Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition that is often misunderstood. It is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities within a single individual, each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. DID is frequently linked to early trauma and is a topic of fascination in both psychology and popular culture. Films about DID attempt to explore and represent this complex condition, often delving into the challenges faced by those who live with it and the mysteries surrounding their experiences.
“Sybil”, 2006
Director: Joseph Sargent
This film, based on the book by Flora Rheta Schreiber, tells the true story of Shirley Ardell Mason, who is diagnosed with DID. Through therapy sessions with Dr. Cornelia B. Wilbur, Sybil, portrayed by Sally Field, navigates the difficult process of merging her multiple selves, resulting from severe childhood trauma.
Starring: Jessica Lange, Tammy Blanchard, Ron White, JoBeth Williams, Alison Murray, Fab Filippo, Brian Downey, Brianna MacDonald, Joey Campbell, David Patrick Flemming;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
“Fight Club”, 1999
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher and based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, “Fight Club” cleverly explores themes of identity, consumerism, and self-destruction. The narrator, played by Edward Norton, suffers from insomnia and dissatisfaction with his life, leading him to create an alter-ego, Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt), who embodies all the qualities he feels he lacks. The plot takes a dark turn as the boundaries between these two personalities blur.
Starring: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Holt McCallany, Jared Leto, Eion Bailey, Richmond Arquette, David Andrews;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,8;
“Identity”, 2003
Director: James Mangold
A thriller directed by James Mangold, where ten strangers find themselves cut off from the world and stranded at a remote motel during a torrential rainstorm. As they start being killed off one by one, they realize that the murders are linked to their own hidden pasts. The twist ending reveals the true nature of their connection, relating back to DID.
Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C. McGinley, William Lee Scott, Jake Busey, Pruitt Taylor Vince;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: thriller, detective;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Identity” on the website imdb.com
“Split”, 2017
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, it tells the story of Kevin Wendell Crumb, played by James McAvoy, who has 23 different personalities. He kidnaps three teenage girls, who must find some of the kinder personalities within Kevin to escape before the emergence of a feared 24th personality known as “The Beast.”
Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, Izzie Coffey, Brad William Henke, Sebastian Arcelus, Neal Huff, Ukee Washington;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, horror;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Split” on the website imdb.com
“United States of Tara”, 2009
Director: Craig Zisk, Craig Gillespie, Jamie Babbit, Tricia Brock
Although not a film but a notable television series, it deserves mention for its portrayal of DID. Toni Collette stars as Tara Gregson, a wife and mother who navigates her life while dealing with her multiple identities. The show delves into how her condition affects her family and explores the background trauma that led to her DID.
Starring: Toni Collette, John Corbett, Rosemarie DeWitt, Keir Gilchrist, Brie Larson, Patton Oswalt, Michael J. Willett, Fritz Gordon, Nate Corddry, Matthew Del Negro;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “United States of Tara” on the website imdb.com
These films and series, while varying in their approach and accuracy in the portrayal of DID, contribute to a larger conversation about mental health, trauma, and the human psyche, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder.
In conclusion, films about didactic themes – those that educate or impart moral or intellectual instruction – serve a pivotal role in cinema, traversing the boundaries of mere entertainment to become invaluable tools for enlightenment and societal introspection. Whether tackling issues of moral quandaries, historical injustices, personal growth, or educational achievements, these films captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and thought-provoking content. They not only entertain but also challenge viewers to reflect, question, and, potentially, act. By weaving together the artistry of cinema with the potency of education, films about didactic themes underscore the medium's power to influence, inspire, and inform, making them an essential facet of both the cinematic landscape and broader cultural discourse.
