Livvy Hill

Frank, brilliant post. I am wondering if you could help me. I am writing my University dissertation about mental health representations within the media focusing strongly on Bipolar, and using this film as one of my main case studies. I would really appreciate it if I could discuss this topic further with you for my research. Hope to hear back from you soon.

Apr 24 - 04:01 PM

Joseph McCabe

As a fellow traveler with Frank M.,I could quibble a tin bit but ,buddy,you've basically nailed it.

Mar 23 - 02:14 PM

Matt Smith

Very insightful posts on this link (amazing for a message board). I as well am afflicted with bipolar II diagnosed only about a year ago. Even though I'm in the medical profession, it certainly turned my life upside down and I'm still trying to right the ship. I saw this movie a couple months ago and thought it was absolutely fantastic- it also started a new love affair with Jennifer Lawrence. Cooper and Lawrence do a fantastic job of portraying mental illness I felt. So many movies in the past about psychiatric issues are like Jack Nicholson in One Fell Over the CooCoo's Nest--- the character is completely off the deep end. While this can clearly happen in real life, the vast majority of people live somewhere between excellent control and moderate issues.

The ability of this movie to shed so much light on mental illness but at the same time show it is not the end of things was fantastic. They found happiness and love, albeit awkwardly at times. They developed or maintained family relationships. It was amazing to see both sides presented in such a believable way.

Mar 20 - 11:30 PM

Jeffrey Carter

Ric, About anti seizure meds. I take them for fibromylagia and anxiety and it is my rough understanding that they work for me by 'dialing down' the electric activity of the brain in general (and specifically for those with seizures, which are an uncontrolled burst of electrical activity), leaving me in a state less sensitive to the bullying of my disease, and thereby less troubled by it as well. I am not familiar with its use for bipolar disease, but you know it might be working for you in a similar fashion. Doctors are finding more off label uses for these meds all the time, by the way.

Feb 24 - 07:34 PM

Ric Studer

Although not perfect by any means the depiction of Bi-Polar Disorderin this film comes the closest of any I have experienced (and of course there haven't been many because it isn't a very "sexy" subject.) Pat obviously has Bi-Polar I with rapid cycling. The discovery of his disorder in the film is quite accurate. Many who suffer are not diagnosed until they wind up in prison or in trouble with the law. As a person with Type II bi-Polar perhaps I have a skewed point of view regarding this film but for me it was most definitely not a romantic comedy. I have not read the book and I don't know how it resolves but I feel Russell felt he had to add the trad rom com ending in order for the audience not to be severely depressed at the revelation of the pain and devastation mental illness causes for the immediate circle around a victim and yes, even many ancillary people in their lives. While my Bi-polar II never got me in jail it did help me destroy 2 marriages, 1 relationship with a son and subsequent grandson, several jobs, and countless friendships. To be honest there weren't many friendships to lose. Normally only stubborn people with remarkably strong constitutions were ever able to bore through the steel wall I erected to keep people from finding out. I have read people talking about treatment with anti-depressants. I wonder what sort of Doctors you are seeing. Anti-depressants quite often bump a person up into a constant manic state, which is painfully hard to maintain and will always lead to some dangerous breakdown and/or major acting out. I have tried many drug cocktails and with the constant tweaking by my very astute and empathic psychiatrist have finally settled on a combination of Lamictal and Trileptal. I will be very interested to know why anti seizure medication works well at managing certain types of Bi-Polar. It is my understanding that this is not currently well known. If anyone has any insight into that please let me know. Back to the film. I felt the rom com aspect of the film, especially the obligatory tied up with a bow happy ending, was a ruse to get people to get a glimpse into a world where people are sensitive and intelligent and highly capable but clearly out of sync with civilized society. To my mind there is a similarity here to Asperger's, with the difference being that Asperger's brings trouble with processing stimulus and Bi-Polar creates trouble through processing too much stimulus. The acting here is outstanding, one of the best examples of ensemble acting I have seen in quite awhile. And Jennifer Lawrence continues to amaze. She has been hit with the Meryl Streep stick, portraying virtually any role she tackles with a facile skill that belies her years. She will be on top of the heap for a very long time. DeNiro is DeNiro and his intensity reminded me of Travis Bickle from his early days. I have respectfully asked my daughter to watch this film, as I have never been able to adequately describe who I was when her mother could no longer deal with me. She was 3 years old. I think it might open a door for her, just a crack, into my reality of the past. My greatest joy in life is that I have had this curse managed well enough to be a good, if absent, father to her. I was not so lucky with my son, from the first destroyed marriage. There has been a lot of talk about mental illness in the wake oof the Newtown massacre and not all of it worthwhile. We need as much effort put into overcoming the social stigma of mental disorders as we try to put into issues of race, gender identity and women's equality. And this requires investment. Hopefully this film, which shows that people with mental disorders not only deserve love but are capable of meaningful love is a step in the right direction.

Feb 22 - 05:51 PM

Yvonne Lembo

Thanks so much for your long post, Frank. I'm the mother of a 23-year-old son diagnosed with bi-polar two years ago. I was drawn to this film because of its depiction of how a person and their family and friends try to learn how to live with bi-polar. I haven't seen the film yet, but your real-life comments have been so helpful. All the best to you and your family. May you experience many silver linings.

Feb 19 - 07:02 AM

Gar Guddy

Being bipolar type 2, I must say the movie and acting, while not perfect, is the closest to my experience ever being revealed. It certainly provoked emotional feelings throughout the viewing, I almost got up to walk out, but..., having an excelsior moment, I remained. It was therapeutic to see myself at times. But, it also was idealized by actually having people around the actor who were supportive.

Most comments try to put more romantic comedy spin on it. True, but I see it DRIVEN by the angst of the mental illness that screams for recognition. These are not crazy people pretending to have fun. Please acknowledge that and understand the pain Pat and Tiffany, as well as the mother and DeNiro experience. Can't you see the pain and fear in their eyes? The humor is injected to help most people to relax..., but in reality it is rarely that funny.

That part was/is not realistic. Most people don't realize, because the label is hidden from them out of shame, embarrassment. Those who do know, especially family members don't want to say the word, because it will touch and stain them. The medication helps, as does the therapy, but..., it is what it is and most of 'us', are alone with it. We certainly don't bump chests with our therapist at tailgate parties, partly because some of us are too depressed and lack motivation and someone to pull and push us to attend. It is all messed up, I have held my head like Pat, when confronted with stressful and confusing situations, trying to get a grip and not lose it, which for me, was about backing off, before I did hurt someone.., in sometimes a rage. I will see it again and perhaps again and then again. It helps to confront one's demons!!!!!

Sorry to mess up funny, humor and romance everyone, but that is life and the human condition. See and feel the pain, help them, hold them, hug them, love them. They are you.., in the looking glass of life.
Gary Goody

Feb 16 - 01:19 PM

Alexandra Lord

Hi Frank - I have yet to see the movie, but looked at your post due to the BPD reference. This is OFF topic related to the movie, but I have noticed that very few doctors will use lithium anymore. The person I an hoping to help sounds very much like you. In fact, if properly diagnosed, likely your description to a tee. Has been through the mill of typical anti-depressants,with or w/out the "newer" addons such as abilify, lamictal, etc. Would you mind sharing what has been helpful for you. I see so many people who really like lithium, but have been to many doctors and even pyschiatrists seem to want to use the newer ones instead? I was just hoping if you had some insight into helpful treatments. OR even those that were especially negative as often A/Ds can apparently make it worse. However, I see her mainly as quite depressed (low energy, self-esteem with very rare "manic" moments. I think it is the "manic" times that appear more "normal" to people. Also, has a great deal of anxiety and fear. I realize you are NOT a doctor, but seen MANY over MANY years, and seems the more we know going in, the better. Thus I just wondered what things you find helpful if you are willing to be so considerate to respond. I realize this does NOT have to do with the movie, so I APOLOGIZE! Thanks so much!

Feb 16 - 11:11 AM

Eileen Wilkinson

I really liked the movie, and I appreciate your explanation about how being bi-polar is portrayed. I though it was presented well.

Feb 16 - 09:01 AM

Rich Gehring Jr.

Not sure if this was the proper forum for this post, it's mainly supposed to be about reviews and conversations directly about the film. It's very informative, it's just kind of a waste of your time. You'll understand more of what I mean when you read the responses you get.

Feb 14 - 09:43 PM

Laura Balboni Craciun

It was very cathartic.

Feb 11 - 08:56 AM

Catalina Hall

Very well put. Your examples of BPD effects (and I use capitals, not lower case)is very clear. We don't want pity or sidelong looks wondering when we will explode we just want normalcy. Thank you.

Feb 10 - 11:55 AM

Frank M

PS - I realize there are a lot of generalizations above and you can't generalize about a disease that affects millions. Many bipolar people are quite passionate (sometimes over the top); very smart and creative; if energy is really channeled, then quite productive. I was mainly commenting on how the bipolar aspect could make this movie halfway believable.

Feb 9 - 06:42 AM