Prozac Nation (2001/2005)

I first read about Prozac Nation, must have been years ago now. I was interested in it because I really liked Erik Skjoldbjærg's first film, Insomnia (which later got remade by Chris Nolan, starring Al Pacino and Hilary Swank). Also, I was interested in the subject matter, depression and the treatment of it. Not to mention, I'm a fan of Christina Ricci's, but what red-blooded man isn't? So, I waited and waited, mostly forgetting about it, while Miramax shelved it for a number of reasons. Finally, it was shown on pay-television, and just got a DVD release.

I'm really pleased with the way the film turned out, especially pleased with how the subject matter was handled. The main character, Lizzie, is going to school at Harvard in the 1980's, and she develops depression. When you have depression, you're very unlikable, and the filmmakers never pull any punches in showing this. There's one great scene involving Liz and her Mother, in which she starts lashing out at her, then collapses in her arms, feeling sad and remorseful. As soon as it starts, the remorse ends and gives way to anger, as she begins screaming at her Mother again. This is a situation that many people going through depression, or those close to somebody who is, can definitely relate to.

At first, I thought the movie would be terrible, because Liz gets to Harvard and immediately starts drinking, partying and doing drugs. I started arguing with myself if this was plausible, since somebody who's depressed would isolate themselves and not behave like this. But, on the other hand, there's the tendency to self-medicate, so it could just be her way of dealing with it. Soon after, the main aspect of the story comes into place, and only then does the real depression manifest itself. She becomes exhausted, even as soon as she awakes, without ever really doing much of anything. She lashes out at those closest to her, those trying to help her. She really begins to isolate herself, but at the same time, crying out for somebody to save her.

She finds salvation in a nice, innocent boy who goes to her school. He's wonderful to her, listens to her, supports her with a lot of patience. Like most people with depression who meet somebody wonderful, kind and patient, she puts him on a pedestal, claiming he's her salvation. Obviously, this isn't healthy, because you can't depend on somebody else for your own happiness. You can see what's going to happen, and you wish you could warn her. Not because you particularly like her, but because you can relate to her, at heart.

Obviously, as the title implies, the movie deals with anti-depressant medication, namely Prozac. It's a subject that's always hotly under debate. My beliefs are very middle-of-the-road, I believe that they're helpful to some, while they may not work for others. Some are whole-heartedly supportive, while others vehemently oppose their existence. I couldn't be happier to see the film take a great stance on the issue (read: the one I agree with). It doesn't have to be a permanant thing, and in most cases, it just acts as a crutch, letting those who need it clear their heads and deal with the root causes.

It's not a preachy film, I'm glad to say. It takes a very laissez-faire approach, in that it doesn't attempt to sway the viewer, it simply presents the facts in an honest and straightforward way and lets you make your own decisions on how to feel. Those who have depression aren't the only ones suffering, as they almost always lash out at those who care about them. It's not a very easy film to watch, but I'd highly recommend it for anybody, especially those interested in, or willing to learn more about mental disorders, such as depression, and its treatment.

Edit: I just remembered that I wanted to mention Miramax's TERRIBLE marketing job on the film. Look no further than the DVD cover. No, it's not some sex-romp with Christina Ricci, it's a harrowing journey into the mind of a young woman suffering mental illness. It brings to mind Miramax's other great marketing cover for Amelie Gets Naked (aka Dirty Pretty Things) which is actually about underground organ trading in London. Go figure.