AFSP and Other Organizations Concerned about ‘Seven Pounds’
According to the Internet Movie Database, Will Smith’s new film, Seven Pounds, is the story of Tim Thomas (Smith), who accidentally kills seven people, including his wife, in an automobile accident. Guilt ridden, Tim “intends to kill himself to atone for his sins.” But first, he sets out to find seven deserving people worthy of his organs, to be donated after his suicide. The film ends with his suicide.
Based on the description of the film and from concerns expressed by AFSP staff and volunteers who have seen it, the Foundation warns that the plot and suicide images may be offensive and disturbing, especially to those touched personally by suicide loss, attempt survivors and others affected by this issue. Surely, the film’s plot is not in line with what we know about suicide and perpetuates the concept that suicide is a viable option when life has become difficult.
AFSP, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, a coalition of other suicide prevention organizations and the Entertainment Industry Council are working with the entertainment industry to create more sensitivity and awareness about this issue. Together, a document has been developed for the entertainment industry, titled Picture This: Depression and Suicide Prevention. You can view this document by clicking here.