Page 66 - Middle Georgia State University - Knighted 2019

cognitive paradigm, individuals with mental afflictions are not hopeless. They are in fact,
malleable and able to change. While this view is romantic and hopeful and is often portrayed in
films and novels, it may not be congruent with the reality for all individuals suffering from this
and other mental disorders (55). In the case of Melvin Udall, however, hope is not lost. During a
conversation with his new art model about observing people, Simon mentions that when a
change is noticed in someone, “You see they’re realer and more alive. If you look at someone
long enough, you discover their humanity” (21:28). This foreshadowing offers hope to the
audience that Udall’s humanity will be seen.

There are two pertinent scenes that precede Udall’s shift. The first is the confrontation by
Frank, Simon’s art dealer, where he admonishes Udall for his behavior and tells him that he will
make it up to Simon. The second scenario occurs in the restaurant when Udall makes an
insensitive comment to the server, Carol Connelly, about her son dying soon: “Well, we’re all
gonna die soon....You will, I will, and it sure sounds like your son will” (13:53). Connelly asserts
her position by telling him, “If you ever mention my son again, you will never be able to eat here
again. Do you understand?” (14:21). Udall is left dumbfounded by these interactions, for people
do not usually stand up to him out of fear. Perhaps for the first time in his life, his routine is
threatened, and he realizes there may be consequences for his actions.

A surprising relationship begins to emerge when Udall is forced to take care of Verdell
while Simon is hospitalized. Reluctant to engage with the dog at first, Udall knows that he must
at least feed him. When Verdell will not eat, Udall ironically says to him, “Where’s the trust?”
(29:58). Udall then begins to serenade the pup by singing “Always look at the bright side of your
life” in hopes of gaining the dog’s trust and making him comfortable enough to eat (30:25). This
irony further foreshadows a change in how Udall will view and live his life. Later, when he is

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