Spoiler alert: this article discusses the plot of a movie.
Girl, Interrupted – one of the earliest depictions of mental health in film back in 1999 – is an American psychological drama film directed by James Mangold and starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy, and the phenomenal Whoopi Goldberg! Not only did this film bring awareness to the conversation of mental health in the late 90s, but the characters were portrayed accurately while maintaining an intriguing storyline.
The Plot
Girl, Interrupted revolves around the experience of young Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder) in a mental institution after a traumatic incident and her journey alongside people struggling with their mental health. Throughout the movie, Susanna is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and although she fights it at first, she learns to live with it and appreciates that it is a part of who she is with the will to push through and get help after declining the offer her boyfriend made to help her escape from the institution.
Throughout the film, we see friendships being made, awareness being brought to several mental health disorders, and stigma being fought – especially when Lisa Rowe (Angelina Jolie) causes a scene in the ice cream parlor after receiving judgment from a former family friend of Kaysen’s! From the amazing acting skills from the likes of Ryder, Goldberg, and more to the prominent and award-winning performances of Jolie, Girl, Interrupted is a must-see!
Mental Health and Girl, Interrupted
Girl, Interrupted is one of the oldest and most prominent films revolving around the topic of mental health in cinematic history. Not only is this film appreciated for the phenomenal acting and portrayal of mental disorders, but also for bringing attention to disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, that are rarely discussed in the mental health realm even to this day.
It is to be noted that, although this film depicts severe mental health disorders, not all people who are diagnosed with the ones discussed experience the same symptoms and not all patients are suicidal. If you – or someone you know – are experiencing difficulties with your mental health or are having suicidal thoughts, it is advised to seek help from a licensed professional.