Is Girl Interrupted Based on a True Story? Ending Explained, Plot, Release Date, Trailer, and More
by Mathelene
Updated Jul 04, 2023
Girl Interrupted (1999)
Released in 1999, Girl, Interrupted is a psychological drama film directed by James Mangold and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Clea DuVall, Brittany Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Moss, Angela Bettis, Vanessa Redgrave, and Jared Leto. The movie is based on Susanna Kaysen's memoir of the same title and tells the story of a young woman who, following a suicide attempt, spends a year and a half in a psychiatric hospital during the years 1967 and 1968.
Initially, Girl, Interrupted had a limited release on December 21, 1999, and later expanded to a wider audience on January 14, 2000. While the film received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, the performances of Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Over time, the film has gained more positive recognition and appreciation. Angelina Jolie's exceptional portrayal earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
Is Girl Interrupted a True Story?
Yes, Girl Interrupted is based on a true story. Girl, Interrupted, released in 1999, is a profoundly impactful film that draws its inspiration from a remarkable true story. Set in the late 1960s, the movie is based on the real-life experiences of Susanna Kaysen, who chronicles her time in a psychiatric institution in her memoir of the same name.
The film beautifully captures the emotional depth and authenticity of Susanna's journey as she grapples with her own mental health and confronts the challenges of being in a psychiatric hospital. Through Susanna's character, brilliantly portrayed by Winona Ryder, the audience is invited to explore the complexities of mental illness, the dynamics between patients, and the broader social attitudes towards mental health during that time period.
With its powerful performances and thought-provoking narrative, Girl, Interrupted serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It sheds light on the importance of understanding and compassion in dealing with mental health issues, making it a truly compelling and impactful cinematic experience.
Girl Interrupted Plot
Set in 1967 New England, Girl, Interrupted tells the gripping story of Susanna Kaysen, an aimless 18-year-old who experiences a nervous breakdown and attempts suicide by overdosing on aspirin and alcohol. Against her will, she is admitted to Claymoore, a local psychiatric hospital.
In the hospital's psychiatric ward, Susanna forms connections with fellow patients, including Polly "Torch" Clark, who suffers from schizophrenia, Cynthia Crowley, who self-harms and has obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Daisy Randone, who exhibits signs of bulimia. She also shares a room with Georgina Tuskin, a compulsive liar, and Janet Webber, a sarcastic woman with anorexia.
Of all the patients, Susanna is particularly drawn to Lisa Rowe, a sociopath who is rebellious yet charismatic. Lisa encourages Susanna to stop taking her medication and resist therapy, leading the girls to engage in nightly escapades through the hospital's underground tunnels.
Their misbehavior tests the patience of the staff, including the strict head nurse, Valerie Owens. Throughout her stay, Susanna attends therapy sessions with Dr. Melvin Potts, who initially hides from her the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. During a supervised outing with the group, tensions escalate when Susanna is confronted by Barbara Gilcrest, the wife of a former lover, and their daughter, Bonnie.
Lisa comes to Susanna's defense, publicly berating Barbara while the other girls mock her and Bonnie. This incident strengthens Susanna's bond with Lisa, although Valerie reprimands her for her behavior. Amidst her time in the hospital, Susanna maintains a casual relationship with Toby, a young man soon to be drafted for the Vietnam War. Toby pleads with Susanna to escape with him to Canada, but she hesitates, expressing her friendship with the other girls and her desire to leave on her own terms.
One night, Polly experiences a breakdown and is isolated. Susanna and Lisa drug the night nurse and attempt to comfort Polly by singing to her. Susanna also engages in a physical encounter with John, a hospital orderly who has feelings for her. However, their actions are discovered the next morning by Valerie, leading to severe consequences. Lisa endures electroshock therapy followed by solitary confinement.
In an audacious move, Lisa escapes confinement and convinces Susanna to flee with her. They hitchhike to Daisy's new apartment, facilitated by her devoted father, and offer her Valium to spend the night. However, the morning brings a horrifying discovery: Daisy has taken her own life, leading Susanna to realize the depths of Lisa's callousness. Disgusted by Lisa's lack of empathy, Susanna calls for help and returns to Claymoore while Lisa escapes to Florida.
Back at the hospital, Susanna focuses on her art and writing, actively participating in therapy sessions with Dr. Sonia Wick, the head psychologist. Before her release, Lisa is apprehended and brought back to Claymoore. One night, Lisa steals Susanna's diary and reads it aloud in the tunnels, turning the other patients against her. A particular entry triggers Lisa's anger, and she attacks Susanna, chasing her through the tunnels.
In a climactic confrontation, Susanna confronts Lisa, exposing her emotional detachment, fear of the outside world, and reliance on Claymoore. The others intervene, preventing a tragedy. The next day, as Susanna prepares to leave the hospital, she visits Lisa, who is restrained to a bed. They reconcile, and Lisa reveals her vulnerability, asserting that she isn't entirely heartless. Susanna bids farewell to everyone at Claymoore and departs, starting a new chapter in her life.
Girl Interrupted Where to Watch?
If you wish to watch Girl, Interrupted, there are options available for purchase or rental on Apple TV. You have the choice to either download the movie for permanent ownership or stream it online through Apple TV. To acquire a copy of the film for long-term access, you can purchase and download Girl, Interrupted from the Apple TV platform. This allows you to have the movie stored locally on your device, granting you the freedom to watch it whenever you desire, even without an internet connection.
Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of streaming without the need for storage space, you can opt to rent Girl, Interrupted through Apple TV online. Renting the movie grants you a temporary access period, during which you can stream and enjoy the film directly from the Apple TV platform. This option offers flexibility for those who prefer not to store movies permanently.
Both options, whether downloading or renting, provide you with the opportunity to experience Girl, Interrupted through the convenient and user-friendly interface of Apple TV. Simply choose the method that best suits your preferences, and you'll be able to immerse yourself in this captivating film at your convenience.
Girl Interrupted Release Date
The release of Girl, Interrupted commenced with a limited release on December 21, 1999, followed by a wider expansion on January 14, 2000. Upon its initial release, the film garnered a mixed reception from critics, with varying opinions on its overall quality. However, amidst this mixed reception, the performances of Winona Ryder as Susanna Kaysen and Angelina Jolie as Lisa Rowe received widespread critical acclaim for their exceptional portrayals.
Over the years, Girl, Interrupted has gained a more positive appreciation among audiences and critics alike. The film's exploration of mental health and the nuanced performances by Ryder and Jolie have contributed to its enduring popularity. Angelina Jolie's portrayal of Lisa Rowe was particularly lauded, leading to her remarkable achievement of winning several prestigious awards.
Jolie's stellar performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.
This recognition further highlights the impact of Jolie's performance and solidifies her place among the most accomplished actresses of her generation. Additionally, the positive reappraisal of Girl, Interrupted over time demonstrates how the film has resonated with audiences on a deeper level, emphasizing its enduring relevance and significance in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Girl Interrupted Cast
Winona Ryder
Susanna Kaysen
Angelina Jolie
Lisa Rowe
Clea DuVall
Georgina Tuskin
Brittany Murphy
Daisy Randone
Elisabeth Moss
Polly "Torch" Clark
Jeffrey Tambor
Dr. Melvin Potts
Travis Fine
John
Jillian Armenante
Cynthia Crowley
Angela Bettis
Janet Webber
Vanessa Redgrave
Dr. Sonia Wick
Whoopi Goldberg
Valerie Owens
Cast
Character
Girl Interrupted Ending Explained
In Girl, Interrupted, we witness Susanna, a troubled young woman, being admitted to a local psychiatric hospital, where she undergoes a transformative journey through various stages of her treatment. The film's title alludes to the interruptions and obstacles Susanna faces along the way, but ultimately, she emerges victorious and triumphant. As the narrative unfolds, we observe Susanna's growth and resilience amidst the chaos surrounding her
One key relationship depicted in the movie is between Susanna and Lisa, a dominant and disruptive figure who initially exerts control over Susanna and influences her towards destructive behavior. However, as the story progresses, Susanna begins to realize the futility of her association with Lisa and the harm it causes. This realization prompts her to make a significant decision—to call for an ambulance and return to the hospital, symbolizing her commitment to her own healing and well-being.
The final act of the film sees Susanna's visit to Lisa before her release from the hospital, where they share a poignant farewell. In this encounter, Susanna's personal growth is evident as she asserts her newfound understanding of her own mistakes and the negative influence Lisa had on her. Remarkably, Lisa herself acknowledges her own faults, demonstrating the impact Susanna has had on her.
Throughout the movie, we witness the characters' evolution and their journey towards emotional control and maturity. Susanna's memoir, filled with raw and anguished reflections, raises thought-provoking questions about the connection between the radicalization of a young person's psyche and mental illness, as well as the ongoing struggle between illness and indifference.
Overall, Girl, Interrupted offers a profound exploration of personal growth, resilience, and the battle against mental illness, showcasing the profound impact that one person's understanding and self-discovery can have on others.
Girl Interrupted Trailer
Is Girl Interrupted a True Story? - FAQs
Yes, Girl Interrupted is based on a True Story.
The film began with a limited release on December 21, 1999, and had a wider expansion on January 14, 2000.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with opinions varying on its overall quality.
Yes, Angelina Jolie won several awards for her portrayal of Lisa Rowe.
The performances of Winona Ryder as Susanna Kaysen and Angelina Jolie as Lisa Rowe received widespread critical acclaim.