The documentary serves as both a memorial to Evan and a cautionary tale, working against the process of forgetting or repressing traumatic experiences.
“His parents are not perfect. Their profession as filmmakers sometimes translates to how they behave as parents: they often play the role of the observer, rarely interfering with the actions of their children.” mhc.kglmeridian.com · 13 years ago
" Boy, Interrupted " is a 2009 documentary film directed by Dana Perry, exploring the life and eventual suicide of her son, Evan Perry, who suffered from bipolar disorder. While the title is sometimes confused with the Modern Family episode "Haley’s 21st Birthday" (S6E10), the film is a stark, intimate portrait of mental illness. Review: A Heartbreaking Portrait of Mental Illness [S6E10] Boy, Interrupted
The Perrys do not shy away from their own perceived failures, making the film a raw and vulnerable experience for viewers.
Critics generally praised the film for its emotional depth and its ability to shed light on the complexities of childhood mental health. It emphasizes the debilitating nature of bipolar disorder and highlights the dangerous misconception that improved behavior means treatment is no longer necessary. The documentary serves as both a memorial to
By sharing their story, the filmmakers aimed to bring awareness to the importance of medication adherence and mental health support. Movie Review: Boy Interrupted in - Mental Health Clinician
The documentary is a devastatingly honest look at a family's struggle to understand and manage their son’s early-onset bipolar disorder. By utilizing home videos and interviews, Dana and Hart Perry provide an unflinching view of Evan’s life, from his initial symptoms at age five to his death at fifteen. While the title is sometimes confused with the
“All it tells you is, there's so much more to know about people, you know, than you can ever uncover.” PopMatters · 16 years ago Critical Reception and Themes