Not many genres have earned business of illness. Since the 1970’s, stories of mentally ill people have made for engaging movies. Whether it’s psychotic serial killers, terminally ill lovers or AIDS survivors, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films ever made about mental illness which deserve to be celebrated.
1. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in grim mental disorders which were cruel. I remember my teacher was fascinated with grim mental disorders that put lives in grave danger. He always sought to educate his students about illness causing people to deteriorate. Fascinated with disorders that affected the mind, my teacher was always determined to leave a lasting legacy behind. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how mental illness can impact the mind as powerfully as “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic captured the life of legendary mathematician John Nash. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash experiences a nerve-wracking breakdown when he realizes that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing mathematician that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” my favourite film about mental illness of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about mental disorders, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about a mathematician with a beautiful mind whose mental health declined, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made great movies which have left a legacy behind.
2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, I visited mental institutions to cope with a grim illness that caused damage. I remember visiting a mental institution that gave me valuable tips on how to overcome my grim mental disorders. It was fascinating observing the way the institution functioned by taking care of patients. As someone that witnessed institutions in which patients face unrest, I adored “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Released in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie captured mental wards. Forman has a flair for capturing mental disorders, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given a shock after refusing to obey orders of his ward causing trauma is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a patient of a ward. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1970’s which are outdated, its themes remain relevant today. A bold portrait of wards in which patients face unrest, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made the best movies about illness which leave audiences impressed.
3. Philadelphia
Gay people are rarely depicted with respect in movies today. Several years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin seeking acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person my entire family would admire. Unaware he was queer, I bonded with a cousin about whom I came to care. As someone treasuring joyous memories of a gay cousin enduring homophobia, I adored “Philadelphia”. Released in 1993, Jonathan Demme’s movie depicted hardships faced by gay men with AIDS. Demme used stunning montages capturing hardships that a queer man with AIDS is facing. For instance, the scene in which Joe Miller interrogates Andrew in court asking him to showcase lesions on his body causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a towering performance by Tom Hanks, who portrayed a queer man suffering from AIDS. Ultimately, what makes “Philadelphia” a courtroom classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about sexual identity which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the AIDS crisis history to appreciate it. As strong as Andrew’s desire to battle homophobia in Philadelphia, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which always attract audiences to the Cinema.
4. Rain Man
Intellectual disability shaped my identity. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with a disease causing damage. Being Autistic affected my abilities to form a strong relationship with my brother. I remember finding it hard to interact with my brother due to my intellectual disorder. As someone that has witnessed how Autism can destroy family relationships, I adored “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about Autism. Released at a time when Autism wasn’t understood, the film changed the way in which mental disabilities were perceived in Hollywood. For instance, the scene in which Raymond faces a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the mental health genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a complicated mental condition. Ultimately, what makes “Rain Man” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers that would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about intellectual disabilities, it tackles strong themes which would resonate with everyone. An awe-inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre that has produced movies achieving stardom.
5. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a devastating disorder that changed my aunt’s life forever. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. She would often extreme mood swings that affected her sense of self-esteem. Facing illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. As someone treasuring an aunt with Bipolar that adopted a negative life outlook, I adored “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured the anxiety faced by a man with Bipolar disorder. Drawing from personal experience as a father of a son with Bipolar, David O. Russell created a powerful portrait of a disorder. For instance, the scene in which Pat has a nervous breakdown after he can’t find his wedding video causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Bradley Cooper, who portrayed an anxious man with a Bipolar. Ultimately, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” a masterpiece is its universal message. The film delivers a meaningful message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A phenomenal portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about the hardships of mental illness which audiences appreciate.
6. 50/50
Cancer is a sensitive illness that’s rarely depicted in movies in a realistic manner. Hollywood has often struggled to depict an illness that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding a disease with a 50/50 survival rate, it’s worth praising “50/50”. Released in 2011, Jonathan Levine’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Cancer. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “50/50” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Levine uses captivating tragicomedy capturing hardships that a Cancer patient is facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is superb in the lead role, Levine created a powerful portrait of Cancer. A captivating portrait of men with Cancer having a 50/50 chance of living, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making engaging movies about frightening terminal illnesses which are worth celebrating.
7. Taxi Driver
Martin Scorsese is a legendary filmmaking with a lasting legacy. Since the 1970’s, Scorsese has often made memorable movies about mental health. In 1976, Scorsese showcased his strength as a filmmaker capturing mental illness in his movie “Taxi Driver”. Way ahead of its time, the film forever changed the art of Cinema through its depiction of taxi drivers facing trauma. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Taxi Driver” stand out is its voice-over narration. Scorsese uses captivating narration to capture the mind of a troubled taxi driver facing destruction. Assisted by Robert De Niro who is sensational in the lead role, Scorsese captured troubled taxi drivers facing sorrow. A powerful portrait of lonely taxi drivers in 1970’s New York City, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies audiences love dearly.
8. The Father
Dementia is a devastating disease that affected my grandma. I recall with nostalgia memories of a grandma that suffered from Dementia. As someone that witnessed impact of memory loss on my grandmother, I adored “The Father”. Released in 2020, Florian Zeller’s movie offered an authentic depiction of Dementia. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Father” stand out is its depiction of seniors. Zeller uses captivating unreliable narration to capture a senior with memory loss facing disorientation. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is amazing in the lead role, Zeller created a portrait of memory loss that’s true to reality. A powerful portrait of memory loss causing lives of seniors to crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre making meaningful movies that audiences consider special.
9. As Good as it Gets
OCD is a debilitating disease rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies rarely capture the disease accurately. In an industry avoiding OCD, it’s worth praising “As Good as it Gets”. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ iconic movie captured a disorder that’s true to reality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “As Good as it Gets” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Brooks uses sharp humour to capture the life of a man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Brooks created a compelling portrait of the condition. As strong as Melvin’s obsession, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which deserve celebration.
10. Joker
Few comic-book villains that suffer from mental illness are as beloved as the Joker. With his maniacal grin, charismat and humour, the Joker has become an icon. In 2019, Todd Phillips reimagined the character in his movie “Joker”. Phillips used narration to capture the issues of a comedian. Assisted by Joaquin Phoenix who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips honoured a villain. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of mental illness causing a comedian to commit crimes has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as the Joker’s desire to become a successful comedian, it’s a captivating reminder of a genre making memorable movies about mental illness causing people to face tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 