Here are some of my favorite films about being human and the nature of our mental existence.
Inside Out
Inside Out (2015) is an animated movie about a young girl named Riley and her personified emotions–Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. In the movie, Riley and her family move from the Midwest to San Francisco and her emotions butt heads about the best way to navigate the situation.
A Beautiful Mind
A Beautiful Mind (2001) is a biographical drama based on the true story of American Nobel Prize winner John Nash, a mathematical genius who also struggled with schizophrenia. Portrayed by Russell Crowe, A Beautiful Mind gives a glimpse into the inner workings of Nash, including his delusions and paranoia, as a result of his mental illness.
A Beautiful Mind was the winner of four Academy Awards, including for Best Picture.
Girl, Interrupted
Set in the 1960s, Girl, Interrupted is based on the memoir of the same name by Susana Kaysen. After Susana (Winona Ryder) attempts suicide, she is hospitalized with a borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis.
While in the hospital, Susana meets and becomes friends with another BPD patient, Lisa Rowe (Angelina Jolie), someone who gives in to the impulsiveness and recklessness of the disorder and doesn’t seem to want to get better. Eventually, Susana must determine if she wants to try to save her life or give in to her illness like Rowe.
Silver Linings Playbook
In Silver Linings Playbook (2012), former teacher Pat Solitano Pat has just been released from a psychiatric institution and moves back in with his parents as he tries to get back on his feet. Recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Pat wants to reconcile with his ex-wife Nikki whom he separated with after going to the hospital.
The movie is a touching, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking look at the impact of mental illness on individuals as well as their families and how it takes the right people around you to get better.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is a coming-of-age story based on the popular novel by Stephen Chbosky.
15-year-old Charlie (Logan Lerman) is starting his freshman year of high school. Shy and introverted, he’s unsure about his new life as a high school student. However, when he befriends seniors Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), he is able to find his bearings, confront his past, and cope with his best friend’s suicide from the previous year.
It’s Kind Of A Funny Story
It’s Kind Of A Funny Story (2010) follows the story of Craig (Keir Gilchrist), a teenager struggling with depression and suicidal ideation. Craig checks himself into a psychiatric facility as a result. However, the adolescent wing is closed, so Craig must stay in the adult program for five days. There, he meets several other patients including Bobby (Zach Galifianakis), Noelle (Emma Roberts), and more.
