... We see, in many cases throughout the movie, Melvin projecting his feelings of inadequacy onto other people. He does this by insulting them with racial remarks, sexual remarks, and general slander. Empirical evidence has shown that many people will at times project unfavourable traits onto others that they deny within themselves (Pervin & John, 2001: 86). In one example, Melvin says to another character "I'm not a prick, you are, but I'm not". This is a clear indication of Melvin projecting his inadequate feelings of himself onto others. Melvin denies that he needs attention and company from others. We see this in his relationship with Verdel, his neighbour's dog. When Melvin has to return the dog to Simon he utilises the mechanism of denial to repress the anxiety created by the loss of company. Once Melvin has returned the dog he begins to play the piano and sings a song ...

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