Part of 1999
In 1967, 19-year-old Susanna (Winona Ryder) feels that “reality is becoming too dense” and is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The doctor suggests to her parents that she be committed to the Claymore Hospital — and she spends the next 18 months struggling with her troubled psyche and the bizarre world of the institution. Susanna bonds with several other patients, including Lisa (Angelina Jolie), Daisy (Brittany Murphy), Polly (Elizabeth Moss), and Georgina (Clea DuVall). As she realizes that Lisa is potentially dangerous and truly needs help, Susanna begins to work harder with her psychiatrist (Vanessa Redgrave) and the nurse on the ward (Whoopi Goldberg).
Boasting an incredible ensemble cast, this adaptation of Susanna Kaysen’s autobiographical account of being committed to a psychiatric hospital foregrounded a nuanced take on women’s traumatic experiences, and offered an unapologetic look at the inner lives of its young characters — in a period when complex stories about women were sorely lacking.
“As we take our mental health for granted, GIRL, INTERRUPTED does justice to those who ultimately can't.” —Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
“Shrewd, tough, and lively.” —Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
“Artfully crafted and well acted, and it deserves special praise for sidestepping cliches.” —Jack Garner, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle