Movie Family Therapy: PADDINGTON

How do different personality types work well together?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are doing movie family therapy for the Brown family in Paddington. They’re taking a look at the family dynamics and how different personalities fit into the Brown family unit. Jonathan dives into the personality types for each family member, and Alan explains how the filmmaking makes you feel so warm and fuzzy. And Jonathan can’t wait to watch Paddington 2!

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Cinema Therapy is:
Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker, and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright, Alan Seawright, and Corinne Demyanovich
Edited by: David Sant
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis

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Music ID: 34GKRMWXUMAJJMBP

[trinaq]

Fun Fact: The man who raises his glass to Paddington during the taxi ride montage was Michael Bond, the writer of the original novels, who sadly passed away before the release of the second film. Also, loved the joke of Mr Brown chiding the taxi driver for taking them an unnecessarily long route, just to show off all the London landmarks, even the ones that aren't beside each other.

[hikaru_]

I love how sincere the Paddington films are. In a world where everyone tries to be the "smart guy" who subvert expectations, poke fun at or say how dumb this and that trope are, it's refreshing to see a film play its cards straight, with so much heart. I think films like that are needed more than ever nowadays, for both kids and grown ups. They're seriously some of my favourite films in the past 10 or so years. Can't wait to see the third one.

[Fran__II]

I've always loved how Paddington isn't toxicly positive nor too childlike. He's curiously optimistic and never preaches. Most of the emotional lessons he teaches others are almost a by-product of Paddington being his authentic self. Each of the Paddington films feels like they were made with the same love, care and artistry that Micheal Bond gave to him all those years ago. And it's funny how each member of the Brown family and their neighbors all learn from Paddington much the same way as anyone in the audience learns from him. Paddington makes you want to be kinder and more inquisitive simply because it's a wonderful thing. I hope this trilogy is studied in film and media courses for years to come.

[trinaq]

I've heard this movie described as a "Warm Bear Hug", and it's totally true. The entire family can enjoy the misadventures of a talking bear, and love the wholesome bond he shares with the family, who have all very unique, memorable personalities.

[sylvirgiomanach]

I love the use of lighting in this movie. It's usually so warm and cozy, but the kitchen scene with the letter is cold. You can *feel* the loss of Paddington's warmth in that scene and many of the scenes after until they're together again, with little hints of it here and there when they start working together.

[YamiTasher]

Fun Fact! In the scene where Paddington accidentally floods the place, some of the books on the kitchen table were bought from my fathers tiny little ebay business. He buys and restores antiquarian books that he sells on but he does also sell lots of other books in general. And I still remember being so excited when the studio reached out and wanted to 'borrow' the books as props. They purchased the books with the intent of giving them back to us after filming had concluded lol and told us what movie they were going to be in! And then, months later, we got another email telling us they were very sorry but our books got absolutely destroyed in the scene and they paid us a little compensation as an apology! It was so cool and I'll never forget it. My whole family watched Paddington and my dad and I laughed at the scene, pointing out our books on the table.

[aechmaydostuff]

The first Paddington? Pretty cute, pretty fun.
Paddington 2? A CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE

[nancy.padawan]

My husband and I say, "I'm doing my looking away face" because of this movie. My whole family (my husband and I and our 4-year-old) love this move.

[oldgerontius]

Hot take disclaimer, the scene with the family reacting to the letter when Paddington left.

I thought that Johnathon’s reaction was spot on for being a dreamer. (1) He confronts and rejects his dad’s viewpoint outright because, for the first time, not only has someone supported all his dreams; Paddington also shared in them and helped make them real. His dad saying that can’t happen anymore, and insisting that it’s a good thing, caused the snap.

(2) He leaves the room first. Where does he go? Back to his room, the same place where the dreams have always been strongest. He retreats back within his safe shell and rejects any reality that threatens his dreams.

If you guys read this far, as a British viewer, how the hell are you gunna be doing Paddington while ignoring the entire Aardman universe. Please watch Chicken Run, especially with kids.

[MysterySteve]

Okay, that's it. I don't think I could possibly have another specific hope for a movie to be covered on this show. Maybe other than Paddington 2. Love yall

[iPeace]

At 13:08 when Paddington is talking about the quirks he likes about the Brown’s, it reminds me of Amélie where she lists the likes and dislikes of the folks around her. And there’s a whimsy and kindness to this movie that is shared with Amélie as well. Paddington 2 is SO rightfully raved over, but I always really really encourage people to watch this first movie too. It has so much personality! It’s as if the picture books came to life!! Do not sleep on Paddington (2014)!!

[oliviamackenzie]

Moment of appreciation for Simon Farnaby who cowrote these films and enhanced almost every British Gen Z's childhood. Also Hugh Bonneville was not in titanic Alan you're thinking of Downton Abbey.

[beverlyweber]

LOVE the phrase "Unconditional Positive Regard".
That was my husband as he was described by numerous people when he passed a few years ago. You never hear this phrase. Very rare. And it's PERFECT for Paddington and others with that non-judgemental 'take people from where they are and assume the best" attitude. Excellent analysis!

[jennieorlando]

It's wholesome AND funny! I especially love the cutaway gag where Mr and Mrs Brown ride into the hospital on a motorcycle and leave in an SUV with baby Judy.

[battery]

As a child, we always had big family movie nights, but as I grew up, we started going to the cinema together less and less. I remember Paddington was one of the last films we all went to go see together and we all loved. (kinda helped our family also fit the dynamics of the family in the film)

[RC_]

This movie is 4 or 5 or 10 times better than I ever expected it to be. An absolutely beautiful film.

[petrastedman]

I've heard the warm bear hug comparison, or called a soft fluffy film.
I think these movies are a marmalade sandwich on freshly baked (and slightly toasted) bread. Not for everyday, but a great, satisfying, just sweet enough treat that hits the spot.

[katemiller]

I’ve already booked my ticket to see Paddington in Peru tomorrow. My mam and I love the Paddington movies and no matter who you talk to in the UK, adult or child, nearly everyone I spoke to loves these movies. ❤

[mikimakotini]

I cannot begin to describe how happy I got once I saw you guys covering Paddington. We need a Paddington 2 episode next!!

[wrestlingwithlife]

Attempt #(25) of asking for Spirit : Stallion of the Cimarron!! Was my absolute childhood movie growing up and the filmmaking is so beautiful with amazing scores and concepts of loss and staying true to once nature even in the face of adversity!