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Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive

Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006)

September. 19,2006
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In 1995, Stephen Fry was performing in Simon Gray's West End play, "Cell Mates." After three days, he walked out of the production. Sitting in a garage, his hand on the car ignition, he contemplated suicide for two hours, before fleeing his home country for the European mainland. It wasn't until this frightening episode that Fry was diagnosed with manic depression, or bipolar disorder, a psychological condition that sees its sufferers oscillating dangerously between dizzying heights of mania and gutting troughs of prolonged depression. This 2 part documentary unfolds like a personal journey of self-discovery. Fry confronts his medical condition by consulting experts and others who have suffered the disorder (including Richard Dreyfuss and Carrie Fisher). This is a valuable documentary, and, having been acquainted only with Stephen Fry's bubbly TV persona, a fascinatingly intimate character study.

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Micitype
2006/09/19

Pretty Good

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FeistyUpper
2006/09/20

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

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ChanBot
2006/09/21

i must have seen a different film!!

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CommentsXp
2006/09/22

Best movie ever!

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peterromero-40146
2006/09/23

Stephen Fry the celebrated Englishman is a manic depressive and it takes a lot of courage to come out publicly let alone come out to the wide world in a documentary but this is a great effort by the comedian and he charts not just his battle with this disorder but its widespread effects and the ways one can try to work around it. Many are still confused as to what depression is and how devastating it can be- This is the documentary to show them.

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Liam McGarry
2006/09/24

In this poignant two part documentary, actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry looks to unravel the stigma surrounding mental health and discover the truth behind bi-polar disorder. The themes and issues tackled in this documentary are sensitively handled throughout, and Fry makes for a compelling and articulate presenter, as the viewer follows his journey to discover the truth about his condition. The filming of the scenes is sensitive and even handed, not only with the people affected in the documentary but also with Fry's personal journey in finding out whether or not he needs to take treatment. Fry's narration is frank and sincere, the information about the illness as well as his own personal experiences are bravely and compassionately told. The documentary balances the medical and personal aspects of the illness as Fry talks to fellow sufferers as well as the doctors attempting to treat and help those affected. The documentary confidently avoids the trope of the 'tears of a clown' (the fascination with mental illness and comedians), and the issues and experiences shown in the documentary are handled with care, without being exaggerated for dramatic effect. What is presented is honest and thoughtful, with the interviews conducted by Fry being some of the best aspects of the show. His interview with fellow comedian and former psychiatric nurse Jo Brand is particularly well presented, it was clear that the views shared in this scene were heart-felt and sincere. This was due to the natural rapport that Fry succeeds in having in all of his interviews. Even when sharing his own issues he remains sincere and thoughtful throughout. The style and presentation of the documentary was successful, and successfully presented the experiences and issues without feeling overdone. The tone was consistent throughout, and the music and cinematography were mostly of a subtle and high standard. The one point at which the music felt overdone was during Fry's on screen depression episode, where the music was overly dramatic and detracted from what would otherwise have been a poignant scene. Overall however, the style and presentation was well executed, and confidently delivered the complex themes without seeming cynical or overly dramaticized. The secret life of a manic depressive presents a thoughtful and intelligent discussion of the issues surrounding bi-polar disorder and the stigma of mental health. Fry makes for a more than capable host, effortlessly conducting interviews and presenting information as well as his own personal issues. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who has been affected by the issues involved or who has an interest in clinical psychology.

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francois_montandon
2006/09/25

I have been diagnosed bipolar 1 and a half year ago and must say that, read, saw a lot about this. This documentary is by far the best I saw... I would suggest to any bipolar trying to explain what is manic depression about, to recommend this documentary. It shows different levels, aspects of the trouble with great humanity. Stephen Fry also shows how his environment perceives his trouble. A few aspects, however, could have been mentioned in the movie, particularly the heredity. My grand father and my uncle were also manic depressive and ended their lives miserably... Another criticism is about the Stephen Fry's personal choice. I can understand it as he has been successful in his career. However, owed to a certain discrimination, lost of manic depressive end up living in a permanent loneliness and sadness. At least, it was my case. For those people, and it is the case of the majority of bipolar people, there is no other choice than go for medication and therapy.

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trevorrogers42
2006/09/26

In dispelling myths and opening up a dark illness to public light, Stephen Fry has shown the way forward in raising awareness for BiPolar. Mental issues and illness hasn't come all that far from the Victorian, out of sight - out of mind, asylums of the past. But with candidness and honesty we are taken on a personal journey, that was well researched to give a insight to the traumatic and chaotic lives of sufferers.The stigma surrounding mental illness is a heavy burden for those affected and their families yet we see Stephen Fry not giving a damn about others perceptions of his illness. A truly ground breaking and thought provoking documentary. A must see for anyone connected with manic depression or those looking to understand what is at times incomprehensible.

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