LibGuides: Bipolar Disorder: Media

Documentaries

Of Two Minds
Of Two Minds is an award-winning documentary that explores the lives, struggles, and successes of three individuals living with bipolar disorder. The events, treatments and discrimination they face provide a compelling look at a generation coming out of the "bipolar closet."
The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive
Stephen Fry presents this documentary on living with bipolar disorder. In the course of the film, he meets others with the disorder and discovers how they cope with it in their every day lives.
A Summer in the Cage
Winner of the 2008 Prism Award for Bipolar Disorder Depiction and the 2009 Mental Health America Award in the Documentary category, this documentary follows the filmmaker's friend Sam as he battles with bipolar disorder.

Infinitely Polar Bear
A father struggling with bipolar disorder tries to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their two young, spirited daughters, who don't make the overwhelming task an easy one.
Blue Sky
Hank and Carly Marshall are a military couple who move their family from Hawaii to Alabama for a top secret military mission. Their marriage is strained due to Hank's job and Carly's mood disorder. Though no mention is made of her having bipolar disorder, she presents symptoms.
Mr. Jones
A man who has bipolar disorder and is on the verge of self-destruction is helped by the love of the concerned therapist assigned to his case.
Pollock
Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner are at the center of New York's 1940's art scene. Krasner neglects her work to push Pollock's career forward, Pollock begins to show signs of emotional distress and manic/depressive episodes. Pollock's new fame increases this instability.

Please note that these films do not necessarily portray the experience of any or all individuals who have bipolar disorder.

Carrie Mathison-Homeland

Monica Gallagher and Ian Gallagher-Shamless

Billy Chenowith-Six Feet Under

Andre Lyon-Empire

The Bipolar Express by David Coleman
Call Number: PN1995.9.M275 C65 2014
ISBN: 9780810891937
Publication Date: 2014-07-08
Coleman provides an examination of mood disorders and movie making. He looks at films created by those with mood disorders and also how those with mood disorders are portrayed in films. He provides a filmography of 400 films from around the world that relate to manic depressive illnesses.