Directed by James Mangold and based on the memoir of author Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted is a powerful look at mental illness (as well as suicidal tendencies). In the film, Susanna (Winona Ryder) is detached from her parents and depressed, although the causes are only vaguely hinted at. After attempting suicide and under pressure from a psychiatrist, Susanna signs herself into Claymoore Hospital, a facility to treat mental illness. Run by the aloof Doctor Wick (Vanessa Redgrave), the other patients at Claymoore include the hyperactive and rebellious Lisa (Angelina Jolie) and the vulnerable but impassive Daisy (Brittany Murphy). While Winona may be the star of the film, Jolie definitely has the flashier role, swinging from charismatically naughty to viciously cruel without missing a beat. Saddled with a dreadfully ugly wig that seems to be visual shorthand for "she's one very messed up girl," Jolie grabs center stage in every scene she's in, embodying the callow and manipulative Lisa as if she's on a mission. Overall, Girl, Interrupted works in patches. Much like a brain drifting in and out of depression, it offers both prescient and dull moments, with the medications generally functioning but not quite in perfect balance.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
