GUEST EDITORIAL: 7 Films That Accurately Portrayed Mental Illness

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/mMV4NU3UBY8

7 Films That Accurately Portrayed Mental Illness

by Kevin Gardner

Because there are so many people that struggle with mental health issues, it's important that films portray them accurately. While some movies stigmatize or misrepresent mental illness, here are seven films that dealt with them respectfully and insightfully.

1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Silver Linings Playbook attempted to redefine what it means to have a mental illness and remove the stigma so often associated with it. Although the main characters, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) and Pat (Bradley Cooper) seem "normal," they're actually both suffering from mental illnesses. While the movie has faced some controversy for dramatizing mental illness, others have explained that this is inevitable because it's Hollywood. Psychiatrist Steven Schlozman stated that the movie accurately depicted bipolar disorder and manic depressive illness.

2. Finding Nemo (2003)

Did you know that one of your favorite childhood movies actually features a character with ADHD? Dory, a blue tang who suffers from short-term memory loss, can't remember the names of places or fish that she meets. She's impulsive, easily distracted and has trouble following complex directions. However, this all changes when she develops a close relationship with the clownfish Marlin. If you find yourself relating to Dory's memory issues, you're not alone. Seeking ADHD treatment NYC can help you manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.

3. Rain Man (1988)

This classic movie follows two brothers, Charlie (Tom Cruise) and Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) throughout a cross-country trip that changes their lives. Charlie is an autistic savant who has amazing math skills and exceptional memory far beyond the ability of the average person. Although autism symptoms vary, Rain Man did a great job of bringing autism to the public's attention and depicting it in an accurate and positive way.

4. The Breakfast Club (1985)

While this movie may seem like a basic teen film at first glance, it actually consists of five characters each struggling in their own way. Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) attempts to commit suicide with a flare gun, John (Judd Nelson) has an abusive, alcoholic father who doesn't care for him and Andrew (Emilio Estevez) bullies others due to the emotional abuse he endured from his father. Many people can relate to The Breakfast Club due to its portrayal of individuals who seem "fine" but are actually on the brink of falling apart.

5. Good Will Hunting (1997)

If you're looking for a movie that accurately depicts depression, Good Will Hunting should be at the top of your list. Will Hunting (Matt Damon) has the IQ of a genius but instead chooses to work as a janitor at MIT. His life continues to edge towards self-destruction, including being sent to jail for hitting a cop, when he starts meeting with a psychotherapist, Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) to help him through his depression and abandonment issues. Good Will Hunting demonstrates how depression can derail one's life and, in contrast, the benefits of seeking help.

6. Inside Out (2015)

This Disney movie is the perfect film to explain the concept of depression to someone who has trouble understanding it. The main character, 11-year-old Riley, is given five emotions at birth: Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. This film explores how these five emotions fight for control of Riley as her entire life changes. Inside Out is an interpretation of the human brain and how individuals process emotions.

7. It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

This film depicts the story of teenager Craig (Keir Gilchrist), who checks himself into a mental health hospital due to depression. Because the youth ward is under construction, he ends up staying in the adult unit. Here, he meets others who take him under their wing. Craig discovers that, contrary to what he initially believed, the hospital isn't a scary place with "mad" or "insane" people. Instead, it's a safe place where struggling people are getting the help they need. It's Kind of a Funny Story depicts mental illness in an accurate way and helps to normalize mental hospitals.

Mental health can be a tricky subject to cover authentically. These seven films did a great job at depicting various mental disorders and how they affect various characters' lives.