Veterans Fear Mental Health Risks From Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan
In 1998, director Steven Spielberg premiered “Saving Private Ryan,” a World War II-set war film starring Tom Hanks. While excitement was high at the movie’s release and it eventually grossed more than $482 million worldwide, veterans especially feared for their mental health upon viewing the film.
John Raaen, a war veteran and D-Day survivor, said of viewing the film, “Everyone was stunned. Me too. I wasn’t going to talk to anyone. It brought back so many memories that my mind was replaying all the things that happened.”
Recognizing the potential post-traumatic stress the film may have caused, the Department of Veterans Affairs of the United States government created a helpline. Therapist Deborah Richter of the Portland Veterans Center noted the power the movie had, saying “It’s the ultimate trigger for post-traumatic experiences.”
Two weeks after the movie’s release, the helpline had received over 170 calls.
Saving Private Ryan garnered 11 Oscar nominations and won 5 awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Editing and Best Director.
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