Not many genres have gained appreciation of depression. Since the 1970’s, depressed people have often made for memorable movies. Whether it’s grieving janitors, wallflower teenagers or depressed screenwriters, the genre has created many characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about grief which deserve to be celebrated.
1. Manchester by the Sea
It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became victim of murder. Her heartbreaking death left my family mourning. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the tragic loss of a housekeeper that died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured depression faced by people enduring family tragedy as powerfully as “Manchester by the Sea”. Ever since its release in 2016, Kenneth Lonergan’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about depression. With the greatest film of his career, Lonergan used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a grieving janitor facing family tragedy causing despair. Lonergan has always had had an aptitude for making movies about depression, and “Manchester by the Sea” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Lonergan effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture the impact of family tragedy on a depressed man. For instance, the scene in which Lee Chandler reunites with his wife Randi several years after the tragic accident causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Casey Affleck, who captured the turmoil faced by a depressed janitor. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” my favourite film about depression of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about depression that are often hard to watch, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a profound message about loss which would resonate with everyone. Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about grieving janitors struggling dealing with the heartbreaking loss of family members in Manchester causing mourning, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made meaningful movies which are worth celebrating.
2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Depression is a powerful emotion that shaped my personality. This depression first began in high school when I faced pressure to succeed in a class that was cruel. Unable to cope with stress, I faced a nervous breakdown that impacted my academic success. I felt humiliated having a nervous breakdown in a school in front teachers that I had always appreciated. As someone that has experienced depression as a teenager, I adored “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about depressed teenagers. With the most personal film of his career, Chbosky captured lonely teenagers afflicted with depression causing despair. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has a nervous breakdown after bidding sad farewell to his friends causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an outstanding performance by Logan Lerman, who embodied the conflicted emotion faced by a teenager with severe depression. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made timeless films which audiences treasure.
3. Ordinary People
Family tragedy can often cause people to face depression. Several years ago, my family faced grief when my uncle passed away causing sorrow. His devastating death left my grandfather emotionally affected. Adopting a pessimistic attitude, my grandfather lost interest in activities that he had once valued. As someone that has seen families facing emotions that are painful, I adored “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s movie captured impact of depression on ordinary families. Redford effectively used flashbacks to capture a family haunted by the loss of a loved one causing depression. For instance, the final scene in which Calvin has a moment of silence with his son Conrad grieving loss of a loved one causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who embodied a father unable to overcome painful loss. Ultimately, what makes “Ordinary People” an extraordinary film is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of painful grief faced by ordinary people, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that has made great films audiences consider special.
4. Her
Technology has always been a part of my identity. As far as I can remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often used my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a simple desire to battle my depression. As someone that’s a heavy technology user, I adored “Her”. Released in 2013, Spike Jonze’s movie captured a depressed writer forming a relationship with his phone. Jonze has always had an aptitude for making movies about depression, and “Her” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Jonze uses captivating montages to capture the depression faced by a lonely writer that is coping with a devastating divorce. For instance, the scene in which Theodore faces a breakdown after he discovers Samantha is leaving him causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Joaquin Phoenix, who embodies a depressed writer facing conflicted emotion. Ultimately, what makes “Her” a masterpiece is its message. Despite its strange concept of a man dating his phone, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a bold message about technology addiction which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre making well-known movies in a league of their own.
5. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes authors to face depression. I have faced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with original ideas as a writer. I have often noticed that writer’s block causes me to face bouts of depression. As someone that has witnessed writer’s block causing depression, I adored “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Spike Jonze’s movie demonstrated hardships that depressed screenwriters go through. Jonze uses captivating voice-over narration to capture a screenwriter afflicted with severe depression. For instance, the opening scene in which Charlie begins sweating profusely being unable to put words on his typewriter causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Nicolas Cage, who portrayed the mind of a depressed screenwriter. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about writing process which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most Charlie Kaufmann movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences cherish.
6. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a disease that impacted by aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar causing sorrow. Afflicted with illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. Few films I’ve seen have captured how Bipolar changes people’s life outlook as powerfully as “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Bipolar disorder. O. Russell effectively used captivating montages capturing the life of a depressed man with severe Bipolar disorder. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is amazing in the lead role, O. Russell created a portrait of depression that’s compelling. A phenomenal portrait of mental illness, it’s a poignant reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced memorable movies contributing towards audiences’ happiness.
7. Inside Out
Depression is an emotion that is commonly depicted in animation. Animated movies have often captured an emotion leaving kids devastated. The power of animated movies capturing depression turning lives inside out is evident in “Inside Out”. Released in 2015, Pete Docter’s movie used animation to portray teen depression. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Inside Out” stand out is its strong animation. Docter uses stunning animation to capture depression impacted a teenage girl’s well-being. Assisted by Amy Poehler who is phenomenal in the lead role, Docter created a powerful portrait of teen depression. A bold animated depiction of depression turning lives of teen girls inside out, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has produced thought-provoking movies which deserve to be talked about without a single doubt.
8. The Hours
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about depression, it’s worth discussing The Hours. Since its publication in 1998, Michael Cunningham’s book has become a literary classic. In 2002, Stephen Daldry celebrated the book about depressed women writing over many hours in his movie “The Hours”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Hours” stand out is its depiction of mental health. Daldry uses clever non-linear storytelling to capture hardships three female writers are facing. Assisted by Meryl Streep who is exceptional in the lead role, Daldry celebrated literature that’s enduring. A spectacular adaptation of a commemorated book about female writers committing suicide, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced great movies which have always left audiences satisfied.
9. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Memory loss is a condition that causes depression. Several years ago, my grandmother suffered memory loss causing sorrow. She got into the habit of forgetting things, places and events in her life which were important. As someone witnessing a grandmother losing memory in her spotless mind, I adored “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”. Released in 2004, Spike Jonze’s movie depicted depressed lovers with memory loss. Jonze uses captivating montages capturing a pair of depressed lovers with severe memory loss. Assisted by Kate Winslet who is amazing in the lead role, Jonze created a portrait of depression that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of memory loss in the mind causing romance to be declined, it’s a strong reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies which have left a lasting legacy behind.
10. American Beauty
Few movies ever made about depressed American families are as beloved as “American Beauty”. Since its release in 1999, Sam Mendes’ movie has become a celebrated classic. Mendes used captivating voice-over narration to capture the mind of a father with depression. Assisted by Kevin Spacey who is amazing in the lead role, Mendes created a beautiful portrait of depression. Although I’ve always been a huge fan of the movie, it has aged poorly. Sexual assault allegations against Kevin Spacey have forever tarnished the film’s legacy. Nevertheless, it remains a beautiful addition to the genre. As strong as beauty sought by Lester Burnham, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies offering wisdom on the problem of depression which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 