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Forget private offices and therapy couches – let’s bring mental illness to the big screen.
Luckily for women in this generation, 21st century entertainment media has not shied away from the once taboo topic. While there are many movies out there that cover a wide range of psychological disorders (“Lars and the Real Girl” touches on delusional disorder; “Girl Interrupted” brushes on borderline personality disorder), here are four films that act as an introduction to the cinematic treatment of common mental illnesses.
The future looks bright for promising writer Lizzie (Christina Ricci). Yet when she heads off to Harvard, depression hits her like a tidal wave and college life turns grey. She alienates herself and drowns her failing relationships in alcohol. Even writing – once her burning passion and saving grace – becomes an impossible burden. Her struggles show how even the most put-together person can lose a love for life and crumble under the stress of major depression, the most common mood disorder today.
Pat’s (Bradley Cooper) bipolar disorder lands him in the psychiatric ward and then onto the dance floor with Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence). From his aggressive attack on his ex-wife’s lover to his excessive jogging, we see Pat in a constant state of mania. While the movie focuses on his manic episodes, we do see hints of his depression through the character’s emotional breakdowns and Ernest Hemmingway-esque freakouts. The film focuses on Pat’s journey to accept his new life without his wife and his state of mind with bipolar disorder. Yes, he can be violent, but he’s also loving, bright and dedicated.
The honest narrative follows teenager Craig (Keir Gilchrist) once he checks himself into a mental institution for anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” is actually a really tragic tale – the screenplay was based on the book by author Ned Vizzini, who struggled with mental illness and committed suicide a few years ago. Yet the film is full of quirky irony and beautiful pain as Craig begins to let go of the pressure of high school perfection. As he learns to cope with his anxious tendencies, he develops bonds with fellow inpatients Noelle (Emma Roberts) and Bobby (Zach Galifianakis).
High school is a scary place but loner Charlie (Logan Lerman) is more than terrified as his transitions into his freshman year. To deal with the fear, he begins writing to an unnamed character and finds the courage to befriend fellow outsiders Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller). Later on we learn that Charlie’s emotions are stronger than everyday teenage angst: he was molested by his late aunt and likely suffers from PTSD. After having an episode and landing in a psychiatric hospital, his new friends stick by his side – a ray of cinematic hope offered to anyone dealing with mental illness.
