LibGuides: Eating Disorders: Media

Documentaries

Someday Melissa
After Melissa Avrin lost her life to an eating disorder, her mother decided to create a film that she hopes will help families and individuals recognize the signs of eating disorders and understand how to seek help.
Dying to Be Thin
This documentary from NOVA explores the increase in the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia. The film follows students, ballet dancers, fashion models, and other young women who are seeking recovery or who have overcome their eating disorder.
Thin
Produced by HBO, this documentary explores the lives of four young women at the Renfrew Center, a residential facility for the treatment of eating disorders. These women have spent their lives starving themselves, to the point of life and death.

Films

Precious (based on the novel "Push" by Sapphire)
In 1987, obese, illiterate, black 16-year-old Claireece 'Precious' Jones lives in Harlem with her dysfunctional family. She her issues with body image are tied up with experiences of abuse, poverty, and racism.
Girl, Interrupted
A movie that takes place in a psychiatric hospital in the late 1960's. Many mental illness are portrayed. One character, Daisy, is presumed to have an eating disorder.
Black Swan
A committed dancer starves herself to earn and maintain the role of prima ballerina in Swan Lake.

TV Shows

Skins (UK) - Cassie (pictured above) struggles with an eating disorder, treatment, and recovery

To the Bone - Ellen (pictured above) struggles with Anorexia nervosa

Disclaimer

Please note that these films do not necessarily portray the experience of any or all individuals who have an eating disorder. This material may be triggering to those who have had or have an eating disorder.