A Portrayal of Bipolar Disorder

A Portrayal of Bipolar I Disorder: “Mr. Jones” “Mr. Jones” is a 1993 film featuring Richard Gere as the manic-depressive eponymous character. Despite having been in and out of treatment facilities for twenty years, Jones happily embraces his grandiose personality and zest for adventure. The audience is introduced to Mr. Jones on the heels of a manic episode, which leads to his arrest and admittance into a mental hospital. As the film progresses we learn of the extent of Jones’ illness through the perspective of his psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Bowen, as well as relationships with his peers, and his daily functions. As a psychology student, my interpretation of “Mr. Jones” is based on the accuracy of the portrayal of bipolar I disorder and other psychological disorders presented throughout the film. Though the main character meets diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder, there are several additional psychological disorders introduced during the movie. Dr. Bowen has patients who suffer from a spectrum of conditions including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorder, and various personality disorders to name a few. These characters interact with Mr. Jones, and contribute to his functioning while in treatment and in the real world. Of particular interest are Mr. Jones’ symptoms, etiology of his illness, recommended treatment plan, and the ways in which his illness affects his everyday life. From the opening scene on, Mr. Jones demonstrates numerous symptoms that are consistent with bipolar I disorder. In the first shot, Mr. Jones is seen singing and dancing to James Brown’s “I Feel Good”. This song plays several times throughout the movie and serves as a cinematic tool by informing the audience that Mr. Jones is experiencing a cycle of mania. He appears elated as he struts along the street talking to women, giving money to strangers, and eventually charming his way into getting a construction job for the day. All of these actions are consistent

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