She resorted to methods of humiliation, which included her having one child eat an oversized chocolate cake in front of the whole school. She also may have murdered her brother-in-law, Magnus, not long after the death of her sister. Given her reaction to Magnus addressing what she did, it can be assumed that she carries a lot of guilt and fear surrounding what she did. Ms. Trunchbull also emphasized her negative self-image by talking about her weight, lack of a partner, and her