Films about brain damage explore the impact of various forms of brain injuries on individuals and their loved ones. These films often delve into the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by those affected by brain damage, as well as the resilience and strength they demonstrate in coping with their conditions.
“Awakenings”, 1990
Director: Penny Marshall
Based on a true story, this film follows a doctor (played by Robin Williams) who discovers a drug that temporarily awakens patients who have been in a catatonic state for years due to encephalitis lethargica.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, Julie Kavner, Penelope Ann Miller, Max von Sydow, Bradley Whitford, Peter Stormare, Ruth Nelson, Alice Drummond;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Awakenings” on the website imdb.com
“Memento”, 2000
Director: Christopher Nolan
Directed by Christopher Nolan, this neo-noir psychological thriller follows a man with short-term memory loss who is trying to solve the mystery of his wife's murder.
Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior, Russ Fega, Jorja Fox, Stephen Tobolowsky, Harriet Sansom Harris, Thomas Lennon, Callum Keith Rennie;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: thriller, detective, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
“Still Alice”, 2014
Director: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland
Julianne Moore stars in this drama about a linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease and struggles to maintain her sense of self as the disease progresses.
Starring: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth, Shane McRae, Hunter Parrish, Seth Gilliam, Stephen Kunken, Erin Darke, Daniel Gerroll;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Still Alice” on the website imdb.com
“Concussion”, 2015
Director: Peter Landesman
Based on a true story, this sports drama follows a forensic pathologist (played by Will Smith) who discovers the link between football-related head trauma and degenerative brain diseases.
Starring: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard, Mike O'Malley, Eddie Marsan, Hill Harper, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Concussion” on the website imdb.com
“Brain on Fire”, 2016
Director: Gerard Barrett
This biographical drama follows a young woman who suddenly starts experiencing seizures, hallucinations, and erratic behavior due to a rare autoimmune disease affecting her brain.
Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Thomas Mann, Richard Armitage, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jenny Slate, Tyler Perry, Alex Zahara, Jenn MacLean-Angus, Ken Tremblett, Navid Negahban;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Brain on Fire” on the website imdb.com
These films offer poignant and thought-provoking insights into the challenges and complexities of living with brain damage, highlighting the resilience and humanity of individuals facing such conditions.
In conclusion, films that explore the theme of brain damage offer a poignant and thought-provoking examination of the human experience. From heart-wrenching dramas that depict the struggles of individuals coping with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury to mind-bending thrillers that delve into the complexities of memory loss and identity, these movies challenge viewers to contemplate the fragility of the human mind and the resilience of the human spirit. Through powerful storytelling and compelling performances, these films not only entertain audiences but also inspire empathy and understanding for those facing the challenges of living with brain damage.
