Friday, July 17, 2009

Sue Scheff: "Boy Interrupted" Bipolar, Depression and Teens


This is the first time I have posted a Documentary Review on my Book and Website Blog, however this movie/documentary is so profound - and has an urgent message to parents. How many of us have "typical teens" and start making excuses for their negative behavior? We watch as they slowly start failing in school, dropping off of sports activities (or being expelled from them), changing friends, not having friends, the list goes on.

"Boy Interrupted" moved me in such a way that I can barely put it into words. Dana and Hart Perry are filmmakers - they are the Director's of this film, but first and foremost - they are Evan Scott Perry's parents. Evan tragically ended his life at 15 years old on October 2, 2005. He struggled with depression and finally was diagnosed with Bipolar.
So, how do these professional filmmakers complete such a film? It is straight up raw emotion - and at the end of the day, it is about helping that next family so they may not have to endure the pain the Perry's went through.

I cannot express how unselfish Dana and Hart Perry are in giving us this opportunity as they share their private lives, including the suicide note which was very compelling as it was typical. The note itself can be a wake up call to all parents of at risk teens. Evan's older brother (Nick) bravely admits that his note is how he (when he was 15 felt) and typically how most teens feel. If Nick only knew - he could have answered all those questions and negative feelings to Evan.

Boy Interrupted interviews the doctors, friends, family members as well as intimate conversations with Dana and Hart. The footage they have is amazing and gives an indepth look at their private lives and allows the viewers to see, hear and "feel" their love and their pain.

This documentary will be airing on HBO on Monday August 3rd (check your local listings) as well as being sold on Amazon. Type the title in the Amazon Box on the side bar. Don't miss it!
Remember, don't be a parent in denial - be an educated parent and proactive!
Read my Blog from earlier this week prior watching this film - click here.

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