Film Resources | My Site 2

A selection of films portraying mental health in a balanced light, and encourage greater tolerance and empathy.

Matchstick Men (2003)

Director: Ridley Scott
Starring Nicholas Cage and Sam Rockwell

A conman with OCD, agoraphobia, panic disorders, tics, and an antisocial personality is on the verge of pulling off his biggest deal when his teenage daughter unexpectedly arrives.

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The Three Faces of Eve (1957)

Directed by Nunnally Johnson Starring Joanne Woodward and Lee J. Cobb

A mousey housewife with a dissociative identity disorder presenting three personalities which are merged through patient therapy

Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

Directed by James Foley
Starring Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon

A powerful story of job related stress, and interpersonal conflicts

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Ordinary People (1980)

Directed by Robert Redford
Starring Judd Hirsch and Timothy Huttton

A story of depression, suicide, PTSD, and family pathology. One of the best portrayals of a psychiatrist.

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American Beauty (1999)

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring Kevin Spacey, and Annette Benning.

The story of a dysfunctional family in suburbia. Almost every character has some version of psychopathology, including

histrionic personality disorder in the mother.

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Tender Mercies (1984)

Directed by Bruce Beresford
Starring Robert Duvall and Tess Harper

A washed up alcoholic country singer finds sobriety and redemption a through relationship with a widow and

her son in small Texas town.
Duvall won the Oscar for his performance.

Capturing the Friedmans (2003)

Directed by Andrew Jarecki

A documentary about a father and son accused of pedophilia. And a family's dysfunctions that include sex addiction.
At the end we are left wondering as to who was telling the truth. What was the truth?
This film won numerous awards for best documentary.

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People Say I’m Crazy (2003)

A documentary made by an artist with paranoid schizophrenia which discusses the difference between

schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorders. Winner of many film prizes.

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Four Hundred Blows (1959)

Directed by Francois Truffaut
Starring Jean-Pierre Leaud

A semi-autobiographical film about a rebellious Parisian adolescent, struggling with indifferent parents and authorities. It is considered a foundational work of the French New Wave.

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The Gambler (1974)

Director: Karel Reisz
Starring James Caan and Paul Sorvino

One of the best films about pathological gambling. A literature professor borrows money from his girlfriend,

his mother, and the mob but can’t stop gambling.

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The Accused (1988)

Director: Jonathan Kaplan Starring Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis

A young woman is raped by three men in a bar as others cheer them on. One of the first mainstream films to deal with rape ,and its aftermath on the victim.
Foster won Academy Award for Best Actress

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Antwone Fisher (2003)

Director; Denzel Washington
Starring Denzel Washington and Derek Luke

The touching story of a sailor who, prone to violent outbursts, is sent to a naval psychiatrist for help. Refusing at first to open up, the young man eventually breaks down and reveals a horrific childhood. Through guidance he confronts his painful past.