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. Philadelphia
Terminal illness has impacted my family. Several years ago, my family learned that our beloved uncle had been diagnosed with grim Cancer that caused sorrow. I recall that my uncle was a great person that looked at the world from a positive view. His sad death left my family mourning. No matter how hard my family tried, we could never recover from the demise of an uncle that tragically died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the trauma faced by terminally ill individuals as powerfully as “Philadelphia”. Ever since its release in 1993, Jonathan Demme’s film has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about terminal illness. With the greatest film of his career, Demme used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an AIDS patient facing despair. Demme used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing hardships that an AIDS patient is facing. For instance, the scene in which Andrew first becomes aware that he suffers from AIDS in Philadelphia causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Tom Hanks, who embodied an ill man facing trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Philadelphia” my favourite film about terminal illness of all-time is its appeal. Unlike most movies about AIDS which are targeted to a limited audience, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about perseverance which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a film about queer men suffering from AIDS battling homophobia in Philadelphia, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making great movies that attract audiences to the Cinema.
2. Magnolia
It’s always challenging to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our great housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. No matter how hard we tried, my family couldn’t recover from the sad loss of a housekeeper that tragically died. Her devastating death left my family mourning. As someone haunted by the death of a housemaid that caused trauma, I loved “Magnolia”. Released in 1999, Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie captured terminally ill fathers. Anderson used captivating emotional monologues capturing the broken relationship between an estranged son and his terminally ill father. For instance, the scene in which Mackie breaks down crying watching his father dying in a hospital causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Cruise, who embodied an L.A. comedian with mental health issues. Ultimately, what makes “Magnolia” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in Los Angeles, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of grief causing individuals in Los Angeles to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.
3. Dallas Buyers Club
AIDS is a devastating disease that my cousin always found fascinating. Years ago, I witnessed hardships faced by a gay cousin that sought acceptance in Toronto. Fond of wearing women’s attire, he was a person my family would admire. He was always passionate about AIDS being a disease that he sought to become educated about. As someone treasuring fond memories of a cousin that was fascinated with AIDS, I adored “Dallas Buyers Club”. Released in 2013, Jean Marc-Vallee’s movie depicted the AIDS crisis in history. Vallee used stunning non-linear storytelling to capture the hardships that a terminally ill cowboy man diagnosed with AIDS is facing. For instance, the scene in which Ron breaks down crying in his car after learning about his heartbreaking diagnosis causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Matthew McConaughey, who embodied a terminally ill man. Ultimately, what makes “Dallas Buyers Club” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of AIDS to appreciate it. As strong as Ron Woodroof’s desire to battle a disease that’s frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made great movies which are worth celebrating.
4. Bright Star
Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet that suffered from terminal illness. Campion successfully used montages capturing the hardships that a terminally ill poet is experiencing. For instance, the scene in which Fanny becomes aware that John suffers from terminal illness causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who portrayed a tragic poet with terminal illness. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of poetry to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about terminal illness which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of a commemorated poet that forever changed literature of English, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about scary illnesses that audiences cherish.
5. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students about an illness causing lives to deteriorate. As someone recalling a teacher fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s biopic depicted the life of Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard used stunning unreliable narration to capture the anxiety faced by a troubled mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash faces a 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” a beautiful masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a heartbreaking message about mental health which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a mathematician with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies leaving a legacy behind.
6. 50/50
Humor is a rare quality that’s seldom seen in terminal illness movies. Movies about terminal illness are often serious in tone capturing diseases that are dangerous. In a genre where humour is a rarity, it’s worth praising “50/50”. Released in 2011, Jonathan Levine’s movie offered a humorous depiction of terminal illness. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “50/50” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Levine uses captivating humour capturing hardships that terminally ill men with Cancer are facing. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is extraordinary in the lead role, Levine created a captivating Cancer comedy. A humorous portrait of terminal illness that’s dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies that audiences consider precious.
7. Kal Ho Naa Ho
Terminal illness is a common theme often explored in Bollywood movies. Indian Cinema has often sought to capture illnesses that cause people to face trauma. The way in which illness affects lives of Indian families causing sorrow is beautifully depicted in the film “Kal Ho Naa Ho”. Released in 2003, Nikhil Advani’s movie offered a powerful portrait of terminal illness. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Kal Ho Naa Ho” stand out is its depiction of India. Advani uses musical numbers capturing hardships that a terminally ill Indian man is facing. Assisted by Shah Rukh Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Advani captured terminal illness in India. A powerful portrait of illness causing Indian families to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated genre producing movies audiences consider special.
8. The Farewell
Illness causing trauma affects families in China. In Chinese culture, families confront illness in a different way than in the West. When relatives are about to die, the family must keep it a secret from them. The way in which Chinese families deal with relatives that are unwell is beautifully depicted in “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie offered a powerful portrait of a Chinese family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its strong depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages to capture hardships families in China are facing. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang honours families in China. A fantastic portrait of hardships Chinese families face, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies which audiences embrace.
9. The Fault in Our Stars
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about illness affecting stars, it’s worth discussing The Fault in Our Stars. Since its publication in 2012, John Green’s book has become a literary classic. In 2014, Josh Boone honoured the book in his movie “The Fault in Our Stars”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Fault in Our Stars” stand out is its depiction of terminal illness. Boone uses captivating montages capturing hardships that terminally ill teens are facing. The film captures the way death can affect terminally ill teenagers in an authentic manner. Assisted by Shailene Woodley who is spectacular in the lead role, Boone honoured a beloved book about illness. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about an ill teen, it’s a touching reminder of a genre making great movies that deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
10. Bohemian Rhapsody
Few musicians that fought terminal illness in history are as beloved as Freddie Mercury. During the 1980’s, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS causing tragedy. In 2018, Bryan Singer honoured the iconic musician’s legacy in his movie “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Singer used musical montages to honour a musician that fought AIDS. Assisted by Rami Malek who is excellent in the lead role, Singer honoured Mercury’s legacy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s insensitive depiction of Freddie Mercury’s fight against AIDS has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Freddie Mercury’s desire to become a musician, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre making memorable movies about illness causing tension which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong filmmaking passion.
The Film Buff 