Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Girl, Interrupted Poster

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.

Introduction
"Girl, Interrupted" is a drama film directed by James Mangold and released in 1999. The movie is set in the late '60s and early '70s. It is based on Susanna Kaysen's narrative, which depicts the author's time invested in a psychiatric institution. The title symbolizes the disturbance of a regular adolescence by mental illness.

Plot
The movie follows 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen, depicted by Winona Ryder, who, stricken with problems in her life, tries to dedicate suicide. Following this, she is admitted to Claymoore, a psychological organization. The plot traces her journey as an in-patient in the psychiatric ward and her interactions with her fellow clients.

Characters
The ward is filled with a cast of female characters with differing battles. Perhaps the most dynamic character is Lisa, played by Angelina Jolie, a charming sociopath who has a manipulative streak. Daisy, portrayed by Brittany Murphy, is an incest victim with an eating condition. Georgina, played by Clea Duvall, is a pathological phony. The story revolves around the interactions between these characters with Susanna at the center of their world.

Has a hard time Inside the Institution
The movie depicts the plain truths of mental health treatment throughout those years. The girls share close relationships, which, although sometimes hazardous, become a source of support for them. Susanna establishes a rough relationship with Lisa, who tests the perseverance of the ward's personnel and abuses her influence over the other women. The death of a fellow client, Daisy, leaves a deep impact, triggering Susanna to analyze her life.

Closure
After an escape attempt with Lisa, which leads to a fight in between the two, Susanna returns to Claymoore. With the aid of Dr. Wick, played by Vanessa Redgrave, she pertains to terms with her condition - Borderline Personality Disorder. After an arduous 18-month long journey, she's lastly discharged from the medical facility, leaving the audience to contemplate the difficult nature of psychological health diagnosis and treatment.

Performances and Reception
The film commanded exceptional efficiencies from the cast, with Angelina Jolie receiving an Academy Award for her portrayal of Lisa. The film was considered a powerful expedition of life inside a mental institution and the experiences of young women struggling with mental health. Yet, it received mixed reviews due to the portrayal of Susanna as less ill compared to the other girls.

Conclusion
In essence, "Girl, Interrupted" is a gripping expedition of psychological health and the impact of institutional treatment. Mangold's movie, with its ensemble cast and intense psychological story, assists highlight the complexities and struggles associated with mental illness throughout adolescence. With a delicate mix of anguish, friendship, and renewal, the film is a soaking up watch supplying insights into a misunderstood issue.

Top Cast