10 Best Movies about Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a human psychiatric illness characterized by episodes of depression and mental distress, often accompanied by rapid mood swings. The fast-paced nature of modern life is a contributing factor to its occurrence, even affecting artists.
Moviemakers have explored the stories of characters grappling with this condition, which is less severe than schizophrenia. Here are ten movies from various genres that tell the story of bipolar disorder!
1. Mad Love
Released in 1995, this movie follows the journey of two teenagers, Matt and Casey, as they start an unexpected adventure to escape the problems and pressures of life.
Although their love affair seems normal at first, it is later revealed that Casey (Drew Barrymore) struggles with bipolar disorder. Matt (Chris O'Donnell) earnestly tries to support and help Casey during her difficult times. However, Casey's mental health worsens to the point that she talks about thoughts of ending her own life.
Mad Love explore the passionate relationship between two young lovers that unravels under the weight of one partner's struggle with mental health disorders.
2. Silver Linings Playbook
Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of Pat (Bradley Cooper), a man trying to rebuild his life after undergoing treatment in a mental hospital for bipolar disorder.
While trying to win back his wife's love, Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a widow who is also facing her own psychological problems. The two find common ground in their imperfections and together they try to find the "silver lining" in their challenging lives.
In this movie directed by David O. Russel, you will witness a realistic and empathetic portrayal of how individuals with mental illness struggle to find balance and happiness in their lives.
3. The Hours
Released in 2002, The Hours is a movie adaptation of Michael Cunningham's novel of the same name. The film's narrative spans three different time periods, featuring three female characters who are connected by Virginia Woolf's (Nicole Kidman) novel, "Mrs. Dalloway".
Virginia Woolf, a famous novelist, grapples with depression and bipolar disorder while struggling to complete her literary masterpiece amidst her mental health issues. Another storyline follows Laura Brown (Julianne Moore), a 1950s housewife who reads "Mrs. Dalloway" and feels dissatisfied with her own life.
The third story centers on Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep), a woman living in New York in the early 2000s, nicknamed "Mrs. Dalloway" by her friends. The three stories are interconnected and tell the story of how each character struggles to find self-identity and overcome mental illness despite being separated by time and generations.
4. Boy Interrupted
This documentary gives perspective of the struggles faced by Evan Perry, a young boy suffering from bipolar disorder, who tragically committed suicide at the age of 15. The moviemakers behind "Boy Interrupted" are none other than Evan's own parents, Dana and Hart Perry.
Released in 2009, the movie consists of various interviews and family footage that painfully depicts the deep impact of a child who grapples with bipolar disorder, a burden that is deeply felt by his family.
As you dive into the movie, you will witness Evan's life journey, from childhood to the beginning of crippling fear and anxiety. Evan's struggle with bipolar disorder required a series of treatments, however, tragically, his struggle reached a heartbreaking end when he committed suicide by jumping from his bedroom window.
5. Sylvia
Sylvia Plath (Gwyneth Paltrow) was a very talented American poet. Her path crossed with Ted Hughes (Daniel Craig), an equally talented poet. In 1956, the two married and moved to Massachusetts, and seemed to have a happy journey together, including the birth of their two children.
Unfortunately, Sylvia's marital bliss was short-lived. She discovered Ted's affair with Assia, a woman who rented their apartment. Afterwards, it was discovered that Sylvia was struggling with a mental health disorder characterized by depression and bipolar disorder.
Sylvia is not someone who gives up easily. She tried various ways to deal with her mental health challenges. However, due to a lack of support from those closest to her, Sylvia felt unable to manage her condition independently, and this issue greatly affected her work.
When Ted visited Sylvia, the two made love. However, the moment Ted told her that he could not leave Assia who was pregnant, Sylvia committed suicide by inhaling gas from the oven.
6. Infinitely Polar Bear
Directed by Maya Forbes, the movie is about Cameron (Mark Ruffalo), a father who struggles with bipolar disorder. He makes the decision to take care of his two daughters while his wife, Maggie (Zoe Saldana), pursues a career to provide a better life for their family. Struggling to regain his mental health, Cameron strives to be a devoted father, navigating the challenges of parenting.
Released in 2014, the movie offers the perspective that bipolar disorder does not always lead to tragedy. It emphasizes the idea that family love can be a source of resilience through hardship. Additionally, the movie also emphasizes the important role of family support and loved ones for individuals experiencing mental health disorders.
7. Michael Clayton
While this movie doesn't focus on bipolar disorder, it does introduce us to its main character, Michael Clayton (George Clooney), who plays a "fixer" at a law firm owned by his friend, Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson), who struggles with bipolar disorder.
As Arthur's mental state deteriorates, largely due to his decision to stop his medication, Clayton becomes the key in uncovering an illegal conspiracy involving a major agrochemical company.
In this movie, we witness how bipolar disorder can impact someone in a high-pressure profession like law. Arthur's choice to stop his medication leads to bizarre behavior. In fact, Arthur reveals secrets and makes controversial public actions that could put himself in danger.
8. The Informant!
Mark Whitacre, a corporate executive, makes the choice to collaborate with the FBI in uncovering a price-fixing scandal involving global agribusiness giant, Archer Daniels Midland.
Whitacre's bipolar disorder presents unique challenges in this scenario. At times, it forces him to report corrupt individuals within his company to the FBI, but at others, he seeks to exploit his position for personal gain.
The consequences of his bipolar disorder and self-serving actions eventually lead to Whitacre's prosecution and placement in rehab.
9. Mr. Jones
In this 1993 film, Richard Gere plays the eponymous character, Mr. Jones, a charismatic, high-energy individual with an uncanny ability to charm those around him. However, behind his uniqueness lies a revelation - Mr. Jones struggles with bipolar disorder.
His mental health condition threatens to derail his life, but luck intervenes when he meets Dr. Elizabeth Bowen (Lena Olin), a compassionate psychiatrist. Elizabeth is instrumental in helping Mr. Jones overcome his bipolar disorder.
Throughout the movie, audiences are treated to insights into the complexities of bipolar disorder and its impact on the interpersonal relationships of sufferers. The dynamic between Mr. Jones and Dr. Elizabeth goes beyond the traditional relationship between patient and doctor, evolving into a complicated and emotionally love story.
10. Of Two Minds
If you're looking for a movie that explores bipolar disorder, "Of Two Minds" is a great choice. The film centers on two sisters, Billie and Elizabeth, who live together after the death of their mother.
Billie and Elizabeth's relationship is complicated by nature, and it becomes even more complex due to Elizabeth's struggle with bipolar disorder. At one point, Elizabeth's condition puts a strain on Billie's family life, making Billie realize that she is not prepared to handle Elizabeth's illness. Now, Billie is faced with two difficult choices: keep helping her sister, or put her family first.
"Of Two Minds" presents a moving exploration of the deep impact of bipolar illness on family relationships. The movie underlines the important role that family can play as a support system in overcoming mental health challenges.
In summary, this is a selection of movies that shed light on bipolar disorder, offering insight into the experiences of those affected by this condition and the role that friends and family can play.
Bipolar disorder can be treated through psychiatric therapy to relieve depressive episodes, with sedatives often helpful in the early stages. However, the key lies in the care, attention and compassion provided by loved ones and close friends.