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
The loss of a loved one often causes people to face depression. Several years ago, my family’s life hit a crushing low when our great housekeeper was killed causing sorrow. Stabbed to death in the shower by her lover, my housekeeper became the victim of a sad 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 great housekeeper that had died. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the depression faced by people enduring dark 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 mourning the loss of his brother 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 a great role by Casey Affleck, who captured the turmoil faced by a grim janitor. Ultimately, what makes “Manchester by the Sea” my favourite film about grief of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about grief that are often hard to watch, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly a decade following the release of a classic film about grieving janitors facing the loss of family members in Boston causing mourning, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies which are worth celebrating.
2. Short Term 12
Traumatic incidents often cause people to face depression. Several years ago, I formed a close bond with an intelligent kid that faced parental abuse causing sorrow. Adopting a negative life perspective, he shared broken relationships with hs parents which were abusive. As someone treasuring memories of a companion that face short-term trauma, I adored “Short Term 12”. Released in 2013, Destin Daniel Cretton’s movie captured foster care workers taking care of youth in mental institutions. Cretton uses captivating montages capturing the bonds between social workers and youth in a mental hospital that’s frightening. For instance, the scene in which Grace opens up about her traumatic past revealing she was sexually abused causing a dilemma in mental hospitals is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Brie Larson, who portrayed the manager of an institution. Ultimately, what makes “Short Term 12” a masterpiece is its appeal. Despite focusing on teens in a hospital, it tackles themes everyone relates to. A powerful portrait of foster care workers seeking to assist teens facing despair, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre producing movies about which audiences care.
3. 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 honoured a book about depressed teenagers. With the most personal film of his career, Chbosky captured teenagers with depression facing despair. For instance, the scene in which Charlie has a 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 a teenager with severe depression. Ultimately, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about teenagers, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about 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 making movies which audiences treasure.
4. Blue Valentine
Broken marriages facing destruction often cause people to face depression. At an early age, I witnessed my aunt face a broken marriage causing damage. I recall the sad night when she had a heated argument with her husband that proved to be a shocking sight. Following her separation, it was easier said than done for my aunt to move on. As someone that witnessed marriages facing a decline, I adored “Blue Valentine”. Released in 2010, Derek Cianfrance’s movie captured depression faced by a couple in a broken marriage. Cianfrance used captivating non-linear storytelling capturing a marriage between a depressed couple deteriorating. For instance, the scene in which Cindy has an excruciating argument with Dean after he shows up unannounced at her workplace causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Michelle Williams, who embodies a woman trapped in a broken marriage. Ultimately, what makes “Blue Valentine” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about divorce which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling portrait of doomed marriages that face a devastating decline, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about the emotions of depression experienced by individuals which shine.
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. Being unable to write has often caused me to face depression keeping me awake all night. 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 movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to.. As precious as stories that Charlie seeks to publish, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated 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. Magnolia
Paul Thomas Anderson is a great filmmaker that has often made engaging movies about depression. With their timely themes, compelling characters and strong storytelling, Anderson’s movies have earned a huge fan following. In 1999, Anderson captured emotions of depression causing trauma in his movie “Magnolia”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Magnolia” stand out is its depiction of L.A.. Anderson uses captivating non-linear storytelling capturing lives of individuals affected by depression in Los Angeles. Assisted by Tom Cruise who is extraordinary in the lead role, Anderson created a dazzling depression drama. A powerful portrait of depression affecting lives of individuals in L.A., it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
8. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about depression causing tragedy, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a depressed millionaire seeking happiness in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a great genre that has manufactured bold movies which audiences consider precious.
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 a depressed American family 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 Lester Burnham’s desire to find beauty, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre that has made great movies about people facing depression tragedy which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I value highly.
The Film Buff 