Not many genres have earned the appreciation of mental health. Since the 1970’s, stories of mental health have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s janitors, ordinary people or Schizophrenic teachers, the genre has created several characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about mental illness that deserve to be celebrated.
1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Mental institutions have shaped my personality. At an early age, my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism that caused emotional damage. I remember visiting a mental institution that gave me valuable tips how to overcome my disorder. A hopeless location, the institution cared for patients with mental dysfunction. It was fascinating to observe ways the institution functioned caring for patients with mental illness facing prices to pay. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how disorders affect people’s abilities to rest as powerfully as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Following its release in 1975, Milos Forman’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film made about mental health. With the greatest film of his career, Forman used bold cinema techniques to capture patients in a mental institution facing despair. Forman has always had flair for capturing lives of individuals with mental disorders in grave danger, and “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which McMurphy is given an electric shock after he refuses to obey orders of his mental institution causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role by Jack Nicholson, who embodied a psychotic patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” my favourite film about mental health of all-time is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies produced during the 1970’s which tend to be outdated, it has aged beautifully. It delivers a meaningful message about mental institutions which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 50 years after the release of classic films about brave men breaking rules of a mental institution without rest, it’s a bold reminder of a bold genre that has stood the test of time as the best.
2. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that always fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a great psychology professor that was interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate his 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. A breathtaking tribute to a genius with a beautiful mind, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a great genre that has made one-of-a-kind movies which have left a legacy behind.
3. The Elephant Man
Facial deformities shaped my classmate’s identity. Several years ago, I witnessed a poor classmate in school suffering from severe facial deformities which caused sorrow. Due to his disturbing appearance, he was an easy target for mean school bullies that would ruin self-confidence. He would often be humiliated for his public appearance which left people devastated. As someone that saw how facial deformities can ruin a person’s life, I appreciated “The Elephant Man”. Released in 1980, David Lynch’s movie captured the life of a man with severe facial deformities. Lynch uses stunning black-and-white visuals to capture the frightening obstacles a man with facial deformities is facing. For instance, the scene in which John Merrick protests against crowds of people humiliating him in public by saying that he is a human causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by John Hurt, who embodied a man with severe facial deformities. Ultimately, what makes “The Elephant Man” a classic is its timeless appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, it tackles strong themes that remain relevant today. A captivating portrait of men with deformities that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making commemorated movies worth tremendously celebrating.
4. Forrest Gump
Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her words of wisdom, I was able to cope with my Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disorder causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disorders. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about intellectual disability, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. As precious as Forrest Gump’s heartwarming memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured iconic movies which always attract audiences towards Cinema.
5. Rain Man
Autism has shaped my personality. 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. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how Autism can affect relationships with family as powerfully as “Rain Man”. Ever since its release in 1988, Barry Levinson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic about relationships between brothers. Levinson has always excelled at using montages in his movies, and “Rain Man” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Raymond experiences a nervous breakdown hearing noises of the smoke alarm causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the 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 masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Autism, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about bonds between brothers which would resonate with everyone. An inspiring portrait of Autism, it’s an astonishing reminder about a genre that manufactured memorable movies achieving stardom.
6. 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 engaging 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 commonly dearly.
7. Silver Linings Playbook
Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. 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 impact of Bipolar on a dysfunctional family. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of trauma. Russell uses captivating montages capturing hardships a man with Bipolar is facing. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is remarkable in the lead role, Russell created a compelling portrait of Bipolar disorder. A powerful portrait of mental illness, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies raising awareness for disorders causing immense sadness.
8. Fight Club
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about mental disorders, it’s worth discussing Fight Club. Since its publication in 1996, Chuck Palahniuk’s book has earned a huge following. In 1999, David Fincher honoured the book about a secret club in his movie “Fight Club”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Fight Club” stand out is its depiction of insomnia. Finhcer uses captivating voice-over narration to capture the hardships that a mentally ill man suffering from severe insomnia is experiencing. Assisted by Edward Norton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Fincher created a captivating book adaptation. A fantastic adaptation of a famous book about men that love to fight, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bright movies about dangerous disorders which have earned the spotlight.
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 tremendous celebration.
10. The Accountant
Few movies ever made about individuals with disorders causing impairment are as beloved as “The Accountant”. Released in 2016, Gavin O’Connor’s movie depicted the life of an accountant with Autism. O’Connor used captivating montages capturing hardships that an Autistic accountant is facing. Assisted by Ben Affleck who is brilliant in the lead role, O’Connor created a bold thriller. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of Autism causing accountants to face adversity has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Christian’s desire to become a successful accountant, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about disorders causing impairment which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of entertainment.
The Film Buff 