So I decided to go in a little bit of different direction with this Top Ten List! I love me some good movies so here are my favorite picks that portray the many facets of mental health issues:
1) Girl Interrupted: This movie, starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, is based on the true story of Susanna Kaysen, documenting her 18 month stay in a mental institution in the 1960s. While I find this film to be incredibly stirring, some aspects of the plot can be unrealistic. Even so, this film instigates reflection and commentary on the stigma attached to mental illness within this country, particularly in the 1960s. 4 out of 5 stars.
2) Silver Linings Playbook: Do you love Jennifer Lawrence and mental health? Well then this movie is for you. The story revolves around two unlikely characters, J-Law and Bradley Cooper, who both face somewhat serious mental health issues, and come together to help reach their goals. Also there is a really hilarious dance routine, which is everything. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
3) Good Will Hunting: One of my favorite movies EVER. Robin Williams plays a psychotherapist to Matt Damon's character, who is a young undiscovered genius working as a janitor at MIT. Awesomeness ensues as Robin Williams encourages Will Hunting to live up to his true potential. This film is excellent at portraying a realistic view of a healthy therapeutic relationship. 5 out of 5 stars.
4) My Name is Bill W: This film tells the story of Bill W, founder of AA. I recommend this film for anyone who is looking to develop a better understanding of addiction and the purpose and success of AA. The film making and acting seems sub par at times, but it gets the point across and can be therapeutic for those struggling with addiction and their loved ones. 3 out of 5 stars.
5) A Beautiful Mind: Starring Russell Crowe, this film is based on the life of John Nash, a Nobel Laureate in Economics, who developed paranoid schizophrenia during his young adult years. This film also focuses on how mental health issues affect family dynamics and loved ones. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
6) Bully: This documentary sheds a light on harmful reality of bullying in this country, by following five adolescents across the country, and revealing the incredibly harmful effects of bullying and how it affects loved ones. This documentary also comments on institutional failings within school systems which at times allow for bullying to be perpetuated. 3 out of 5 stars.
7) Dead Poet's Society: Another gem staring Robin Williams. He plays the role of a teacher who utilizes unorthodox teaching methods at a stuffy all boys preparatory school. I know it sounds like it has nothing to do with mental health but I promise it does, I just don't want to give everything away! Basically he is the coolest teacher ever and motivates these young men in a manner they are completely unaccustomed to, which peeves off the parents, of course. 5 out of 5 stars.
8) Requiem for a Dream: This film depicts various forms of addictions within a group of interconnected people living in Brooklyn. This movie delves into the disease of addiction and touches on existential issues associated with substance abuse, such "happiness gloriously found and tragically lost." 4 out of 5 stars.
9) Radio: This story revolves around a football coach in a racially divided small town and his relationship with a young developmentally delayed man. Both characters face many challenges as tensions run high within the town because racially divided towns are the worst, am I right? 3.5 out of 5 stars.
10) The Perks of Being a Wallflower: This is another one of my all time favorite movies! (Also a book by the way) The story follows a freshman in high school who is the typically shy "wallflower," who's life is turned upside when he meets his eccentric new friends, one of which is Emma Watson might I add. As the main character Charlie discovers friendship, love, meaning, and music, he also must face a dark past which sheds light on the harmful effects of trauma related experiences. 4.5 stars out of 5.
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