BPD According to Hollywood
G. Pacana
3/2/20243 min read


“What does borderline personality mean, anyhow? It appears to be a way station between neurosis and psychosis: a fractured but not disassembled psyche. Though to quote my post-Melvin psychiatrist: "It's what they call people whose lifestyles bother them.” ― Susanna Kaysen, Girl, Interrupted
Hollywood has certainly produced its share of movies depicting characters with BPD or borderline traits. While some are good, others are plain awful. Perhaps the most common mistake Hollywood falls prey to is overdramatizing the character with BPD to where they resemble much more of a psychopath than someone with BPD. The 1987 film, Fatal Attraction, is perhaps the best example of this.
The following six films, listed in no particular order, are popular Hollywood depictions of characters with borderline personality disorder. While these films shed light on BPD, it is essential to approach them critically, as they do not fully represent the complexities of BPD.
Prozac Nation (2001): The movie follows Elizabeth Wurtzel, a young woman struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as she navigates her life and relationships while battling depression and self-destructive behavior. Elizabeth's erratic emotions, impulsive actions, and intense fear of abandonment are central to the portrayal of BPD in the film.
Thirteen (2003): "Thirteen" delves into the life of Tracy, a teenage girl who exhibits symptoms of BPD through her tumultuous relationships, impulsive behavior, and intense emotional highs and lows. Tracy's struggles with identity, self-harm, and unstable interpersonal connections highlight the complexities of living with BPD during adolescence.
Fatal Attraction (1987): The character Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction" displays traits associated with BPD, such as intense fear of abandonment, emotional volatility, and extreme reactions to perceived rejection. Alex's obsessive behavior and inability to regulate her emotions contribute to a gripping portrayal of BPD in a suspenseful thriller.
Silver Linings Playbook ( 2012): In "Silver Linings Playbook," Pat Solitano grapples with bipolar disorder; however, the character Tiffany Maxwell also exhibits characteristics reminiscent of BPD. Tiffany's impulsivity, unstable relationships, and emotional intensity hint at underlying struggles commonly seen in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Monster (2003): The film "Monster" focuses on Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer who displayed traits often associated with BPD, including impulsivity, intense emotions, and a history of traumatic experiences. Aileen's turbulent life and volatile relationships underscore the intersection between severe mental health issues and criminal behavior.
In Girl, Interrupted (1999), Winona Ryder portrays Susanna Kaysen, who is diagnosed with BPD and admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she interacts with Angelina Jolie's character Lisa and other patients.
The accuracy of the depiction of borderline personality disorder in the six movies varies. "Prozac Nation" is one of the better depictions of BPD, showcasing traits like unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, impulsive behaviors, and substance abuse. "Fatal Attraction" has received criticism for its sensationalist portrayal of BPD, although certain aspects of the character's condition do resonate with some viewers.
"Thirteen" and "Silver Linings Playbook" offer insights into BPD symptoms, such as emotional instability, impulsivity, and identity struggles. "Monster" portrays the real-life individual, Aileen Wuornos, with traits associated with BPD, including impulsivity and intense emotions. Girl Interrupted is often praised for its nuanced depiction of BPD, following Susanna Kaysen's experiences in a psychiatric hospital and exploring the emotional turmoil, identity struggles, and challenges faced by individuals with the disorder.
Of the six films "Girl, Interrupted" (1999) received the most critical acclaim and garnered several awards for its performances. Angelina Jolie, who portrayed Lisa Rowe in the film, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Despite its box office success, the movie did not win any major awards.
The film’s title, “Girl Interrupted,” is often a source of curiosity. Author Susanna Kaysen derived the title from her favorite painting, “Girl Interrupted” by Johannes Vermeer. The title signifies the challenges and instability faced by the young woman in the story. The phrase Girl Interrupted encapsulates the sense of disarray and interruption experienced by the main character, Susanna, as she navigates her struggles with mental health and institutionalization.
Source Material: imdb.com, ghmoviefreak.com, reddit.com
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