Girl, Interrupted Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl checks into a mental hospital for a headache and ends up having more drama than a reality TV show.

🍿 Girl, Interrupted: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Susanna’s Admission to Claymoore

In 1967, Susanna Kaysen, a directionless teenager, is admitted to Claymoore, a mental institution, after a supposed suicide attempt involving aspirin and vodka. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Susanna begins her stay among a diverse group of troubled young women. The initial days are marked by confusion and a sense of detachment from her new surroundings.

Life Inside Claymoore

Inside Claymoore, Susanna encounters a vibrant community of patients including Georgina, a pathological liar; Polly, a burn victim with childlike tendencies; and Daisy, a reclusive young woman with a complicated relationship with her father. However, it is Lisa Rowe, a charismatic sociopath, who becomes the most influential figure in Susanna’s life. Their complex relationship becomes the core of the narrative.

The Impact of Lisa Rowe

Lisa’s rebellious spirit and manipulative tendencies both attract and repel Susanna. She challenges Susanna’s perceptions of sanity and conformity, blurring the lines between rational and irrational behavior. Lisa’s influence leads Susanna down a path of self-destruction, as they engage in acts of defiance and question the authority of the institution.

Daisy’s Tragic End

A pivotal moment occurs when Lisa and Susanna run away from Claymoore and stay with Daisy. Lisa’s cruel remarks about Daisy’s past trauma and relationship with her father trigger a devastating reaction. The following morning, Susanna discovers Daisy has committed suicide, which deeply impacts Susanna. This event forces Susanna to confront the consequences of her actions and Lisa’s influence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder): A directionless teenager sent to a mental institution after a possible suicide attempt, where she begins to confront her inner demons.
• Lisa Rowe (Angelina Jolie): A charismatic and manipulative sociopath who exerts a strong influence on Susanna and the other patients.
• Valerie (Whoopi Goldberg): A compassionate and insightful nurse who provides Susanna with guidance and tough love.
• Georgina Tuskin (Clea DuVall): Susanna’s roommate and a pathological liar with a fixation on ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
• Daisy Randone (Brittany Murphy): A deeply troubled patient suffering from bulimia and the effects of abuse, ultimately leading to a tragic end.
• Dr. Wick (Vanessa Redgrave): A perceptive psychiatrist who helps Susanna confront her issues and work towards recovery.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Susanna: “Have you ever confused a dream with life? Or stolen something when you have the cash? Have you ever been blue?” – The opening narration sets the tone for Susanna’s introspective journey and questioning of sanity.
• Lisa: “Crazy isn’t being broken, or swallowed by a dark secret. It’s you or me, amplified.” – Lisa challenges the conventional understanding of mental illness, suggesting it’s a heightened version of everyday experiences.
• Valerie: “You’re a lazy, self-indulgent little girl, who is driving herself crazy.” – Valerie’s harsh words are a wake-up call for Susanna, challenging her to take responsibility for her life.
• Lisa: “They’re not real people, they’re therapists.” – Said by Lisa about the doctors, highlighting her distrust of authority and the mental health system.
• Susanna: “Being crazy isn’t about broken bones, or cutting yourself… it’s about what you do with it.” – Susanna’s final statement emphasizes her growth and acceptance of her own experiences, suggesting that mental illness doesn’t define a person’s worth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $28,912,646
• Worldwide Gross: $48,350,205

💥 Girl, Interrupted Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a teenager and feeling like I finally understood something about being lost and confused. Angelina Jolie completely blew me away, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons I still love her as an actress. The scene where they read the files in the basement? Chilling! This movie really got to me and stayed with me. It’s a must-see for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t fit in or been misunderstood.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories about mental health”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female characters”
  • “Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Self-harm”
  • “Mental illness themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A powerful and moving drama anchored by strong performances, particularly from Ryder and Jolie. The film navigates complex themes of mental health with sensitivity, offering a glimpse into a world rarely seen with such honesty.
• The Film Stage: “While not without its flaws, ‘Girl, Interrupted’ excels in its portrayal of the relationships between the women in the institution. Jolie’s performance is magnetic, though Ryder grounds the film with her introspective portrayal of Susanna’s journey.

Audience Reactions

Angelina Jolie’s performance as Lisa is iconic and unforgettable.: The raw and honest portrayal of mental illness resonated deeply with viewers.

The film’s depiction of female friendship, even in the face of adversity, is heartwarming and relatable.: The strong performances by the entire female cast were universally praised.

Overall Consensus: A powerful drama with standout performances, particularly from Angelina Jolie, that offers a compelling look at mental illness and female friendship, though some find the plot to be somewhat uneven.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2000
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Winona Ryder personally secured the rights to Susanna Kaysen’s memoir and dedicated seven years to its adaptation into a film.”
• “To accurately portray their characters, the actresses spent time researching mental illness and visiting psychiatric facilities.”

🖥️ How to Watch Girl, Interrupted?

Girl, Interrupted is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service or digital retailer for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Girl, Interrupted, you might like these similar films:

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975): Features life inside a mental institution and the patients rebelling against the system.
• Prozac Nation (2001): Depicts a young woman’s struggle with depression and mental health, similar to Susanna’s experiences.
• The Snake Pit (1948): A classic film from the same era focusing on the harsh realities of mental institutions.
• Thirteen (2003): Explores the turbulent teenage years and the search for identity, mirroring Susanna’s initial confusion.
• Heathers (1988): Cult classic about teenage angst and the dark side of high school cliques, with a rebellious female protagonist.

🛒 Girl, Interrupted Related Products

• Girl, Interrupted (Blu-ray): Own the movie in stunning high definition. A great addition to any film collector’s library. Experience the depth and emotion of the movie like never before.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: An Evidence-Based Guide for Clinicians: Deepen your understanding of BPD, portrayed in the movie. Great for psychology students or anyone affected by BPD.
• 1960s Fashion: Inspired Clothing: Rock the 60s style with clothes inspired by the film. Express your love for the vintage aesthetic.
• Personalized Mental Health Journal: Start your own mental health journey. Great for anyone looking for a tool to aid in therapy, or for personal growth.

🎧 Soundtrack

Girl, Interrupted features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Bookends” – performed by Simon & Garfunkel
• “Downtown” – performed by Petula Clark

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Angelina Jolie Wins Best Supporting Actress | 72nd Oscars (2000)

Watch Angelina Jolie’s heartfelt speech as she accepts the Oscar for her powerful performance in “Girl, Interrupted.” Her words are both inspiring and captivating, and they offer a glimpse into her creative process.

“Girl, Interrupted” (1999) – Deleted Scenes

Curious about what didn’t make it into the final cut of “Girl, Interrupted”? Dive into these deleted scenes for a glimpse into alternate plotlines and character dynamics that add depth to the movie’s narrative.

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