“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
“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 [S6E10] Boy, Interrupted
" 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 “His parents are not perfect
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. Review: A Heartbreaking Portrait of Mental Illness Critics
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.
The Perrys do not shy away from their own perceived failures, making the film a raw and vulnerable experience for viewers.
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