Films about suicide are a sensitive and often controversial topic in cinema, as they explore the complex and devastating effects of suicide on individuals and those around them. These films delve into the emotional turmoil, mental health struggles, and societal issues that can lead someone to contemplate or commit suicide.
“The Virgin Suicides”, 1999
Director: Sofia Coppola
Directed by Sofia Coppola, this film follows the lives of the five Lisbon sisters as they struggle with the restrictions placed on them by their overprotective parents. The film explores themes of isolation, repression, and the impact of suicide on a community.
Starring: James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, Michael Paré, Scott Glenn, Danny DeVito, A.J. Cook, Hanna R. Hall, Leslie Hayman;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Virgin Suicides” on the website imdb.com
“Girl, Interrupted”, 1999
Director: James Mangold
Based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen, this film stars Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie and follows the story of a young woman who is institutionalized after a suicide attempt. The film delves into themes of mental illness, self-harm, and the search for identity.
Starring: Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy, Elisabeth Moss, Jared Leto, Jeffrey Tambor, Vanessa Redgrave, Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bettis;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Girl, Interrupted” on the website imdb.com
“The Bridge”, 2013
Director: John Dahl, Alex Zakrzewski, Keith Gordon, Gwyneth Horder-Payton
This documentary by Eric Steel focuses on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, a notorious site for suicide attempts. The film captures real footage of individuals contemplating and committing suicide, raising ethical questions about voyeurism and mental health awareness.
Starring: Diane Kruger, Demián Bichir, Ted Levine, Annabeth Gish, Thomas M. Wright, Matthew Lillard, Eric Lange, Emily Rios, Jake Alston, Catalina Sandino Moreno;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, detective;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Bridge” on the website imdb.com
“It's Kind of a Funny Story”, 2010
Director: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, this film follows a teenage boy who checks himself into a psychiatric ward after contemplating suicide. Through his interactions with other patients, he gains a new perspective on life and mental health.
Starring: Keir Gilchrist, Emma Roberts, Zach Galifianakis, Viola Davis, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan, Zoe Kravitz, Dana DeVestern, Karen Chilton, Aasif Mandvi;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “It's Kind of a Funny Story” on the website imdb.com
“13 Reasons Why”, 2017
Director: Jessica Yu, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Gregg Araki, Michael Morris
Originally a novel by Jay Asher, this Netflix series explores the reasons why a high school student named Hannah Baker decided to take her own life. The show sparked controversy for its portrayal of suicide and mental health issues among teenagers.
Starring: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Kate Walsh, Christian Navarro, Miles Heizer, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Derek Luke, Justin Prentice, Devin Druid;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “13 Reasons Why” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, films about suicide offer a poignant and often heart-wrenching exploration of the complexities of mental health and personal struggles. Through powerful storytelling and compelling characters, these films shed light on the pain and despair that can lead individuals to such drastic measures, while also emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and support in preventing such tragedies. While the subject matter may be difficult to watch, these films serve as a reminder of the profound impact of mental health issues and the need for open conversations and resources to help those who may be struggling.
