Films about mental health often delve into the complex nature of various psychological disorders, their impact on individuals, and the stigmatization attached to it in our society. The year 2015 saw a thoughtful catalog of films from this genre, each adding a unique perspective and understanding to mental health discourse.
“Inside Out”, 2015
Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
Pixar's animated feature is an insightful representation of human emotion. It tells the story of an 11-year-old girl dealing with depression after relocating, depicted through the personification of her five main emotions.
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paula Poundstone;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: animation, family, comedy, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Inside Out” on the website imdb.com
“Room”, 2015
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Based on Emma Donoghue's novel, Lenny Abrahamson's film Room takes a harrowing look at the psychological aftermath of enduring a kidnapping and prolonged captivity.
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Joan Allen, Tom McCamus, William H. Macy, Cas Anvar, Randal Edwards, Amanda Brugel, Joe Pingue;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“The Danish Girl”, 2015
Director: Tom Hooper
The film, directed by Tom Hooper, depicts the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery. While primarily a film about gender, it also explores the mental distress Lili experiences living as Einar and her subsequent journey towards self-acceptance.
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ben Whishaw, Amber Heard, Sebastian Koch, Emerald Fennell, Adrian Schiller, Henry Pettigrew, Tusse Silberg;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, crime, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Danish Girl” on the website imdb.com
“Infinitely Polar Bear”, 2014
Director: Maya Forbes
Directed by Maya Forbes, Infinitely Polar Bear is a semi-autobiographical story about a bipolar father, marked by manic episodes. The film shines a bright light on the impact of mental health on family dynamics.
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldana, Imogene Wolodarsky, Ashley Aufderheide, Nekhebet Kum Juch, Manoah Angelo, Muriel Gould, Tod Randolph, Beth Dixon, Keir Dullea;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Infinitely Polar Bear” on the website imdb.com
“Welcome to Me”, 2014
Director: Shira Piven
This film offers a glimpse into Borderline Personality Disorder through its leading character Alice, portrayed by Kristen Wiig. Alice is a lottery winner who uses her winnings to host her own talk show, which underlines the struggle of her mental health condition in a satirical way.
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Wes Bentley, Linda Cardellini, Joan Cusack, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Thomas Mann, James Marsden, Tim Robbins, Alan Tudyk;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,9;
More information about the film “Welcome to Me” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, the films about mental health of 2015 provided an extensive exploration into the complexities of various mental health issues. These films utilized their narratives not as a vehicle for stigmatization, but as an empathic catalyst for awareness and understanding. They offered audiences both a raw portrayal of the struggles endured by individuals living with mental health disorders, and the multifaceted intricacies of their experiences. The depth of storytelling seen in these films reflects the ongoing evolution of the film industry's approach to mental health, signifying an era of films serving as powerful discourses that challenge the traditional stereotypes, while pushing for societal and systemic change.
