MovieChat Forums > Edward Scissorhands (1990) Discussion > BPD

BPD

posted 4 years ago by Dainty (1960)
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After seeing this a third time I see that Edward Scissorhands, the character is a good metaphor for borderline personality disorder. Hands that destroy everything they touch. Framed, scapegoated and misunderstood.

That was perhaps not the intention of the filmmakers but that’s what it means to me. Being appreciated only when physically useful to others. Never fully accepted by a bigger group.

Edward and Kim had unconditional love for each other but they never got to experience and live for it. Dianne Wiest is exceptional in this and I think her character and Edward had the most interesting dynamic.

The film doesn’t have big flaws. There are some smaller things I wish they elaborated on. The details and cartoonish style is fun to see.

[–] moviechatterer (15787) 4 years ago

Is that some kind of metaphor for Johnn'ys current situation?

[–] Dainty (1960) 4 years ago

Please don’t think that. I do not think (you know her name) is purely or even primarily, borderline. Substance abuse and it’s long term effects, first and foremost, I would think.

I have all BPD traits and from early age I have been alienated from society, which is why I feel similar to Edward. BPD is not inherently violent. The scissorhands are a metaphor for how BPD sufferers can push people away and self destruct for fear of bliss and success. It’s hard to accept that someone you unconditionally love and desire can love someone as low and unworthy as you, back.

you = not you specifically