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Film Review: Girl, Interrupted.

Name of student: Priyanshi Jain

Batch : Second Year Msc Psychology

USN :23MSRPS067

Specialization: Clinical Psychology

Subject: Psychopathology
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Introduction
James Mangold is the director of the 1999 American biographical psychological drama film
Girl, Interrupted. Based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same name, Mangold, Lisa
Loomer, and Anna Hamilton Phelan co-wrote the screenplay. Notable performances are given
by Angelina Jolie as the charming sociopath Lisa Rowe and Winona Ryder as Susanna
Kaysen, who is institutionalized after attempting suicide. Whoopi Goldberg, Brittany
Murphy, Clea DuVall, Elisabeth Moss, and Jared Leto are a few more well-known
performers.

The main character of Girl, Interrupted is Susanna Kaysen, a young woman with borderline
personality disorder who is diagnosed with the illness after making an unsuccessful suicide
attempt. Her journey through the hospital is shown in the movie, which also explores topics
of self-identity, mental health, and the nature of psychiatric care. Her relationships with
personnel and other patients are highlighted. The story examines her interactions with other
patients, especially Lisa, whose disobedient personality contradicts Susanna's notions of
personal freedom and sanity. In addition to addressing difficult subjects like identity, mental
illness, and society's standards of sane, the movie emphasizes the difficulties that women
encounter when receiving psychiatric care.

Using a subdued color scheme to represent the actors' emotional states, Jack N. Green's
cinematography effectively conveys the harsh and frequently brutal atmosphere of the
institution. By deftly fusing together memories that disclose Susanna's past and her mental
health issues, Kevin Tent's editing enhances the film's tempo. Mychael Danna's stirring score
and other aspects of the sound design add to the film's emotional richness and draw viewers
into Susanna's turbulent journey.

The movie fits the description of a psychological drama since it touches on current concerns
about gender, mental health, and social expectations. It offers a critical analysis of the
historical background of mental health care, focusing in particular on the marginalization of
women and the frequently oversimplified depictions of mental illnesses. While Girl,
Interrupted has received praise for its performances and emotional resonance, it has also
drawn criticism for depicting borderline personality disorder in a way that could perpetuate
stereotypes rather than provide a nuanced understanding of the condition and for possibly
glamorizing mental illness. All things considered, the movie offers a noteworthy cultural
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reflection on the difficulties associated with mental health and the experiences of women
receiving psychiatric care.

Summary
Susanna Kaysen, an aimless eighteen-year-old from New England, overdosed on wine and
aspirin after suffering a nervous breakdown in 1967. She is admitted to the nearby psychiatric
facility Claymoore against her will. She develops intricate ties with her fellow patients over
her 18-month stay and struggles to accept her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.
Susanna (played by Winona Ryder) meets and befriends a variety of patients at Claymoore,
such as the schizophrenic girl Polly "Torch" Clark, the pathological liar Georgina Tuskin,
Susanna's roommate, Daisy Randone, an obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferer who
self-harms, and Janet Webber, an anorexic. Angelina Jolie's charismatic sociopath Lisa Rowe,
who pushes Susanna to stop taking her medicine and oppose therapy, is someone Susanna
finds extremely appealing.

Through regular therapy sessions with Dr. Melvin Potts, Susanna learns about her borderline
personality disorder, a fact initially concealed from her. The film explores Susanna's past,
including her affair with her English instructor, Dr. Gilcrest, and her casual relationship with
Toby, a young man drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. During her stay, Susanna undergoes
various experiences, such as a group outing where Lisa defends her against Barbara Gilcrest,
the wife of Susanna's former lover, and an incident where Susanna becomes frantic after
waking from anesthesia, fearing she has lost time.

The narrative delves into sensitive topics such as self-harm, drug use, and the harsh realities
of psychiatric care. Susanna's relationship with Lisa serves as a central focus, as Lisa
manipulates and challenges her perceptions of sanity. The film also explores the impact of
Daisy's suicide on the other patients, particularly Susanna, who is appalled by Lisa's callous
reaction to the tragedy.

As Susanna progresses in her therapy and cooperates with Dr. Sonia Wick, she begins to paint
and write, reflecting on the nature of her illness and the subjectivity of mental health
diagnoses. Before her release, Lisa is returned to Claymoore and steals Susanna's diary,
attempting to turn the other patients against her. However, Susanna confronts Lisa, accusing
her of being emotionally dependent on the hospital and unempathetic. The film concludes
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with Susanna's release and her reconciliation with Lisa, as she bids farewell to her friends and
embarks on her journey to reintegrate into the outside world.

Description
Watching Girl, Interrupted was a profoundly immersive and emotionally resonant experience
for me. From the moment the film began, I was struck by the stark and often oppressive
atmosphere that permeated the screen, a reflection of the characters' mental states and the
confines of the psychiatric institution they inhabited.

The cinematography, masterfully crafted by Jack N. Green, was a profoundly immersive

experience that left a strong impression on me through its visual, emotional, and auditory
elements. Visually, the film drew me into the claustrophobic world of Claymore Psychiatric
Hospital with its striking and intimate cinematography. The muted color palette and subdued
lighting created a somber and oppressive atmosphere that mirrored the characters' emotional
states. The close-up shots of the characters’ faces were particularly effective in capturing
their raw intensity and inner turmoil, allowing me to connect deeply with their struggles. The
contrast between the stark, institutional setting and the brief moments of freedom, like the
clandestine adventures through the hospital’s underground tunnels, enhanced the sense of
confinement and rebellion.

Kevin Tent's editing contributed to the film's pacing, seamlessly transitioning between the
present and the characters' pasts. The flashbacks provided valuable context, shedding light on
the events and experiences that led the characters to this point in their lives. Emotionally, the
film evoked a wide range of feelings, from the tension and despair of life inside the hospital
to the fleeting moments of connection and defiance among the patients. The oppressive
environment of Claymore created a persistent sense of unease, while the characters’ personal
journeys offered moments of introspection and empathy. I found myself deeply moved by the
characters' experiences and the emotional weight of their stories.

The film's sound design, including Mychael Danna's haunting score, further immersed me in
the world of Girl, Interrupted. The auditory experience of the film was equally compelling.
The soundtrack, featuring period-specific music and a haunting score by Anne Dudley,
perfectly complemented the film’s mood. The music added to the melancholy and tension of
the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the scenes. Additionally, the sound effects,
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such as the echoing silence of the hospital corridors and the distant murmurs of the patients,
immersed me further into the world of Claymore.

As I watched the film, I found myself deeply invested in the characters' stories, particularly
Susanna's and Lisa's complex relationship. The performances of Winona Ryder and Angelina
Jolie were captivating, as they portrayed the nuances of mental illness and the challenges of
navigating a world that often fails to understand or support those struggling with their mental
health. The film's exploration of themes such as identity, societal expectations, and the power
dynamics within psychiatric care resonated with me on a personal level, as I grappled with
the complexities of these issues alongside the characters.

Overall, Girl, Interrupted engaged my senses in a powerful way, creating a vivid and
emotionally charged portrayal of mental illness and institutional life. The combination of its
visual style, emotional intensity, and evocative sound design made for a compelling and
thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Analysis
As I engaged with Girl, Interrupted, it became evident that the film employs various formal
techniques to enhance its thematic content. The narrative structure, which interweaves
Susanna Kaysen's personal experiences with broader reflections on mental health, effectively
uses character-driven storytelling to explore themes of identity, mental illness, and
institutional critique. The film’s dialogue and character interactions reveal the complexities of
each individual’s psychological state, while the setting of Claymore Psychiatric Hospital
becomes a symbol of the constraints and judgments imposed by society. The formal
techniques, such as the detailed portrayal of hospital life and the interactions among patients,
serve to underline the central themes of self-discovery and the critique of psychiatric
practices.

The formal techniques used in Girl, Interrupted significantly influence how the film looks,
feels, and sounds. The cinematography, with its close-up shots and muted color scheme,
creates a sense of intimacy and confinement, which resonated deeply with me. The use of
natural lighting and shadowy interiors accentuated the film’s somber and often oppressive
mood. Editing techniques, including the use of slow transitions and close-up shots, intensified
the emotional impact of key scenes. The sound design, both diegetic and non-diegetic,
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complemented the visual style—period-specific music and a haunting score by Anne Dudley
enhanced the film’s emotional depth. These elements together created an immersive
experience that vividly conveyed the characters' internal and external struggles.

The thematic content of Girl, Interrupted profoundly affected my experience and

interpretation of the film. Themes of mental illness and institutionalization were explored in a
manner that felt both authentic and empathetic. The depiction of the psychiatric hospital’s
oppressive environment and the characters’ personal battles with mental health issues
prompted me to reflect on societal attitudes toward mental illness. The film’s exploration of
borderline personality disorder and the critiques of psychiatric practices provided a nuanced
view of the challenges faced by individuals within such systems. This thematic exploration
deepened my understanding of the characters’ experiences and added layers of emotional
resonance to the narrative.

The film’s formal techniques work in tandem with its thematic content to reinforce the central
messages. The cinematography and lighting choices emphasize the confinement and
emotional isolation experienced by the characters, which aligns with the film’s themes of
mental struggle and institutional critique. The sound design, including the carefully selected
soundtrack, accentuates the film’s mood and themes, providing an auditory reflection of the
characters’ psychological turmoil. Overall, the formal techniques are intricately linked to the
thematic content.

Comparing Girl, Interrupted to other films within the genre, such as One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest or A Beautiful Mind, reveals both similarities and differences in how mental
illness is portrayed. Like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Girl, Interrupted critiques
psychiatric institutions and explores themes of confinement and resistance. However, Girl,
Interrupted provides a more personal and introspective view of mental illness, focusing on the
individual experiences of women within the institution.

In terms of relevance to Indian culture, Girl, Interrupted can be seen as part of a broader
global conversation about mental health and psychiatric care. This depiction contrasts with
traditional representations of mental health in Indian cinema, where such issues have often
been stigmatized or sensationalized. While Indian films are gradually addressing mental
health with greater sensitivity, cultural stigma and systemic challenges persist. The film’s
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critique of institutional practices and its focus on gendered experiences of mental illness
resonate with ongoing discussions in India about the need for improved mental health care
and the impact of societal attitudes. Recent Indian films have begun to reflect these themes
more critically, but the journey towards comprehensive understanding and reform continues.

Conclusion
The conclusion of Girl, Interrupted leaves a profound impact, encapsulating the complexities
of mental health and the journey of self-discovery that Susanna Kaysen undergoes throughout
the film. After enduring the tumultuous experiences within Claymoore Psychiatric Hospital,
Susanna emerges with a clearer understanding of herself and her mental health challenges.
The film culminates in her decision to leave the institution, symbolizing her desire to
confront the realities of the outside world rather than remain in the safety of the hospital,
where she had formed deep connections with her fellow patients, particularly Lisa.

In the final scenes, Susanna visits Lisa, who is now in solitary confinement, and the two share
a moment of reconciliation. This encounter highlights the complexity of their relationship, as
Susanna acknowledges Lisa's struggles while also recognizing the toxic aspects of her
influence. The emotional weight of this scene resonates with me, as it underscores the
importance of understanding and empathy in the face of mental illness. Susanna's farewell to
her friends at Claymoore serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds formed in shared
adversity, yet it also signifies her readiness to embrace her own path toward healing and
independence.

As the film concludes, I am left contemplating the broader implications of Susanna's journey.
The narrative challenges the viewer to reflect on the societal perceptions of mental illness and
the often misguided assumptions that accompany them. Susanna's story is not merely one of
personal struggle but also a commentary on the complexities of identity, the pressures placed
on women, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Ultimately, *Girl, Interrupted*
resonates as a powerful exploration of the human experience, inviting viewers to engage with
the themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the quest for self-acceptance. The film's
conclusion encapsulates these themes, leaving a lasting impression that encourages ongoing
dialogue about mental health and the importance of compassion in understanding those who
navigate its challenges.
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References

De Vido, A. (2022). Girl, interrupted: Queering the campus novel. Contemporary Women's
Writing, 16(3), 361-381. https://doi.org/10.1093/cww/vpad007

Hendry. (2020, October 28). Review: Girl, interrupted (1999). FictionMachine.

https://fictionmachine.com/2020/10/28/review-girl-interrupted-1999/

Kaysen, S. (1993). Girl, interrupted. Turtle Bay Books.

Mangold, J. (Director). (1999). Girl, interrupted [Film]. Columbia Pictures.

Mangold, J., Wick, D., Konrad, C., Loomer, L., Phelan, A. H., Ryder, W., Jolie, A., Goldberg,
W., Redgrave, V., Danna, M., & Kaysen, S. (2004). Girl, interrupted [DVD]. Columbia
Pictures.

Marcheal. (n.d.). Girl, interrupted movie review by Janessa Robison. Girl, Interrupted Movie
Review By Janessa Robison.
https://www.gfalls.wednet.edu/site/default.aspx?FlexDataID=3189&ModuleInstanceID=2701
&PageID=1891&PageType=3&RenderLoc=0&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987
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John. (2020, February 24). Girl, interrupted. Plugged In.

https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/girlinterrupted/
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