Psychology Behind: Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan (Spielberg et al., 1998) may come off as a war movie focused only on fighting and explosions. Praised for its realistic portrayal of war and the gruesomeness with which the movie proceeds, it's easy to see why war-movie fanatics would love this film. However, beneath its visceral brutality and horrific practical effects, the movie subtly delves into the effects of war on veterans, specifically that of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Through the eyes of our main character, Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), we follow the journey of seven men in World War II. These soldiers, tasked with the mission of bringing back Private Ryan—a man whose three brothers died in the war—go through a series of challenges as they attempt to navigate through enemy lines to find Ryan. Dealing with loss and constant warfare along the way, our main characters experience the true brutality of war while continuing their pursuit across the cold terrain of World War II Germany.

Understanding PTSD: The Invisible Wounds of War

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor-related disorder, as classified by the DSM-5, which is triggered by traumatic event(s) (the stressor). These traumatic experiences become recurring disruptive thoughts in the victim's brain, often prompting symptoms such as flashbacks and other physiological reactions that occur as a response to fear of similar events recurring. Furthermore, people with PTSD experience negative alterations in cognition and changes in their arousal and reactivity, such as failing to remember aspects of the traumatic event or disruption in sleep patterns, respectively.

PTSD, however, is a relatively common mental disorder, as around 6.8% of the United States population experiences PTSD in some form throughout their lifetime (Kessler, Berglund, Demler, et al., 2005). This number is significantly higher in the military, however, as a larger proportion of military personnel experience traumatic events. For example, studies have estimated that for veterans deployed to Iraq, the rate of PTSD prevalence is 12.9% (Hines et al., 2014). The same study also found that the rates of PTSD for veterans deployed to Afghanistan were 7.1%.

The Historical Context of Combat Trauma

Although the high rate of PTSD among veterans is alarming, PTSD has barely been discussed throughout history, often not being taken seriously or glossed over. It wasn't until 1980 that the phrase "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" was even acknowledged as a valid mental disorder. Prior to that, terms such as "combat fatigue" (which, by the way, was also noted as the single largest loss of manpower during World War II) were used to describe the illness.

Yet, even after its official adoption and recognition as a mental disorder, not much was known about the illness. Similar to many other mental disorders at the time, PTSD was heavily stigmatized. It was a taboo topic that never truly got any public attention or found its way into mass media, all while continuing to affect a large portion of the United States population.

"The greatest casualty is being forgotten." - This powerful quote reminds us that the psychological wounds of war often remain invisible and untreated long after the physical battles have ended.

Saving Private Ryan's Portrayal of PTSD

The portrayal of PTSD in Saving Private Ryan occurs mainly through the film's protagonist, Captain John Miller. Miller, a seasoned war veteran who leads the mission to rescue Private Ryan, has a left hand that constantly shakes. The shaking of his hands is consistently brought to light throughout the film, as even his crew members take notice of it, unsure of what to make of it. Furthermore, during the final battle, we see Miller freeze among the chaos as the film slowly moves into a slow-motion effect that mirrors what Miller experiences.

While subtle, it is clear that Spielberg, who suffers from PTSD himself, wanted to capture the plight of those with the disorder. Miller is, by all means, a knowledgeable captain. He is well-versed in strategies and has the necessary experience to carry out a mission as difficult as this, yet he still freezes in crucial moments due to PTSD symptoms triggering. Through Miller's inability to function, Spielberg highlights that even the most experienced war veterans can be affected by PTSD, causing them great difficulties in the battlefield.

The Symbolism of Miller's Teaching Background

Throughout the film, we learn that Captain Miller was a schoolteacher before the war—a profession associated with nurturing, education, and civilian normalcy. This backstory serves as a powerful contrast to his current role as a soldier, emphasizing how war transforms individuals. The revelation of his civilian identity humanizes Miller and underscores the psychological toll of being forced into a role that contradicts one's fundamental nature.

Miller's reluctance to reveal his pre-war identity also reflects a common PTSD symptom: the feeling of being disconnected from one's former self. Many veterans struggle with identity fragmentation, feeling like they can never return to who they were before their traumatic experiences.

How Saving Private Ryan Created Awareness

Saving Private Ryan, released in 1998, was one of the first movies to create conversation about PTSD and its effects. The movie's notoriously gruesome depictions of war, especially in its 17-minute opening sequence portraying the D-Day invasion, showed just how horrifying war truly is. These scenes were so brutal that veterans around the country had to walk out of the movie as their PTSD was often triggered. This occurrence, which was incredibly rare, sparked national interest.

News sources across the country began to follow these reports, bringing attention to the "bizarre" actions of veterans (as people thought at the time). However, as more and more news outlets began covering these occurrences, it became clear that there was an underlying issue that caused veterans across the country to leave their seats in horror. Thus, PTSD began to be less stigmatized as open conversations about the disorder finally began to take place. The plight of veterans after war began to be more and more understood as the movie continued to skyrocket to box office success.

The Ripple Effect in Mental Health Awareness

The film's impact extended beyond just raising awareness about PTSD. It opened discussions about:

• Survivor's Guilt: The psychological burden felt by those who survive when others don't
• Moral Injury: The damage done to one's conscience or moral compass by witnessing or participating in acts that violate personal moral beliefs
• Secondary Trauma: How family members and loved ones are also affected by a veteran's PTSD
• The Importance of Brotherhood: How unit cohesion and camaraderie can serve as both protective factors and sources of additional grief

The Psychological Accuracy of the Film

Mental health professionals have praised Saving Private Ryan for its realistic portrayal of combat stress reactions. The film accurately depicts several key aspects of trauma response:

The Power of Cinematography in Depicting Trauma

Spielberg's use of cinematographic techniques to represent Miller's psychological state is masterful. The handheld camera work during battle scenes creates a sense of disorientation and chaos that mirrors the confusion experienced during dissociative episodes. The muffled audio effects when Miller becomes overwhelmed represent how trauma can literally change one's perception of reality.

The famous scene where Miller's hand shakes while trying to light a cigarette is filmed in close-up, forcing the audience to confront the physical manifestation of psychological trauma. This intimate portrayal helps viewers understand that PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a natural response to unnatural circumstances.

Modern Implications and Treatment

Today, we have a much better understanding of PTSD and various treatment options available for veterans. These include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps process traumatic memories
• Exposure Therapy: Gradually exposes individuals to trauma-related stimuli in a safe environment
• Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms
• Group Therapy: Provides peer support and shared understanding

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact

While the movie is often critiqued for its intense violence, it's important to understand that it is this very violence that made the true horror of war understandable to a larger audience. The gruesomeness and brutal nature of the film make it easier for civilians to understand why war can be so traumatizing and why PTSD is so common among war veterans. If Spielberg was trying to bring more awareness about PTSD through this movie, his mission was undoubtedly a success.

Especially since so many activities we regularly partake in, like fireworks or watching war movies (like Saving Private Ryan), can be so triggering to veterans, it is important to be mindful around those you know may have PTSD. PTSD is still extremely prevalent today, and it's important we take the necessary steps to bring more awareness to this mental illness.

"The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission." - John F. Kennedy. Today, we must add that the true cost includes not just the lives lost in battle, but the ongoing struggle of those who return home carrying invisible wounds.

Saving Private Ryan serves as a powerful reminder that while we must honor those who gave their lives in service, we must also remember to support and understand those who carry the psychological scars of war. The film's legacy lies not just in its cinematic achievement, but in its contribution to destigmatizing mental health struggles among veterans.

As we continue to advance our understanding of trauma and its treatment, films like Saving Private Ryan remain important cultural touchstones that help bridge the gap between military and civilian experiences. They remind us that behind every uniform is a human being whose psychological well-being deserves our attention, understanding, and support.