The movie takes place in a different time, just to be clear.
The patient in question was faking being crazy. Acted out and challenged her every single day. He even snuck all of the patients out of the hospital, stole a bus and a boat, and went off on everyone for shits and giggles at every opportunity.
Of course I don’t agree with the lobotomy. But he was pushing real damn hard for it.
He was also a jail jumper. They put him in that ward to finally get rid him.
Ratchet was fine giving them their meds every day, and being the only nurse in charge of doing meetings and everything else, until he showed up and instigated everything.
Completely disagree, but upvoted for having a well-argued, unpopular opinion which is kind of the point of this thread!
I totally get where you’re coming from but wanted to put the counterpoint, as obvious as it was.
She was caring for those who nobody else could for at that time, and to generally good effect day to day.
I’ve worked in group homes and know of the challenges you face in serving those who aren’t all that stable.
Just would never have advocated for that solution for anyone really. All that is said with historical knowledge and such.
Yours was a good post.
She was trying her best with that she had and knew at the time, even if she overreacted in the end, to terrible effect.
I like the discussion. Obviously I’m not dying on any hills here. I just think it’s worth looking at the movie in a different pov. Thank you.
I’ve been on the other side, as a patient.
Edit. I think she did want the best for everyone. Even during the climatic scene. She just didn’t know what else to do, and using his mother as a form of pressure, while definitely wrong in hindsight, was really all she had left at the time. Don’t forget that scene is the morning after they all threw a party and everyone was basically drunk, including staff.
I also recommend reading the book. It’s really good.
