ABSTRACT
Before we can try to understand the function of sadness, grief and depression in the process of self-discovery we first of all need to understand the internal and external reasons why humans would persist in a behaviour which is causing stress without a pay off. The film Magnolia, is a long but beautiful cinematic work consisting of the winding narratives of loosely connected people, all carrying painful emotional issues. It offers hope towards the end of the film as the characters start to confront the issues which have hitherto sent them in the wrong direction, and caused suffering, not only in themselves but in others. In this chapter we will explore how depression could help us to ‘wise up' in this way. 1
