Lisa, Bright and Dark (1973)

Summary
"Lisa, Bright and Dark" is an American drama film launched in 1973, directed by Daniel Petrie and based on the novel by John Neufeld. The film stars Anne Baxter as the caring mom, John Forsythe as the neglectful dad and Kay Lenz as 16-year-old Lisa Shilling who suffers from split personalities.

Plot
The movie focuses on the life of Lisa Shilling, who begins to show irregular and odd habits. Lisa starts to hear voices, have mood swings, and experiences shifts in her personality, demonstrating indications of schizophrenia. Despite her observing these changes and advocating aid, Lisa's parents dismiss their child's condition.

Her mother, Betsey, only appreciates external looks, refusing to acknowledge any issue that could show badly on the family. Alternatively, her father, Walter, totally disassociates from Lisa, blocking her out of his life.

For that reason, Lisa's only support originates from her good friends - Betsy Goodman, Mary Nell Fickett and Elizabeth Frazer - who instead of turning their backs, seek to comprehend and assist her manage her condition.

Disputes and Climax
The plot unfolds as Lisa's erratic habits magnifies, and she starts displaying disturbances in believed procedures, with learning problems becoming obvious. Disputes develop as Lisa's friends confront her parents, pleading with them to supply Lisa expert help, being consulted with denial and disregard. The buddies must bypass their friend's unconcerned moms and dads and rally around her. They organize meetings with school therapists and even a psychiatrist, demonstrating the lengths they will go to help their suffering pal.

The climax shoots up when Lisa's condition degrades so far that she ends up being a risk to herself-- she starts to self-harm and even considers suicide due to her unattended mental disorder. It is then that her friends, seeing no other method, go to the authorities for her forced admission into a psychological health center.

Ending
The story ends extending a compassionate line towards mental health problems. Disregarding Lisa's aggravating condition and stopping working to get aid leads to a point where Lisa is by force confessed into a mental facility. In this ending, it is clear that Lisa's last gossamer link to truth is snapped, leaving her to abandon entirely into her inner world.

Styles
The narrative boldly deals with styles of mental illness and societal preconceptions. It presents criticism towards society's rejection to recognize psychological health concerns, personified in Lisa's parents' disregard and denial. The prohibited subject of psychological health in the 1970s also includes another layer to the film, showcasing social mindsets of the times. Nevertheless, the movie also shines a light on the unconditional relationship shown by Lisa's peers, who fight against all obstacles for their good friend's well-being.

Reflection
In conclusion, "Lisa, Bright and Dark" acts as a sensitive representation of schizophrenia through the lens of a teenager. The motion picture supplies an honest portrayal of the fight against psychological health preconception, depicting the struggle of mental health patients and the vital value of support from family and friends in times of distress. Through its abundant story and strong performances, particularly of Kay Lenz as Lisa, the motion picture left a long lasting mark on viewers and started conversations on psychological health problems.

Top Cast