Wordsmith's Corner
5 Impactful Films on Men's Mental Health by Likith Kumar
Cinema profoundly impacts men's mental health through its portrayal of masculinity, mental illness, and emotional expression. Films shape societal perceptions, influencing how men view themselves and seek help. By depicting diverse male characters and their struggles authentically, cinema can both challenge stereotypes and foster empathy, aiding mental health awareness and support.
Here are five of those films that have impacted me deeply:
1) Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (2018)
"I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it's like to feel absolutely worthless and they don't want anyone else to feel like that."
Robin Williams is someone who gave a lot of joy to people and his death brought a lot of sadness. This documentary celebrates the life and career of one of the greatest comedians to ever grace the screen. We get a glimpse of the highs and lows of his career, his substance abuse, his relationship problems, and his lifelong yearning for approval and acceptance.
2) Perfect Days (2023)
"Next time is next time. Now is now."
What makes a life perfect? Is it Driving a sports car? Living in a mansion? Having a loving family? Fame? This film says otherwise as it paints a picture of a man who seems content with his life working as a cleaner of toilets in Japan. He seems joyous with his everyday routine of reading books and listening to music. This film tries to break the 21st century's idea of rushing for material success.
3) Awakenings (1990)
This is a poignant film that showcases the triumphs and tragedies of Dr. Malcolm Sayer’s work with catatonic patients. It highlights the extraordinary impact of a drug, which temporarily revives patients, revealing the depth of their humanity. The compelling story of Leonard Lowe's brief awakening and subsequent struggles emphasizes the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. This movie offers profound insights into the human condition, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of compassion.
4) Inthi Ninna Preethiya (2008)
After his breakup with his long-time girlfriend, Rajeev, a painter, falls into a bottomless pit of depression and alcohol abuse. While his friends and family try to revive his spirit and help him get his life back together, Rajeev struggles to let go of dreams of yesterday. This picture tells the tale of a man finding the will to live after facing one personal tragedy after another. With an equally good soundtrack and unforgettable one-liners, this film is a must-watch for heartbroken men. Will getting married to another woman change Rajeev's life? Find out yourself.
5) Aftersun (2022)
It follows a young girl as she reflects on a vacation she took with her father two decades earlier. Through a blend of poignant flashbacks and present-day introspection, the film explores the nuances of their bond and the hidden depths of her father's struggles. We see the effects that fatherhood had on him throughout his teenage years through his occasional moments of subtle nervous breakdowns. This film resonates with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Click the arrows to turn the pages.