faginsgirl

Does anyone know of any films, or in fact documentaries concerning mental health issues and establishments? This subject still seems to be ignored a bit in film IMHO.

xx

We`re changin` lodggggggggings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sippog

One of the best known documentaries is THE TITICUT FOLLIES a look at a male mental hospital made by Fred Wiseman in the 60's. Pretty powerful stuff.

I don't know about the subject being ignored in fiction. Here's a random selection of feature films off the 'top of my head':
I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN
LILITH
DAVID AND LISA
GIRL INTERRUPTED
IN TWO MINDS
FRANCES

batman

There is a thread about this somewhere on this forum. I am glad it's a subject that is often ignored. As a mental health professional I find that most of the films relating to this subject are grossly innaccurate and misleading.

The only one that is worthwhile IMHO is One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

The Titicut Follies is an interesting time capsule of a piece, there is another US film from the late 40 early 50s which is in the same vein.

Of the other one's listed above the only one I can recommend is Frances although I have heard David and Lisa is very good.

I wish I had claws.

Wicked Lady

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

faginsgirl

Thanks everyone, not that it matters too much but I was after British productions. I should have said that in the first place.

I have seen girl interupted I found it really moving.

I know what you mean about some films being misleading Bats. I have myself suffered, still do, and I am now trying to incorporate these issues into my writing to raise awareness, but I find it difficult to portray these issues for various reasons I must admit.

xx

We`re changin` lodggggggggings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

batman

Mental health issues in Brit films tend to be incorporated into thrillers, Spider with Ralph Fiennes is the only recent one I can think of, and that wasn't much cop.

I wish I had claws.

Mark O

The Channel 4 Movie 'Walter', starring Ian McKellen

http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0383046/

Mark

faginsgirl

Oh yeah, `Walter` was really well done. That one makes me wanna cry so much!

I nearly burst into tears at `Shadowlands` last night

xx

We`re changin` lodggggggggings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Colonel Blimp

FAMILY LIFE, anyone?

As a lifelong sufferer from mental health problems, it is no surprise to me that there are so few films on the subject of mental health and illness. The vast majority of the population finds it hard to accept that such a thing exists, let alone put themselves in the shoes of sufferers. Worse, a lot of these people actually work in the medical profession or as 'therapists'. The worst are the ones who charge for their services (until your money runs out, then it's every loon for his or her self).

Am I speaking from experience? Yes. Lots of it. Am I bitter? Oh yes. But mainly because I was dumb enough not to realise that the business of health is, at the end of the day, just another business.

But we get by. And laugh a lot. Because you have to!

batman

"As a lifelong sufferer from mental health problems, it is no surprise to me that there are so few films on the subject of mental health and illness. The vast majority of the population finds it hard to accept that such a thing exists, let alone put themselves in the shoes of sufferers."

I would agree with sentiments. I am a mental health nurse and the amount of denial and/or ignorance I come across from otherwise intelligent is unbelievable.

"Worse, a lot of these people actually work in the medical profession or as 'therapists'. The worst are the ones who charge for their services (until your money runs out, then it's every loon for his or her self)."

There are a lot of charlatans in the care 'industry' but there are also a lot of people who do actually care and try to make a positive impact with sufferers. The resources available make the job very difficult, but not everyone who works in the profession leaves the 'loons' to sink or swim.

"Am I speaking from experience? Yes. Lots of it. Am I bitter? Oh yes. But mainly because I was dumb enough not to realise that the business of health is, at the end of the day, just another business."

I answer this from both sides of the fence (I have had my own personal problems in the past) and can agree with a lot of what you say. Health care has indeed become mostly a business with patients seen as a 'product'.

"But we get by. And laugh a lot. Because you have to!"

No matter which side of the fence you are on, having a damn good laugh is often the only way to survive!

I wish I had claws.

Joe Fraguela

Some more films:-

Shock Corridor from 1963 directed by Sam Fuller

The Cobweb from 1955 directed by Vincente Minelli

Colonel Blimp

Oh, I'm sure that's true ... but unfortunately the current British Disease has now spread into the health service, police, etc etc ... by the British Disease I mean this wholesale epidemic of people doing the bare minimum in their jobs and, if they screw up, making sure someone else takes the blame. Being ultra-conscientious, it's what drove me nuts (so to speak!) in my last job and I saw it everywhere: mortgage companies, banks, benefit offices, shops, etc etc. It's just that you never expect it to reach the public services for some reason, and it's a shock when you realise that it has. NOT that I'm saying everybody is thus afflicted ... just almost everybody!

I saw a private psychiatrist for about 15 months before making a colossal mistake and undergoing a month's stay at his facility (gimme a P ... ). The things I saw there simply beggared belief. He actually said, 'After 15 months I still haven't gotten any closer to finding out what makes you tick.' Maybe he should have gone to work for Burger King, then!

However, a sense of humour IS essential: most new people I see seem to find it hard to believe that I make jokes whilst discussing my situation. I mean, being completely hatstand is no excuse to pass up an opportunity for a cheap laugh is it, now?

Wibble wibble,
Colonel Blimp.
PS - needless to say, like all the greatest loonies, I consider myself more sane than most other people! (I certainly have more of a conscience!)

Colonel Blimp

Actually, there are lots of films on this subject:

SYBIL
THE THREE FACES OF EVE
SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER
FREUD
CLEAN, SHAVEN
THE CARETAKERS
PSYCHO (yes, really!!)
THE SEVENTH VEIL (or am I getting confused ... very possibly ... )
LILITH
SLING BLADE (sort of)
THE LAUGHING LOONY OF BERKELEY SQUARE (OK I made that one up)

Probably about as helpful as an unhelpful thing in terms of insight, but nevertheless they cover the subject in some fashion.

sippog

Interesting, Bats, that you rate ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. I've never read the book but I understand Ken Kesey was very upset by the adaptation which he regarded as a total betrayal. Something about: "the spirit of that place cries out . . ."

I read a book called BUSTER FIRED A WOBBLER a while back (now out of print I believe) written by a nurse working in a British hospital which was an insider's view and quite an eye-opener. Do you know it?

batman

I have read the book, seen both the play and the film and can't see what it is exactly that Kesey got the hump about. Sure there have been some minor alterations but the essence (spirit?) of the book is still there. I personally think the play is better than the film because the character of McMurphy is less of a main focal point than the other characters.

I have never heard of 'Buster...', sounds interesting.

I wish I had claws.