[The image of people with mental illness in movies: effects on beliefs, attitudes and social distance, considering as example the movie "The white noise"].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of the movie "The White Noise" on the audience's beliefs and attitudes towards schizophrenia.

METHOD: Survey with pre-post-questionnaire to assess the knowledge about schizophrenia, stereotypical attitudes and social distance.

RESULTS: Differences between the audience's knowledge about schizophrenia and expert opinion increased. Negative stereotypes reinforced and social distance increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment- and rehabilitation opportunities and coping with the illness in everyday life as well as the important role of support by family members and friends should be more accentuated to mediate more positive attitudes.