Girl, Interrupted (film)

Girl, Interrupted is a 1999 American psychological drama film directed by James Mangold and starring Winona Ryder, who also served as an executive producer. The film is an adaptation of Susanna Kaysen's 1993 memoir of the same name, which recounts her 18-month stay at a mental institution. Alongside Ryder, the film features an ensemble cast, including Angelina Jolie, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Lisa Rowe, a charismatic and sociopathic inmate.

Plot

Set in the late 1960s, Girl, Interrupted follows 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen (Ryder), who is diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder after a suicide attempt. She is sent to Claymoore Hospital, a psychiatric facility. There, she meets a group of young women, each dealing with their own mental health issues. Among them is Lisa Rowe (Jolie), a rebellious and manipulative patient who has a profound impact on Susanna. The film explores themes of mental illness, the struggle for self-discovery, and the question of what it means to be sane.

Cast

• Winona Ryder as Susanna Kaysen
• Angelina Jolie as Lisa Rowe
• Clea DuVall as Georgina Tuskin
• Brittany Murphy as Daisy Randone
• Elisabeth Moss as Polly "Torch" Clark
• Jared Leto as Tobias Jacobs
• Jeffrey Tambor as Dr. Melvin Potts
• Vanessa Redgrave as Dr. Sonia Wick

Production

The film's production began after Ryder read Kaysen's memoir and felt compelled to bring it to the screen. James Mangold was brought on as director and co-writer, helping to adapt the book into a screenplay. The film was shot primarily in Pennsylvania, with the Harrisburg State Hospital serving as the stand-in for the fictional Claymoore Hospital.

Reception

Girl, Interrupted received mixed reviews from critics, but Jolie's performance was universally praised, earning her an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The film has since been recognized for its contribution to the conversation about mental health and its portrayal of complex female characters.

Themes

The film delves into the complexities of mental illness, the definition of normalcy, and the societal pressures on women. It challenges the stigma surrounding mental health and questions the practices of psychiatric treatment during the 1960s. Through its characters, Girl, Interrupted portrays the myriad ways individuals cope with trauma and mental health issues.

See also

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (film)
• The Bell Jar

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