Why is it such a popular subject matter for movies? Well I have 25 great reasons for you here. The ranking is largely arbitrary, however I stand by every choice here. I have some rules here however, with examples of films which were cut due to violating them:
- Only films which deal with insanity as a primary subject or theme, if it is only a minor or secondary element it was not considered for the list. (E.g, Stoker, Psycho)
- Disorientation or instability caused by drugs or some similar stimuli are generally not counted, as they often focus more on the stimuli than the mental state of the character. There are exceptions however, and any films on the list which are in this grey area will be explained as to why I allowed them and not others. (E.g, Insomnia, Trainspotting)
- Films that are merely surreal or dreamlike. This was by far the biggest source of exemptions, due to my love of surrealism (E.g, Enter the Void, The Yellow Submarine, The Wall, Mary and Max)
- Paranoia or obsession, these are both key elements of insanity, however if the film solely focuses on these elements rather than something more complex or abstract, it doesn't count. (E.g, Vertigo, Oldboy)
- Films about mental illness, isolation or other forms of mental distress. Not included as they do not involve actual loss of lucidity or control. Some films on this list kinda enter a grey area with this one too, however I will again explain why I included them over others. (E.g, Silver Linings Playbook, The Station Agent, The Wrestler)
Well anyway, I hope you enjoy this list. If there is a film which you wanted to see on this list but didn't make it, then it is likely I have not seen it yet. This list is by no means conclusive and if I find that it has become too outdated in the future, then I may remake it to better reflect my updated opinion. Please enjoy this list and leave feedback, I am sure that you will find at least one film here that you will love.
25. Battle Royale (2000)
If this list was merely ranked by the film's quality, then this would easily be in the top 5 (although I do love every other film on this list too). However it's portrayal of insanity is fairly minor when compared to others on this list, hence no. 25. This film shows insanity in a subtle way, however it creeps on you throughout the running time. The actions of the oppression society, and it's effect on the distraught youths is insane in itself, and it often results in the breaking of many of the minds on display here. This is only the first example on this list of a film which shows insanity through it's world rather than through a single character, and it is extra effective due to it's parallels to our own. A must watch film in my opinion, with a deranged and brutal edge. Also, if you want a more direct portrayal of insanity, Takeshi Kitano stars in this film and he is batshit crazy. Check it out!
24. Les Diabolique (1955)
This excellent French thriller is one of the greatest examples of acute paranoia I have ever seen. It was exempt from the rule I mentioned above due it portraying paranoia in a more atmospheric and complex sense, focusing on the mental strain it can bring as a result. Not much to say, other than this is a fantastic look at a mind slowly buckling under the weight of guilt, stress and paranoia, and it all ends with a fantastic twist worthy of Alfred Hitchcock (who ironically almost directed this film in thr first place).
23. Birdman (2014)
Another of the absolute best films on this list in my opinion, in terms of sheer quality (whatever the hell that means). However, it ranks lower on the list because the issue at hand is once again fairly minor in the grand scheme of the film at large. However it is still fairly integral to the central character, so I deem that it still counts. Anyway, Birdman shows how a character's obsessions can lead to a derailment of their sanity. We see how miserable and unstable people can be when following their dreams and how screwed the entire Hollywood and Broadway scenes can be. Keaton portrays a man who is only just able to hold things together, and the strain in his eyes remain in every one of his scenes. This film tackles the issue in a refreshingly fun way however, rarely becoming melancholic and instead allowing the audience to marvel at the craziness.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film List
(A megacut will be made when all parts are up, normal reviews suspended until all 9 parts have been posted)
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