Psychotic Disorders
Agnes of God
Genre: Drama Year: 1985 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Jane Fonda, Meg Tilly, Anne Bancroft
Topics: Treatment, Psychosis, Forensic
Meg Tilly as a novice nun who became pregnant and the baby is found strangled in the cloistered
convent. Jane Fonda as the psychiatrist appointed to determine if Tilly is mentally competent to
stand trial.[Suggested by Nell Stewart]
Angel Baby
Genre: Drama Year: 1995 Rating: R
Actors: John Lynch, Jacqueline McKenzie, Colin Friels
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia
An Australian film about two schizophrenics who fall in love at group therapy. Everything is fine
until they decide to stop taking their medications and she becomes pregnant. [Suggested by
Tammy Schneider, Champaign, IL]
Arsenic and Old Lace
Genre: Comedy Year: 1944 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Cary Grant, Josephine Hull, Jean Adair
Topics: Psychosis
Classic movie with Cary Grant discovering his aunts poison gentleman visitors and his brother
thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill. [Suggested by Darlene Puck, Cincinnati,
OH]
Aviator, The Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2005 Rating: R
Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale
Topics: OCD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective
Academy Award winner for Best Supporting actress and other accomplishments (cinematography,
etc.). Excellent movie. There is much room for diagnosis debate - clear OCD symptoms early on,
but what about paranoia? Manic-type symptoms? Personality considerations? Be sure to also watch
the special features segment on OCD.
Beautiful Mind, A Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Russell Crowe, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly
Topics: Schizophrenia
Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress. Russell Crowe portrays
Nash, a brilliant mathematician. There is a major plot twist - stop reading here if you don't want it
spoiled…We learn that we are misled - situations and characters turn out to be portrayals of Nash's
delusional thinking and hallucinations. We see him spiral downward in the throws of his psychotic
thinking or the side effects of his medications. What do you think about the suggestion that he was
able to self-challenge the reality of the hallucinations, as at the end of the movie? What do you
think this movie did for public perception of schizophrenia? If you really want to know his story,
read the book - not an easy read, mind you, but with plenty more information missing from the
Hollywood version…
Benny & Joon Favorite
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1993 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Johnny Depp, Mary Stuart Masterson, Aidan Quinn
Topics: Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder
Early movie with Johnny Depp who develops a relationship with young woman who is
schizophrenic. Diagnostic considerations for Depp's character? Good portrayal of stresses on
family, as Joon's brother devotes himself to her care. Cute movie.
Caine Mutiny, The Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1954 Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson
Topics: Psychosis, Forensic, Personality
Love this movie. Great cast, with Humphrey Bogart as the captain who begins to unravel under
stress. You'll never eat frozen strawberries again without thinking of this movie! What do you
think about the lawyer's accusations at the end, would things have been different if they supported
the captain, made accomodations for his deficiencies? If you want more resolution at the end,
read the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, on which the film was based. [Suggested by Ron Yamauchi]
Camille Claudel
Genre: Drama Year: 1988 Rating: R
Actors: Isabelle Adjani, Gerard Depardieu, Laurent Grevill
Topics: Psychosis, Treatment
Biography of the French artist, Claudel, who has a "madness of mud" - she's a sculptress. Gerard
Depardieu plays Auguste Rodin, with whom she has a less than stable relationship. Adjani spent
most of her adult life in an asylum. [Suggested by Celeste Walling, NY]
Canvas Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2006 Rating: Pg-13
Actors: Joe Pantoliano
Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction, Treatment
Seen through the eyes of a young boy, this film demonstrates the impact of schizophrenia on the
family. As such, I imagine it would be useful in working with families dealing with mental illness in
a loved one. Great music and photography.
Caveman's Valentine, A
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: R
Actors: Samuel L. Jackson, Colm Feore, Ann Magnuson
Topics: Schizophrenia
A brilliant, but schizophrenic, composer living in a cave in Manhattan tracks down the murderer of
a young man, all the while experiencing hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Not a particularly
well-reviewed film, but all agreed that Samuel L. Jackson was quite good in the main role.
[Suggested by Brad Thomas]
Clean, Shaven Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1994 Rating: R (NR)
Actors: Peter Greene, Alice Levitt, Megan Owen
Topics: Schizophrenia, Forensic
This accurate and graphic film depicts life through the eyes of an untreated paranoid schizophrenic
searching for his daughter. It does contain some short footage which many may find difficult to
watch, but is in keeping with the presentation of psychosis. I found that looking away during these
moments did not alter my appreciation of the film. This is one of those odd, independent films
which one must "figure out" as it goes along. High on symbolism - be sure to notice the mother's
clothing in relation to the setting around her. I find that this film demonstrates beautifully the
communication deficits often present in these families - the mother character suggests the now
disproved "schizophrenogenic mother" theory, or may be consistent with a strong genetic
component to schizophrenia. The depiction of perceptual illusions/hallucinations is very well done.
A short film, but one which truly gives a sense of the world view and experiences of a
schizophrenic. [Submitted by Peter Lilliengren, Stockholm University, Sweden]
Conspiracy Theory
Genre: Drama Year: 1997 Rating: R
Actors: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart
Topics: Paranoia
Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts - good combo, but realistic movie? Mel is paranoid, conspiracies
everywhere, but once in awhile, "just like a stopped clock," (wonderful analogy from Roger Ebert)
he's right. There also is a government psychiatrist (are his treatments therapeutic?!). Diagnosis
for Mel? [Suggested by Victoria Mellody, University of Arizona-Tucson]
Cosi
Genre: Comedy Year: 1993 Rating: R
Actors: Ben Mendelsohn, Barry Otto, Toni Collette
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Impulse Control Disorder
A very well-done Australian comedy about a theater major hired to direct a play with the cast
comprised of psychiatric patients at the local asylum. Includes pyromaniacs and other diagnoses.
Hard to separate patients from staff. [Suggested by Jeff Hill, Marywood University, PA]
David and Lisa
Genre: Drama Year: 1962 Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Keir Dullea, Janet Margolin, Howard da Silva
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Psychosis
Story of romance between young adults in a mental institution.
Don Juan DeMarco
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1995 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway
Topics: Delusional Disorder, Family Dysfunction
Johnny Depp (one of my favorites) believes that he is the great lover, Don Juan. He is treated by
therapist, Marlon Brando, who, as often happens in the movies, is really treated by his patient.
Cute flick.
Donnie Darko
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: R
Actors: Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Topics: Schizophrenia, Treatment
A cult favorite. See the Director's Cut version. Although intended to be interpreted from a science
fiction perspective, the story easily can be analyzed according to traditional schizophrenia and
trauma issues.
Don't Bother to Knock Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1952 Rating: NR-PG
Actors:
Topics: Depression, Psychosis, Personality Disorder
This is not a well-known film and was not a critics' favorite; however, I enjoyed it and believe that
in its short 76 minutes it gives plenty of material to digest. Marilyn Monroe plays a young girl
hired for the first time to babysit a child at a hotel, as recommended by her uncle, the elevator
operator. As the movie progresses, we learn that she was recently released from a mental
institution, "almost cured," almost being the operative word. I enjoyed the movie and Monroe's
performance. Consider suggestions of her childhood experiences, the concept of diathesis-stress
in the onset of psychopathology, and the possible personality disorder present.
Enduring Love Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2004 Rating: R
Actors: Daniel Craig, Rhys Ifans, Samantha Morton
Topics: Psychosis, Anxiety, Family Dysfunction
This film, base on Ian McEwan's novel, has one of the most unique opening scenes. Through a
chance event, a strange man develops the delusional belief (erotomania) that he has a romantic
relationship with a male college professor, who, ironically, lectures on the sociobiology of love.
The professor suffers from acute post traumatic stress disorder, coupled with the anxiety of being
stalked. See my article on the topic for more information.
Fisher King, The
Genre: Drama Year: 1991 Rating: R
Actors: Robin Williams, jeff Bridges, Mercedes Ruehl
Topics: Psychosis, Depression, Suicide
Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. A suicidal radio DJ (Jeff Bridges) meets up
with a deranged street person (Robin Williams) who catches him up in his psychosis - folie a deux?
Also their relationship seems to bring salvation for both. Interesting film.
Frances
Genre: Drama Year: 1982 Rating: R
Actors: Jessica Lange, Kim Stanley, Sam Shepard
Topics: Paranoia
Jessica Lange portrays the 1930s actress, Frances Farmer, who is placed in a mental institution by
her overbearing mother.
Gaslight Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1944 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotton
Topics: Delusional Disorder, Personality Disorder
Academy Award winner for Best Actress. A great movie! How a woman can come to believe that
she's crazy, when she isn't!
Harvey Favorite
Genre: Comedy Year: 1950 Rating: NR-PG
Actors: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow
Topics: Psychosis, Drugs/Alcohol, Treatment
Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. Classic comedy with Jimmy Stewart
hallucinating (?) a six-foot rabbit named Harvey. Consider the portrayal of psychiatry and the
mental asylum and the apparent ease with which one seemed to be able to commit a person. Also,
one might think Harvey was a result of too much alcohol, but do we actually see Jimmy Stewart
ever drink? Hmmm. My favorite lines are Elwood's quoting his mother: "In this world, Elwood, you
must be oh-so-smart or oh-so-pleasant," and his conclusion, "Well, for years I was smart; I
recommend pleasant." Is it a personality disorder to be too nice, too polite? Ah, if we all were so
afflicted! Parallels with Peter Sellers in "Being There" and Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump?"
[Suggested by Joy Szuhay, Clarks Summit, PA]
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (A la folie…pas du tout) Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2002 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Audrey Tautou, Samuel Le Bihan
Topics: Psychosis, Family Dysfunction
In French with English subtitles. A young art student is having an affair with a married cardiologist
whose wife is pregnant. She becomes suicidal when it is apparent that he is not going to leave
the wife. Seems like a classic tale, until the second half of the movie, when the film rewinds and
we see all the same events from the doctor's perspective.. This is the case of a delusional
disorder subtype. See my article on the topic for more information. Very entertaining.
House of Yes Favorite
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1997 Rating: R
Actors: Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling
Topics: Psychosis, Personality Disorder
I loved this movie. Absolutely great, quick dialogue. A young man brings his fiancé home to meet
his family - we learn that she is the very first house guest and it is clear why. The young man's
twin sister believes she is Jackie O and there is a family tradition of reenacting the Kennedy
assassination (with ketchup and pasta - until this night), as well as other family secrets.
Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte
Genre: Drama Year: 1964 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton
Topics: Psychosis, PTSD
Classic. Bette Davis as a reclusive (insane?) woman, suspected of having killed her beau 40 years
earlier, who now is faced with losing her plantation home due to a highway project. [Suggested
by Ralph Richmond]
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Genre: Drama Year: 1977 Rating: R
Actors: Kathleen Quinlan, Bibi Anderson, Ben Piazza
Topics: Schizophrenia, Treatment
A young woman's continuing fantasies from childhood land her in an institution, with a therapist
attempting to reunite her with reality. Would be nicely paired with "The Snake Pit" and "One Flew
Over the Cuckoo's Nest" to compare treatment methods. Joins "Shock Corridor" in perpetuating
the evil mental health aide concept. If you ever watch the documentary "Titicut Follies," you'll see
that such abuses have occurred, however. [Suggested by C. Bisby, CA]
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Genre: Drama Year: 1985 Rating: R
Actors: William Hurt, Raul Julia, Sonia Braga
Topics: Psychosis
Academy Award winner for Best Actor. Two unlikely cell mates in a South American prison, a
homosexual charged with immoral behavior, and a political prisoner, develop a relationship and
use their imagination (hallucinations?) to escape their reality.
Lilith Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1964 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Warren Beatty, Jean Seberg, Peter O'Toole
Topics: Treatment, Psychosis
A very young Warren Beatty, who reminds me of Wally Cleaver (from "Leave it to Beaver"), is
discharged from the Army and service in World War II and seeks employment as a occupational
therapist trainee at the local private mental asylum. The film allows for diagnostic considerations,
Freudian interpretations, ethics analysis, and stigma issues (e.g., belief that schizophrenia can be
transmitted to others through blood). Jean Seberg plays the beautiful institutionalized woman, a
role foreshadowing the actress's own subsequent traumas, drug use, depression, and annual
suicide attempts on the date of her infant's death, ultimately being successful.
Man Facing Southeast
Genre: Drama Year: 1986 Rating: R
Actors: Lorenzo Quinteros, Hugo Soto, Ines Vernengo
Topics: Psychosis, Treatment
According to the submitter: "Argentinian film - a man is committed to an institution claiming that
he is from another planet - and when he faces Southeast, which he does for long periods of time
standing perfectly still - he claims to receive messages from his planet." Prelude to KPax?
[Suggested by Nancy Porter, Chestnut Hill College, PA]
Ninth Configuration
Genre: Drama Year: 1980 Rating: R
Actors: Stacey Keach, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller
Topics: Treatment, Psychosis
Very good movie about a secret government facility for high ranking officials who have had
mental breakdowns. Interesting plot twists.
Nuts
Genre: Drama Year: 1987 Rating: R
Actors: Barbra Streisand, Richard Dreyfuss, Maureen Stapleton
Topics: Forensic, Psychosis, Personality Disorder
Barbra Streisand as a hooker charged with manslaughter and the use of the insanity plea.
Pi Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1998 Rating: R
Actors: Sean Gullette, Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman
Topics: Psychosis, Neuropsychology
This film is ripe for interpretation - intentionally left that way by the writer/director. The parallels
with "Clean, Shaven" and "A Beautiful Mind" are readily apparent, but is this a portrayal of
schizophrenia? How consistent are his symptoms/behaviors with temporal lobe epilepsy, hmmm?
Psycho
Genre: Drama Year: 1960 Rating: R -NR
Actors: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Janet Leigh
Topics: Psychosis, Dissociative
Classic Hitchcock. Think about Norman's relationship with his mother. Contains one of the most
famous, and SCARY!, shower scenes.
Requiem for a Dream
Genre: Drama Year: 2000 Rating: R
Actors: Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
Topics: Drugs/Alcohol, Psychosis, Family Dysfunction
Strong portrayals of drug addiction and its costs. Roger Ebert deems it a "travelogue of hell" - for
those who have not experienced the torment of drug addiction, here's a guided tour.
Revolution #9 Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2001 Rating: NR - R
Actors: Michael Risley
Topics: Paranoia, Schizophrenia, Treatment
I LOVED this underseen independent film (only rated by 175 people on the Internet Movie
Database). It chronicles an acute episode of psychosis, its onset, effects on loved ones, and
treatment components. Includes very realistic portrayal of a commitment hearing and the
realities of managed care. The ending leaves room for discussion. Revolution #9 would make for
a great start of a series of schizophrenia films, depicting various stages of the disorder, followed
by "Pi" (untreated severe psychosis), "Clean, Shaven" (managed psychosis), and "Spider" chronic
disability. It's a great title, too. How many of you have played that song backward, looking for
the hidden messages (I know I did as a teen)? Feel more connected to Jackson in this movie?
Then again, Charles Manson claimed to receive messages from this song, too.
Ruling Class, The
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1972/2 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Peter O'Toole
Topics: Psychosis, Treatment, Family Dysfunction
This British black comedy has a cult following and was rereleased to include previously removed
footage, which is unfortunate, as I found it too long. The first half or so I enjoyed, but found the
second half disturbing, as it unfortunately followed the oh-so-common path of schizophrenic as
dangerous. Still worth watching, as Peter O'Toole appears believing he is God and the treatment
facility at first seems so benevolent. But, alas, the treating psychiatrist loses his ethical scruples,
not to mention his sanity. The portrayal of schizophrenic dialogue is quite good, as well as
O'Toole's initial efforts to suppress his psychosis. Doesn't rise to the level of a "favorite," but
worth watching.
Shine Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1996 Rating: PG-13
Actors: Geoffrey Rush, Justin Braine, Sonja Todd
Topics: Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Family Dysfunction
Academy Award winner for Best Actor. Story of gifted Australian pianist, David Helfgott, son of
Holocaust survivors. You can visit the Helfgotts' personal website to learn more about this
interesting man and his wife. The father character also allows for diagnostic considerations.
Helfgott appears to have schizoaffective disorder-manic. The music is excellent in this film.
Shock Corridor
Genre: Drama Year: 1963 Rating: NR-PG-13
Actors: Peter Breck, Constance Towers, Gene Evans
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Psychosis
The story of a newspaper reporter out to win the Pulitzer Prize by solving the murder of a patient
in a mental hospital, by feigning mental illness himself (coached by a psychiatrist prior to seeking
admission - ethics?). I started off liking the movie, ended up seeing how it perpetuated stigma and
myth about mental illness and its treatment - psychosis is contagious? Tests can damage normal
minds? Yikes. Melodramatically entertaining, but watch with a very critical eye.
Sophie's Choice
Genre: Drama Year: 1982 Rating: R
Actors: Meryl Streep, Kevin Klein, Peter MacNicol
Topics: PTSD, Trauma, Schizophrenia
Academy Award winner for Best Actress. Meryl Streep portrays a World War II victim dealing with
traumatic memories and guilt. Kevin Klein as her schizophrenic (?) boyfriend. I would never want
to be faced with the "choice" she had to make… [Suggested by Danielle Langlois, SC]
Spider Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 2002 Rating: R
Actors: Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Lynne Redgrave
Topics: Schizophrenia, Childhood Disorder, Freudian
Along with "Clean, Shaven," one of the best portrayals of schizophrenia. Interpretation of the film
leads one to Oedipal impulses and mother as saint/whore. Just like "Spider," the viewer has to
question "reality" through the film. Might warrant a second watching - this time keep track of all
the types of delusions - somatic, guilt, Capgras, etc. Be sure to watch the supplemental interviews
on the DVD.
Sunset Boulevard Favorite
Genre: Drama Year: 1950 Rating: NR-PG
Actors: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroh
Topics: Personality Disorder, Delusional Disorder, Psychosis
This is an old movie and requires some knowledge of film history - particularly silent films. Watch
"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" first to get a flavor of such films and then watch this. Gloria Swanson
is terrific - her mixed personality disorder and other possible diagnoses give you ample material
to chew on.
The Madness of King George Favorite
Genre: Drama/Comedy Year: 1994 Rating: R
Actors: Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren, Ian Holm
Topics: Psychosis, Poyphyria
A great movie. Psychosis caused by a metabolic disorder (porphyria). Look out if you start peeing
blue!
Titicut Follies
Genre: Documentary Year: 1967 Rating: R
Actors:
Topics: Treatment, Schizophrenia, Ethics
This is a highly controversial documentary, with graphic images of abuse of patients in a
Massachusetts psychiatric hospital. The film was banned by court order, citing invasion of privacy.
Still hard to find.