Movie spotlight
Set in the changing world of the late 1960s, Susanna Kaysen's prescribed "short rest" from a psychiatrist she had met only once becomes a strange, unknown journey into Alice's Wonderland, where she struggles with the thin line between normal and crazy. Susanna soon realizes how hard it is to get out once she has been committed, and she ultimately has to choose between the world of people who belong inside or the difficult world of reality outside.
In 1967, Susanna Kaysen is admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a 18-month stay. Initially struggling with her diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, she forms complex relationships with fellow patients, including the charismatic sociopath Lisa Rowe. The film chronicles Susanna's journey through therapy, friendships, and her struggle to differentiate between the perceived safety of the institution and the daunting reality of the outside world.
Girl, Interrupted received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising Angelina Jolie's breakthrough performance. While some critics found the film to be a somewhat conventional portrayal of mental illness, others lauded its honest depiction of young women grappling with their demons. The film was a moderate box office success and gained a significant following over time.
Angelina Jolie's electrifying performance as Lisa is a standout, often overshadowing the rest of the cast.
The film offers a compelling, albeit sometimes melodramatic, look into the lives of young women in a mental institution.
While sensitive to its subject matter, the narrative occasionally treads into familiar territory for 'coming-of-age' dramas.
Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight Angelina Jolie's captivating and powerful performance, with many finding the film to be an affecting and thought-provoking portrayal of mental health struggles and the bonds formed in challenging environments. Some viewers felt the story was a bit uneven, but generally appreciated its emotional depth and the performances of the cast.
Angelina Jolie won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lisa Rowe.
Angelina Jolie famously drew inspiration for her portrayal of Lisa from Lisa Roe's ex-boyfriend, who was a client of the real Susanna Kaysen's father, a psychiatrist.
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Winona Ryder is on great form here in this rather brutally frank look at a girl struggling with mental health issues. "Susanna" had been rushed to hospital by her worried parents after an apparent attempt at suicide. Diagnosed with a potent...
Sometimes you see them as crazy or mentally ill, but they are the cure that keeps you from going crazy if you love them. The movie touched my feelings when I realized that we were the disease that penetrated their bodies and made these ange...
Back in the late 1990s, when it was announced that Susanna Kaysen's 1993 memoir _Girl, Interrupted_ would be turned into a movie, many actresses were reportedly fighting to join the cast that included a number of strong female leads. In ...