Films about Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, explore the complex psychological condition in which an individual exhibits multiple distinct identities or personalities. These films delve into the inner turmoil, identity crisis, and the challenges faced by individuals living with this disorder. Here are a few films that explore this intriguing topic:
“Split”, 2017
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “Split” follows the story of Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 distinct personalities. As a result of his disorder, Kevin kidnaps three teenage girls, leading to a psychological battle for survival.
Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Jessica Sula, Izzie Coffey, Brad William Henke, Sebastian Arcelus, Neal Huff, Ukee Washington, Ann Wood, Robert Michael Kelly, Rosemary Howard, Jerome Gallman, Lyne Renée, Kate Jacoby, Peter Patrikios, Kash Goins, LeRoy Wilson Jr., Christopher Lee Philips, Julie Potter, Ameerah Briggs, Nakia Dillard, Robin Rieger, Emlyn Elisabeth Morinelli, Dann Fink, Bruce Winant, Kayla Anthony, Gary Ayash, Robert Bizik, Michaela Bockarie, Matthew Bowerman, Jeff Buckner, Colin Campbell, David Collihan, Corinne Costa, Steven Dennis, Gina Destra, Kim Director, Kerry Dutka, Barbara Edwards, Megan Teresa Flynn, Brian Gildea, Shawn Gonzalez, Laura Hart, Andrea Havens, Arielle Ingrassia-Smith, John Jillard Sr., Michael William Kondyra;
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
“Identity”, 2003
Director: James Mangold
In this psychological thriller directed by James Mangold, ten strangers find themselves stranded at a remote motel due to a violent storm. As they begin to mysteriously die one by one, they discover their fates are intertwined with a dark secret.
Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C. McGinley, William Lee Scott, Jake Busey, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Rebecca De Mornay, Carmen Argenziano, Marshall Bell, Leila Kenzle, Matt Letscher, Bret Loehr, Holmes Osborne, Frederick Coffin, Joe Hart, Michael Hirsch, Terence Bernie Hines;
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
“Fight Club”, 1999
Director: David Fincher
Directed by David Fincher, “Fight Club” is a thought-provoking film that explores the themes of identity and dissociation. The story revolves around an insomniac office worker who forms an underground fight club as a means to escape his mundane existence.
Starring: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Holt McCallany, Jared Leto, Eion Bailey, Richmond Arquette, David Andrews, George Maguire, Eugenie Bondurant, Christina Cabot, Sydney «Big Dawg» Colston, Rachel Singer, Christie Cronenweth, Tim DeZarn, Ezra Buzzington, Dierdre Downing-Jackson, Bob Stephenson, Charlie Dell, Rob Lanza, David Lee Smith, Joel Bissonnette, Evan Mirand, Robby Robinson, Lou Beatty Jr., Thom Gossom Jr., Valerie Bickford, Peter Iacangelo, Carl Ciarfalio, Stuart Blumberg, Todd Peirce, Mark Fite, Matt Winston, Joon B. Kim, Bennie Moore, Lauren Sanchez, Pat McNamara, Tyrone R. Livingston, Owen Masterson, David Jean Thomas, Paul Carafotes, Christopher John Fields, Anderson Bourell, Scotch Ellis Loring, Michael Shamus Wiles, Andi Carnick, Edward Kowalczyk, Leonard Termo;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 139 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,8;
“Sybil”, 2006
Director: Joseph Sargent
Based on a true story, “Sybil” tells the harrowing tale of a young woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder. As her psychiatrist uncovers her traumatic past, Sybil must confront her fragmented identities to heal and find inner peace.
Starring: Jessica Lange, Tammy Blanchard, Ron White, JoBeth Williams, Alison Murray, Fab Filippo, Brian Downey, Brianna MacDonald, Joey Campbell, David Patrick Flemming, Michael Ray Fox, Gary Levert, David Wm. Marsh, Liam McNamara, Marlane O'Brien, Wanda Taylor;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
Duration: 89 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
“The Three Faces of Eve”, 1957
Director: Nunnally Johnson
Inspired by a true story, this film portrays the life of Eve White, a woman with multiple personalities. As her psychiatrist delves into her psyche, he discovers the different identities within her, each with their own distinct characteristics and experiences.
Starring: Joanne Woodward, David Wayne, Lee J. Cobb, Edwin Jerome, Alena Murray, Nancy Kulp, Douglas Spencer, Terry Ann Ross, Ken Scott, Mimi Gibson, Alistair Cooke, Vince Edwards, Mary Field, Richard Garrick, Helene Hatch, James W. Horan, Catherine Howard, Jason Johnson, Dick Johnstone, Frank Marlowe, Wanda Perry, Joe Rudan, Gary Spencer, Al Thompson, Rush Williams;
Production year: 1957;
Genre: drama, detective;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Three Faces of Eve” on the website imdb.com
These films offer unique perspectives on dissociative identity disorder, exploring the complexities of the human mind and the challenges faced by those who live with the condition. Through compelling storytelling and powerful performances, they shed light on the psychological and emotional struggles of individuals with multiple personalities.
In exploring the world of films about multiple personality disorder, one cannot help but be captivated by the intricate and profound narratives that unfold on the screen. These films delve into the complexities of the human mind, challenging our perceptions and inviting us to question the very essence of identity. From intense psychological thrillers to heartfelt dramas, each film offers a unique perspective on this enigmatic disorder, shedding light on the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Through their thought-provoking storytelling and powerful performances, these films remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact our experiences can have on shaping who we are. Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of the mind or exploring the fragility of the human psyche, these films have left an indelible mark on cinema, forever reminding us of the boundless potential of storytelling.
