The 7 Best Films On The Topic Of Depression
Listing the best films that tackle the topic of depression is both a complex and risky task. Indeed, there are many themes that the big screen prefers to ignore. In addition, depression does not always manifest itself in the same way and there are many differences between individuals.
In a movie, it’s not always clear when one of the characters is suffering from depression, as it’s rarely said or because not all of their symptoms and behaviors are shown. This lack of specificity sometimes tends that the big screen softens this disorder.
However, the best films about depression are characterized by the fact that they usually show us an unrecognized part of the disease. They thus show a new way of seeing things, with means which are often sources of inspiration to face it.
The best films about depression make us understand that this state goes far beyond sadness. It is not a homogeneous picture of symptoms and each person may experience it differently. These films can also help us understand this complexity.
The 7 Best Movies About Depression
Most of the films that successfully deal with depression teach us that anyone can have to deal with it. They show that it is a complex psychological disorder. So from the outside it can take the form of a disease with a multitude of physical symptoms.
At other times, depression manifests as dysfunctional behavior that prevents the person from living life the way they would like. It is sometimes preceded by a loss of motivation which was very present before. Let’s take a look at some of the best and most original movies for understanding depression.
Little Miss Sunhine (2006), one of the best films about depression
Little Miss Sunshine is a dark comedy that shows how depression can be a family affair. With the exception of Olive, the main character who is the youngest of the family’s children, all of the Faris family are plagued by mental ghosts that limit them.
Their delicate mental health often causes them to lash out on each other, which only makes their depression worse. Finally, the only really “happy” people in the family are Edwin and Olive.
One is therefore at the beginning of his life while the other, Edwin, is at the end. Grandfather and granddaughter share a deep bond. Franks’ character introduces the terms “depression” and “suicide” into young Olive’s vocabulary. She then begins to worry about depression.
Frank talks mainly with Dwayne, the older brother, also depressed and who can no longer communicate except by writing. The pressure to win or lose divides all of these characters. However, they all end up being “losers” in one way or another, even though they find the strength to work together on their family issues.
The Rebel Wedding (2008)
The next film in this list of the best films about depression is Sam Mendes’ adaptation of the novel of the same name published in 1961. It stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film shows an analysis of the relationship between Frank Wheeler (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) from their meeting until their tragic end.
When they got married, while they still had hopes and aspirations, however, they chose safety (as most of us do). And this, rather than living their crazy dreams. So they moved to 115 Revolutionary Road in a Connecticut suburb when April got pregnant.
The couple’s failure gradually turns into anger and hostility towards each other. Tired of their repetitive, empty and desperate lives, April dreams of moving to Paris to start a new one. But when they start planning this project, circumstances change and they find themselves trapped in their unsatisfying life.
The hours (2002)
It is an adaptation by Stephen Daldry of the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Oscar-nominated novel of the same name. This film looks at the day of three depressed women from different times.
The Hours thus passed from writer Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) in 1923 to Laura Brown, a housewife in 1951 (Julianne Moore) to modern and independent New Yorker Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep). In 2001, the three protagonists then found themselves linked by Woolf’s novel “Mrs. Dollaway ”.
These three stories are incredibly balanced and highlight each protagonist’s depression. And this, in a clear but also discreet way. Each woman thus leads her own fight against depression. Each identifies with various elements of Virginia Woolf’s novel.
Melancholia (2011)
Lars von Trier’s artistic film takes place against a backdrop of uncertainty, anxiety and destruction. Indeed, a giant planet called Melancholia, approaches the Earth and threatens to collide with it.
The film is divided into parts, the first half is devoted to Justine (Kristen Dunst) on her wedding day. She is a depressed and unstable young woman. The rest of the film traces the point of view of his sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), on what happens to his sister Justine.
Melancholia is inspired by the depressions of Kristen Dunst and Lars Von Trier and by this belief that depressed people are often apathetic and lethargic in the face of drama. The camera demonstrates their ability to remain calm even in dire situations, such as a looming apocalypse.
Dunst is distinguished by his daring disinhibition and catatonic demeanor. This nihilistic version of Von Trier’s disaster film advocates accepting that life has no meaning and death is inevitable.
Three colors: Blue (1993)
The first film in the Tri-Color Trilogy by Krzysztof Kieślowski. Bleu is an intense play, centered on its characters. The film addresses the themes of emotional freedom and the isolation that comes with it. In Paris, Julie (Juliette Binoche) has to deal with the sudden death of her husband and her son in an accident in which she survived.
As she recovers from the injuries she suffered, she attempts to kill herself by overdosing. She separates from her friends and past life and tries to live on her own, far from memories and reminders. However, despite her best efforts, she is still brought back to reality by her husband’s unfinished musical work and by the latter’s mistress.
Sylvia (2003)
This biographical film chronicles the problematic relationship between the poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes and the events that led to Plath’s infamous suicide in 1963. When Plath met Hughes in Cambridge in 1956, she was already experiencing episodes of extreme depression. She had even attempted suicide before.
In the movie Sylvia (Gwyneth Paltrow) confesses to Ted (Daniel Craig) her past mental instability. However, in real life she hides her depression from him. Throughout the film, there are many warning signs that could point to the tragic outcome.
For example, the advice of Plath’s mother to Ted about his frailty. Her multiple loves, her legitimate feelings of betrayal and the fact that she always feels overshadowed by her husband, all of this leads her to the greatest despair.
500 Days Together (2015), one of the films at the heart of depression
Desperate romantic and greeting card writer Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is completely devastated when his girlfriend, Summer (Zooey Deschanel) leaves him. He reflects on their 500 days together trying to figure out where his love story ended. In doing so, Tom rediscovers his true passions in life.
In this flashback, we discover the different states of depression that Tom is going through. This teaches us that these states can also be cyclical. We also see that sadness is very fragile in the face of behavioral activation. His combination of optimism and pragmatism is a refreshing change after several months of angst.
Our thoughts There are motivational films that turn into living documents exalting the greatness of the human spirit. Many of them are the testimony …
