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Mental Health Representation in Cinema: Bipolar Disorder

Mental illness on the whole was often not discussed in cinema except in cases where a mental disorder could be used to add drama and/or conflict. In those cases where mental illness is discussed, especially in early cinema (i.e. Psycho), it is typically the ‘villain’ who is suffering and acts violently reaffirming negative stereotypes of mental disorders like BPD and DID which continues the stigmatization to the public and discourages those who do have illnesses from seeking help for fear of Nurse Ratchets and public shame. As the decades have gone by, cinema has progressed from their taboo roots on mental disorders, however, representation remains largely inaccurate and is continually used for the wrong reasons. Films like The Visit (2015) perpetuate the idea that those with mental illnesses are dangerous and crazy simply for the sake of being crazy.


Though there are many mental illnesses that receive poor representation, bipolar disorder remains a popular one to depict. Before we review who got it right and who didn’t, let’s briefly discuss what is bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, previously known as ‘manic depression,’ is, as stated by the NHS, a mood disorder which causes extreme mood swings from one extreme to the other, typically a switch from depression to mania, with each mood lasting for several weeks. Not to be confused with borderline personality disorder (BPD) which is a personality disorder with mood swings lasting for a much shorter period of time caused by environmental stressors instead of internal ones. According to the World Health Organization, around 45 million people have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder worldwide. That means when a film reaffirms the negative stereotypes already associated with this disorder, 45 million people suffer. Though several films have been made with the intention of starting a positive conversation around this subject, many have had the opposite effect and created even more stigma. Let us examine those who have tried (and failed) to present an accurate representation:


1. Misery (Reiner, 1990)

This film, directed by Rob Reiner, was based off the 1987 novel from Stephen King in which a crazed fan, Annie Wilkes, holds her favorite writer hostage as she suffers a psychotic break from bipolar disorder. King has stated that this work sprung from his own demons and is not related to any true story, however, in an interview, Reiner stated the character of Annie was based loosely off of Genene Jones. Jones was a prolific serial killer in the early 80s who has never been officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If anything the main speculation over the years was that she may have BPD, but nothing has ever come of it. This is a prime example of bipolar disorder being slapped onto a ‘crazed’ character and used as the reason for her insane actions. This perpetuates the idea that those who suffer from this disorder are dangerous and not to be trusted. When in actuality, majority of bipolar people do not experience psychosis and when they do it happens gradually overtime, usually with other underlying factors such as drug and alcohol addiction or other such stressors.


2. Silver Linings Playbook ( Russell, 2012)

Silver Linings Playbook follows one man after he is released from a mental institution and attempts to win back his wife before meeting a new love interest (Jennifer Lawrence) and journeying with her to discover himself. There are several mishaps this film displays in its attempt to have a bipolar protagonist, Pat, played by Bradley Cooper. The one most concerning is that of Dr. Patel, Pat’s doctor after he’s released from the mental hospital just being diagnosed with bipolar. The way Pat’s doctor is portrayed and his actions throughout the course of the film are highly problematic and are likely to discourage those who may have bipolar from seeking help. Dr. Patel does not make Pat adhere to medication of any kind to treat his disorder which is concerning and irresponsible as it’s mandatory in order to prevent any drastic or permanent decisions on the patient’s part. Not only does he allow Pat to go on unchecked, he attempts several times to agitate Pat into an unstable state. This is highlighted when he plays the song Pat had his first mental break to in the waiting room, thus endangering not only Pat, but all the other patients sat in the same space. How are those who actually suffer suppose to feel safe reaching out for help when the figures seen act brashly as if their patients are little more than personal science experiments?


3. Midsommar (Aster, 2019)

Ad Aster has made several compelling films, including the aforementioned Midsommar. This film centers on a Dani, a woman who is suffering the loss of her entire family, as she journeys with her disenchanted boyfriend to Sweden unknowingly into a cult. The film itself is honestly stunning and composed in an intricate manner, however, my issue lies within the first ten minutes of the runtime. Dani’s entire family is killed by her sister, who also kills herself, by carbon monoxide poisoning. The film canonically states that her sister, Terri, suffers from bipolar disorder and this is the reason behind her murderous actions. Not only does this statement demonize the disorder, it creates apprehension towards bipolar disorder from viewers who may not know anything about it which results in increasing pressure from those who do suffer to stay quiet in order to remain safe from the judgement, and possible actions, of others. “It’s so easy to make an equivalence of violence with a mental health problem,” states a English teacher suffering with the disorder. By labeling specific characters with a mental disorder, you associate all of their actions (good or bad) with that disorder which can result in adverse consequences as seen in this film.


Despite these flaws and fumbles, I would not say you shouldn’t watch any of the films listed above. My review and reflection on these films is not too condemn them or to claim that they are, themselves, horrible films. In actuality, all of the aforementioned films are quite compelling and have well-deserved awards. The issue lies in the effect misrepresentation may have on society and that when one does discuss a mental disorder, much care and research has to be done to assure the safety and well-being for the party being showcased. While there are many films that have lacked the delicacy needed to discuss such matters, including those listed, there are a star few who have managed to portray mental disorders with grace such as Infinitely Polar Bear (2014) and The Ghost and The Whale (2016). Regardless of whatever film you end up creating or viewing, always be weary of mental illnesses being examined or used and do your due diligence and research.





Bibliography and Articles Referenced



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