Director Michael Rymer's compelling picture honestly explores the way the lovers view the world as they become transfixed by what they believe to be omens and signs blessing their transcending union. The Australian drama Angel Babychronicles the passionate yet tumultuous love affair between Harry (John Lynch) and Kate (Jacqueline McKenzie), two schizophrenics who meet during therapy and fall into a whirlwind romance in which they believe their love is so strong it can overcome their illness, leading to the young pair going completely off their medication. ![]() While certain complex documentaries like Crumb have been spectacular at detailing the struggles associated with the condition, let's take a look at some of the most moving, empathetic and realistic fiction films about schizophrenia. ![]() Schizophrenia has become the subject of some of the most innovative and disturbing films which seek to cinematically recreate the intense ways in which the mind can manipulate itself and subvert reality. Updated September 21st, 2022: If you're interested in finding some great, emotionally-driven films that shine a light on mental illness, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with additional content regarding movies that honestly portray schizophrenia. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, a lack of sense of self and more, and it's vitally important to create space in the culture in which schizophrenia and mental health can be discussed honestly and without judgment, something which certain films have helped advance. Millions of Americans and tens of millions of people around the world suffer from this condition which affects not only schizophrenics but also their family and friends, something several difficult but necessary films show us. But “Hypochondriac” manages a few chills and some eyes-averting gore thanks to Will’s memories of what happened and how close he is to repeating the awful past he grew up in.Schizophrenia is a devastating and extreme form of psychosis and can be a powerfully severe mental health condition. It doesn’t come together nearly as neatly as you’d like. His disinterested, nonchalant father ( Chris Doubek) even cracks a faint smile when he suggests the son is turning out just like the kid’s mother. ![]() That contrasts with the many manifestations of Will’s mother’s illness - nonsensical packages, insane voice mails, threats, pleas. Every doctor, specialist and shrink has the same sassy Pomeranian poster on the wall, the wone with “Be bright like glitter and bubbly like champagne!” “Hypochondriac” makes a broad spectrum of the medical profession a running gag. “Duuuude,” frat-bro doc advises, “don’t GOOGLE.”īut as visions of wolves and his nutty mother persist and self-harm becomes a real concern, if Will isn’t googling, at least he’s getting second and third opinions. But, all these symptoms…what about ALS, schizophrenia? Could this be all in his head? “Just stress,” his frat-bro doctor insists. Writer-director Heimann’s debut feature does well at keeping Will’s uncertainty about what ails him in doubt. “You must become a private INVESTIGATOR,” she insists, at one point.īut dizzy spells, headaches, arm injuries and the like while working around a white hot kiln? It’s time to see a doctor. Will hasn’t told Luke much, which makes the paranoid text messages from “Mom” and hallucinations he starts to have other things he can’t broach with his new love. Whatever Luke doesn’t know about Will’s past, his “my mother’s been dead most of my life” hints he might not be up for that. He knows how to talk people out of their weeping, fetal crouch.Īnd Mother’s Day is coming, which means his other half Luke ( Devon Graye) wants them to visit his mother. And occasionally mushrooms.īut a colleague’s panic attack shows Will’s other skill, one hard won in his difficult childhood. He’s a happy potter, dancing his clays to the kiln for baking, in a relationship and high on life. “You’re in COLLUSION with him!” And that leads, on one memorable night, to her hands wrapped around his neck, coming so close to strangling Will to death that he has to wear a turtleneck to Little League practice.Įighteen years later, Will ( Zach Villa) outwardly seems over and done with that traumatic childhood. If “Pack a bag, we’re LEAVING” isn’t answered quickly enough, she’ll fly off the handle. But the sounds of shattered glass signals another of his mother’s episodes. Young Will, whom his manic, prattling Puerto Rican mother ( Marlene Forte) calls “Lindo” (pretty boy) creates what he figures will be a happy Halloween memory in a wolf costume. Properly paranoid and just trippy enough to be triggering, Addison Heimann’s “Hypochondriac” takes us into one tortured life and the troubled past that led to it.Ī prologue sets up the trauma to follow.
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