Bipolar Divided In Horror Film

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A Mood Changing Experience Why do films contain characters with a mental illness? Horror movies are notorious for having characters with mental illnesses. Bipolar disorder is commonly exemplified in horror films because most characters are known for their mood swings. According to Mayo Clinic, “Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression)” (par. 1). Annie Wilkes is a prime example of bipolar disorder. In the film Misery, Paul Sheldon has a car accident and is found and rescued by what seems to be his biggest fan, Annie Wilks. She takes Paul to her home, and he figures out instantaneously that …show more content…

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and unusual behaviors. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.” Mood episodes are drastically different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the person. Extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep go along with mood episodes” (par. 4). A severe mood swing is a brisk change in mood. In the film, Annie Wilkes illustrates this characteristic in the scene where Annie finds out that Paul is killing off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. When Annie finds out that Paul killed off Misery Chastain, her mood swings severely and she becomes very agitated with Paul. According to Vincent Canby, “The death of Misery Chastain sends her into a psychotic fit. Thinking of the worst thing she can say, she calls Paul “just another lying old dirty birdie!”” (par. 14). In addition, Annie precedes to pick up a stool with a flower pot in it and slams it against Paul’s headboard. Annie’s sudden change in attitude leads the viewers to believe she is a victim of bipolar

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