Girl, Interrupted (1999)

My Review

“Girl, Interrupted” is a psychological drama movie telling the story of a young woman institutionalized for 18 months after a suicide attempt. Director James Mangold (“Cop Land” 1997) did a good job of adapting the 1993 memoir of the same name by Susanna Kaysen. There are no big theatrics in the film, just a matter-of-fact retelling of Kaysen’s experiences. He co-wrote the lean screenplay with Lisa Loomer and Anna Hamilton Phelan.

Winona Ryder did a good job in the lead role; she displays a wide acting range as layers of problems are revealed. Angelina Jolie garnered widespread acclaim for the part of another inmate, a woman diagnosed as a sociopath. Jolie won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Co-stars include Elizabeth Moss, Brittany Murphy, Jaret Leto, Jeffrey Tambor, Vanessa Redgrave, Whoopi Goldberg, Clea DuVall, Travis Fine, Angela Bettis, Bruce Altman, Joanna Kerns, Ray Baker, and Mary Kay Place.

“Girl, Interrupted” made a small profit at the box office for Columbia Pictures, Red Wagon Entertainment, and Sony Pictures Releasing. It was filmed in central Pennsylvania.