7 movies that get mental illnesses right

Nothing beats the blues like a good movie. There is no better therapeutic distraction from a crappy day and unshed tears, than a good film. Given the gaining impetus of mental health challenges, movies with characters having mental health issues is on a rise. More importantly, these are clinically accurate portrayals of individuals with the disorder, which makes the movie all the more relatable.

People of all ages, be it young or old, all at some point of their lives have been affected by issues of mental health, be it however minute in nature; be it if it is you, your friend or family member with the condition. While the below list contains both Hollywood and Bollywood movies, it is safe to say that mainstream Bollywood movie depictions about mental health challenges have not been accurate most of the time. Manic laughter, obsession, violence, or Hritik Roshan’s ‘child-like’ imitation of someone with autism- without anyone understanding the entire spectrum- all overall poor ways to show someone having a mental health issue. Nonetheless, there have been some underrated gems in Indian cinema, which provides a ray of hope for accurate portrayals in the future:

• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The film stars Jennifer Lawrence (as Tiffany) and Brad Pitt (as Pat), as they cope with daily living. Pat has been recently released from a psychiatric hospital due to having bipolar disorder, whereas Tiffany has an undisclosed mental illness as well. The film plays on the heavily stigmatized term ‘crazy,’ and attempts to sort of redefine what it is like to have a mental illness.

• Black Swan (2010)

The critically acclaimed film portrays how the creation of a façade of being ‘okay,’ is the ultimate downfall. Natalie Portman’s Nina Sayers is the main character, and is a beautiful depiction of a tortured and warped mind. Nina suffers mentally due to the intense pressure she faces to become a beautiful, professional ballerina. We come to see how a beautiful thing cannot be perfect.  

• Dear Zindagi (2016)

While it may not have been liked by all, the film’s portrayal of therapy- which I something most Indians do not like to even discuss. What is admirable about the film is that Kaira (Alia Bhatt) does not have a clinically defined mental disorder, but experiences anxiety and sleeplessness, which are problems she needs help with. It is really that relatable and simple. The film also shows Jug (Shahrukh Khan) using a unconventional form of therapy, along with highlighting certain key issues like about the LGBTQIA+ community and about a woman who chooses to chase her dreams rather than a man.   

• Karthik calling Karthik (2010)

This movie gets a mention due to it addressing an important issue like schizophrenia. The film revolves around Karthik (Farhan Akhtar) who suffers from dissociative disorder along with being an introverted schizophrenic. He receives calls from a mysterious stranger who claims to be a well-wisher and helps him through the struggles of daily life and getting the girl he wants. However, misunderstandings and fights ensue with the caller, leading to the mental condition being revealed.

• Good Will Hunting (1997)

This humorous, uplifting classic stars Matt Damon as Will Hunting, a janitor at MIT who is actually a genius who spends his time solving puzzles which no other college student can. However, due to his past, Will’s mind though brilliant, is extremely troubled. Then with the ever-amazing Robin Williams (as Dr. Sean Maguire) Will tries to overcome his battles with depression and attempts to build his life.   

• Chhichhore (2019)

Another film that highlights the societal pressure to achieve perfection. Sushant Singh Rajput plays a teen’s dad, a teen who harbours suicidal ideations and goes on to end try to end his life after learning that he is not qualified enough for IIT. The film then follows the Dad’s hostel liefe days with his six friends. Its heart-warming and simply beautiful as it shows how can make the best of whatever you have got and change your life.

• One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

A beautiful movie that can make you laugh and cry. This classic surround the story of McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a new patient in a mental institution and the chaos that ensues- comedic with a pinch of hard reality. The main story is of McMurphy’s defiance against Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who we are not really able to understand- does she actually want her patients to get better or not? While the movie uses the supporting mental patients more like comical caricatures, it is the beauty of being a free spirit in a closed space- that really hits home.

Films are rightly known to be the mirrors of the society we are in. While Indian cinema is slowly, but definitely catching up accurate portrayals of persons with mental health issues; there is no doubt that movies are a helpful way of changing perceptions of people regarding the mentally challenged. Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide case prompted more discussions on the topic, if not on the mainstream media, then at least on social media sites where a consciousness of people with mental health issues was formed. It provides a sense of hope that the future isn’t very bleak, where hopefully psychological issues and mental health discussions will not be shoved under the carpet.