People may not have a favourite food or book, but something everyone has is a favourite film due to the fact that cinema is something everyone can enjoy. So, here at Kettle we will be running a weekly feature on our editors, and some regular writers, favourite films.
– Emily Murray: Film Editor
When it comes down to picking one favourite anything, I am not the person to ask. Like Food Editor Alex Goode, I’m one of those that has a range of favourites, and I find it quite hard to narrow down. I’m a bit of a film junkie, but that just makes it harder, how can anyone pick just one? So how have I chosen my favourite? Well, I’m Kettle’s Health Editor, so I picked one of my favourites that with deals with mental health, a subject that is important to me for reasons that are about to become apparent.
What is your favourite film?
Girl, Interrupted
When, and where, was the first time you saw this film? Was it a particularly memorable day/company/experience?
I guess you could say it was a case of good timing, fate perhaps. It was 2010 and I had been diagnosed a few months before with severe depression, so the storyline (a female writer is diagnosed with mental health problems after she tries to commit suicide and is sent to a Mental Health Institute) hit quite close to home. I found it strangely comforting, like someone understood.
Favourite character and why?
It’s a toss up between the two main characters Susanna (played by Winona Ryder) and Lisa (played by Angelina Jolie). Susanna is the most relatable, but Lisa is simply an amazing character. She’s very blunt and to the point about things, she won’t put up with nonsense and has a dark humour, which are all features I like in such a complex character. Plus Angelina Jolie plays the role brilliantly!
Favourite scene?
The final scene were Susanna is about to leave the mental health institute, only to wake in the night to find Lisa has stolen her journal…
The truth and message of the movie finally come out here, and the idea that getting better is, to some extent, a choice you have to make. It’s one thing I’d say to fellow suffers; it’s a constant battle and if you don’t at least try to get better and continue with life, things won’t get better. I’m not saying things will be great if you just decide they will, it’s nowhere near as simple as that. What I’m saying is, keep fighting no matter what. That’s what I’m doing at least.
Favourite Quote?
Girl, Interrupted is full of quotable moments, mostly from Susanna’s narration or Lisa’s blunt comments, but I think you’ve probably seen that from the clip above. The GIF below is a great quote of Lisa’s dark humour.
Who would like you to be in this film?
You don’t really want to be any of the characters. They’re all really interesting, but they all suffer from different mental health problems, so picking which one you’d like to be, is sort of like picking your poison so to speak. Unless you pick Dr. Wick (Vanessa Redgrave) or the head nurse Valerie (Whoopi Goldberg), but they are more voices of reason and guidance than main characters. I’d have to say Susanna as I find her most relatable.
Why is it your favourite?
Like I said, I don’t have a favourite per se, but this film is definitely on the list. It’s helped me get through some tough times. I still have Severe Depression, but now I also suffer from a Generalised Anxiety Disorder (a common pairing) and have recently been diagnosed with Agoraphobia. When I’m particularly bad, to the point when I can’t really function and I don’t want to talk to people, this is the film I stick on.
It’s also a book adaption, and although I haven’t read the book yet, I’ve heard it’s been brilliantly done which makes me quite happy as I’m a book lover and now I definitely want to read it. Overall, it’s a great film; well produced, with memorable lines and some great actors and actresses. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Jared Leto makes an experience! Plus it’s set in the sixties, which in my opinion, makes it even more interesting.
