Bipolar Disorder from Hollywood Perspective

Several movies have been made on bipolar disorder, some of which have gone on to become runaway successes. Few of them are so apt that they go on to describe what Oscar Wilde once said: "Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life." For many, watching these movies has given them more clarity about bipolar disorder than discussing with peers and family.

Watching some of these movies may even give you the feeling of entering bipolar disorder treatment facilities in CA. Biopics have been made on the subject involving some renowned people over the years. At the same time, there are many documentaries and fictional movies weaved around bipolar disorder.

Here we take a look at some of the legendary movies on the subject:

1. Lust for Life is a 1956 movie based on the life of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. The film depicts his passion and zeal for life, his artistic ingenuity and episodes of manic depression. The movie was an adaptation of Irving Stone’s novel. Viewers widely appreciated the film and it went on to bag a number of trophies in several awards functions. Vincent van Gogh is a famous case of bipolar disorder and the film goes on to showcase his tryst with the disease.

1. Cobb is another movie based on a true story related to bipolar disorder. Made in 1994, the film is a journey into the mind of a bipolar person and his behavior.

1. My Friend Paul is a 1999 documentary which offers great insight into the minds of people with mood disorders. The film is a ready reckoner if you want to learn about bipolar disorder. It was directed, written and produced by Jonathan Berman, who really did justice to the subject. It gives a feeling as if you are visiting treatment centers for bipolar disorder in Los Angeles.

1. A Fine Madness is a fictional movie based on bipolar. Starring Sean Connery, this 1966 movie is a sheer joy to watch. Sean Connery’s stellar performance brought to life the nuances of bipolar disorder. The pop culture, the madness, the hyper-sexuality of the lead character, his anger and aggression are all about bipolar disorder.

1. Jones, made in 1993, is another great movie on the subject. The lead character – epitomized by Richard Gere – has heavy shades of bipolar disorder. His episodes of extreme euphoria saw him dangling onstage during a performance to doing other outrageous stuff. His acting prowess brings to life the difficulties of a bipolar person, and the film is a fantastic insight into bipolar disorder. Though people were critical of a doctor-patient relationship which was purely Hollywood, it was a successful venture. But then, it was a fictional take on the subject of bipolar. If you visit BPD residential treatment centers in Los Angeles you will gain similar insight into the subject.

1. Mad Love, released in 1995, is another Hollywood flick made on bipolar disorder. Featuring Drew Barrymore, Joan Allen and Chris O'Donnell, the film is a masterstroke of teenage bipolar disorder in movies. Drew Barrymore played out the desperation and sadness of manic depression so flawlessly that you tend to forget that you are just watching a movie. The various traits of a bipolar person are beautifully brought to light in this film. It was made after extensive research and the movie shows bipolar in the most appropriate way.

So, the next time you want to understand bipolar disorder, pick any of these Hollywood movies. You will not only enjoy watching it, but also learn a lot about the illness.