Girl, Interrupted

Girl, Interrupted was originally a novel by a former mental hospital patient and renowned author named Susanna Kaysen. Sound familiar? Susanna didn't bother with fake names and such, so when director James Mangold decided to turn the book into a film her name was kept as is.

The story follows Susanna's (Winona Ryder) stay in a mental hospital known as McLean Hospital. There she meets many interesting characters, such as the sociopath who escapes every few days, Lisa (Angelina Jolie). The girl who set herself on fire because she didn't want her father to see her rash, thus making him take her puppy away, Polly. Daisy, the girl who is addicted to laxatives and only eats chicken, and many others.

The film is so intense and realistic, it blows my mind. I felt like I could really relate to Susanna, what with us both having a similar philosophy (sanity is a falsehood constructed to help the "healthy" feel "normal."), the fact that we've both been through very difficult times, and the fact that we've both made it out in the end.

I strongly suggest that only people 12+ see this movie, because of explicit language and some sex scenes, but, past the swearing and sex, it is a masterpiece to behold. I've never read the book, but I can safely say that most people will enjoy the movie.