While mental health still remains a stigma, the accurate portrayal of mental health in mainstream cinema is helping make a breakthrough. These mental health films give eye-opening looks at subjects that are not often dealt with in the mainstream and give viewers a window of empathy to those battling with such issues as anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses. Besides, they can raise awareness about things many people are still reluctant to discuss.
Ahead, we list down some of the most remarkable films that have brought mental health to the forefront of pop culture.
Taste of Cherry (1997)
In Taste of Cherry, director Abbas Kiarostami follows the story of a man who drives his truck around, in search of someone who will bury him under a cherry tree after he commits suicide. Winning the Palme d’Or at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, the film shows one of the greatest depictions of loneliness and depression.
Watch here.
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
With its focus on mental health institutions like psychiatric hospitals and mental disorders like borderline personality disorder, Girl, Interrupted, in its true sense, has captured what institutionalisation and stigma do to an individual. However, the film also allows viewers to normalise mental health and that sometimes, a “cure” is just acceptance of self.
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Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Winning many awards and nominations in the Academy Awards, Silver Linings Playbook offers an interesting, at times controversial, view on mental illness. Alongside featuring a main character who suffers from bipolar disorder and experiences manic and depressive episodes, the film also includes a few other characters, ranging from his father to his love interests, who display hints of mental illness.
Watch here.
Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan offers a chilling portrayal of mental health issues, as it explores themes of obsession, delusion and self-harm following a ballerina as she prepares for the lead role in “Swan Lake” and becomes increasingly obsessed with perfection. The film shows how the pressure to achieve perfection can take a toll on an individual’s mental health and lead to a breakdown.
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Melancholia (2011)
Melancholia portrays the impact of mental illness on individuals and their loved ones realistically. It tells the story of two sisters as they navigate their relationships and lives while dealing with the impending collision of Earth and a rogue planet named Melancholia. The film explores themes of depression, anxiety and mental illness through one of the sisters who struggles to find meaning and purpose in life.
Watch here.
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
In A Beautiful Mind, a mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia tries to balance his personal life and his work while dealing with the challenges of his mental illness. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of mental health issues, as it explores themes of delusion, paranoia and social stigma.
Watch here.
