Reel Mediation: A Dispute Resolution Journey Through Film

Some might concede that the seminal legal drama 12 Angry Men might have something to teach us about conflict resolution. Might the same be said, though, of Danny DeVito’s 1989 black comedy, The War of the Roses? What could Clint Eastwood’s 2008 drama, Gran Torino, teach us about mediating disputes?

In this exciting and original work of nonfiction, veteran mediator Helen Lightstone takes these and other questions seriously, asking what movies might offer as teaching tools when it comes to alternative dispute resolution.

Designed with students of Lightstone Academy for Conflict Resolution’s advanced mediation course, “The Quintessentials,” in mind, this book is broken down into five major chapters-each of which relies on a film or set of films to explore a major area of dispute resolution.

First, 12 Angry Men will introduce you to basic concepts, before the historical drama The Tenth Man provides a more complex look at processes of negotiation. The period piece Woman in Gold takes you through the arbitration process, and the documentary Music From the Big House and thriller Colonia review process design in more depth. War of the Roses offers a thorough look at advanced mediation and finally, Gran Torino examines conflict resolution across cultural difference.

Overall, this groundbreaking work is perfect for anyone interested in all forms of alternative dispute resolution-especially those looking to build on their pre-existing knowledge through practical and entertaining examples drawn from popular films.