Over the last few years, mental health has become an increasingly important topic in both society and in cinema. With these discussions pushed to the forefront socially, theatrically films have explored the struggles and triumphs of characters that reflect the current state of the world.
From the brilliance and struggles of a genius in A Beautiful Mind to the horrors of Black Swan, to addiction and struggles of fame in Requiem for a Dream, each of these films shed light on the difficult balance between mind, body, and emotion. Some portray the internal battles of trauma while others reveal the impact of mental health on families, friendships, and relationships around us. These stories open a window into the world of mental health with compelling narratives that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
You may need tissues and a long night of reflection with this week’s watchlist. Here’s a peek into mental health in cinema.
A Beautiful Mind
Based on the true story of mathematical genius John Nash, this drama follows his rise from from a student to a groundbreaking scholar whose life is derailed by paranoid schizophrenia. As his delusions blur the line between reality and imagination, his wife becomes his greatest support within his struggle.
Director: Ron Howard / Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany
Black Swan
When an artistic director decides to replace his ballerina for their production of Swan Lake, Nina competes with newcomer Lily for the coveted spot. A fierce, psychological unraveling rivalry between the two dancers emerge as Nina’s dark side comes to surface.
Director: Darren Aronofsky / Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
When a convict fakes insanity to serve his sentence in a mental institution instead of prison, he soon realizes everything isn’t as it seems as he clashes with the cold Nurse Ratched. Inside the ward, he inspires his fellow patients to rebel against oppressive control and reclaim their sense of individuality.
Director: Miloš Forman / Starring: Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Danny DeVito, Christopher Lloyd
Silver Linings Playbook
After spending eight months in a mental health facility, Pat Solitano returns home and attempts to reconcile with his estranged wife. When he meets a young widow dealing with her own emotional struggles, the two form an unlikely bond as they sign up for an upcoming dance competition.
Director: David O. Russell / Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
Girl, Interrupted
Based on the 1993 memoir, Girl, Interrupted takes place in the 1960s. The film follows a young woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder after a suicide attempt. When she’s sent to a psychiatric hospital, she befriends a group of troubled women.
Director: James Mangold / Starring: Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Brittany Murphy
To The Bone
A 20-year-old woman battling anorexia enters an unconventional group recovery program led by a doctor known for his unorthodox methods. As she bonds with other patients facing their own disorders, Ellen confronts her fears, trauma, and desire for control in her journey toward healing.
Director: Marti Noxon / Starring: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston, Liana Liberato
Split
The second installment in the Unbreakable Trilogy, Split tells the story of Wendell Crumb, a man living with dissociative identity disorder, who kidnaps three teenage girls and holds them captive. As his 23 personalities battle for control, a dangerous and powerful 24th identity begins to emerge as the walls between his compartments shatter.
Director: M. Night Shyamalan / Starring: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Gilbert Grape struggles to care for his mentally impaired brother and his morbidly obese mother while balancing his own yearning for a better life. When a free-spirited traveler named Becky passes through town, she challenges Gilbert to confront his fears, responsibilities, and desires for change.
Director: Lasse Hallström / Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates
Requiem for a Dream
Four individuals in Brooklyn pursue their dreams, but addiction (to drugs, fame) slowly consumes them. As each character spirals further into dependency, the film offers a look at obsession, desperation, and the fragility of the human mind.
Director: Darren Aronofsky / Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
The Machinist
A man plagued by severe insomnia begins to experience disturbing hallucinations. As his mental and physical state deteriorates, he struggles to uncover the truth behind a mysterious co-worker and a series of unsettling events.
Director: Brad Anderson / Starring: Christian Bale, Jennifer Jason Leigh
