Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Marva It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Wyatt There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

peterromero-40146 Stephen Fry the celebrated Englishman is a manic depressive and it takes a lot of courage to come out publicly let alone come out to the wide world in a documentary but this is a great effort by the comedian and he charts not just his battle with this disorder but its widespread effects and the ways one can try to work around it. Many are still confused as to what depression is and how devastating it can be- This is the documentary to show them.

Liam McGarry In this poignant two part documentary, actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry looks to unravel the stigma surrounding mental health and discover the truth behind bi-polar disorder. The themes and issues tackled in this documentary are sensitively handled throughout, and Fry makes for a compelling and articulate presenter, as the viewer follows his journey to discover the truth about his condition. The filming of the scenes is sensitive and even handed, not only with the people affected in the documentary but also with Fry's personal journey in finding out whether or not he needs to take treatment. Fry's narration is frank and sincere, the information about the illness as well as his own personal experiences are bravely and compassionately told. The documentary balances the medical and personal aspects of the illness as Fry talks to fellow sufferers as well as the doctors attempting to treat and help those affected. The documentary confidently avoids the trope of the 'tears of a clown' (the fascination with mental illness and comedians), and the issues and experiences shown in the documentary are handled with care, without being exaggerated for dramatic effect. What is presented is honest and thoughtful, with the interviews conducted by Fry being some of the best aspects of the show. His interview with fellow comedian and former psychiatric nurse Jo Brand is particularly well presented, it was clear that the views shared in this scene were heart-felt and sincere. This was due to the natural rapport that Fry succeeds in having in all of his interviews. Even when sharing his own issues he remains sincere and thoughtful throughout. The style and presentation of the documentary was successful, and successfully presented the experiences and issues without feeling overdone. The tone was consistent throughout, and the music and cinematography were mostly of a subtle and high standard. The one point at which the music felt overdone was during Fry's on screen depression episode, where the music was overly dramatic and detracted from what would otherwise have been a poignant scene. Overall however, the style and presentation was well executed, and confidently delivered the complex themes without seeming cynical or overly dramaticized. The secret life of a manic depressive presents a thoughtful and intelligent discussion of the issues surrounding bi-polar disorder and the stigma of mental health. Fry makes for a more than capable host, effortlessly conducting interviews and presenting information as well as his own personal issues. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who has been affected by the issues involved or who has an interest in clinical psychology.

christiemurphy-26106 'Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive', is an excellent explanation of manic depression in terms of providing a greater understanding of the mental illness for those who are perhaps unaware of its effects. The introduction has a powerful impact on the viewer: a step by step recreation of Fry's suicide attempt creates a depth of awareness about the illness' extremes. The documentary is informative, providing facts that include symptoms such as hallucinations and shortness of temper, as well as the fact that women suffering from manic depression become more at risk in pregnancy and childbirth. Fry speaks to a variety of people, whether it be someone in the same industry as him or someone from a different background. These diverse sources help to define what it is to be manic depressive, and also what it is like to experience its effects from a family member's perspective. The documentary explores the notion that often the illness is passed off as 'bad behaviour', and consequently as an audience we become more aware of our behaviour and understanding towards other people. Conflicting ideas such as the contrasting opinions of British and American psychiatrists about whether or not to diagnose the illness at an early age, allows the audience to think for themselves. The programme, while informative, does not provide all of the answers. This is important in consideration of the vastness of the topic and relates to the fact that there are still only limited methods with which we can detect manic depression. The coinciding camera close- up of the modern technology involved in scientific research, and the doctor's description of our lack of ability to detect the illness through brain scans and gene tests, is particularly effective. It encompasses the notion that in a modern society, research is a work in progress and to develop this progress, it is important for the world's human population to have an awareness of its strengths as well as its limitations.

trevorrogers42 In dispelling myths and opening up a dark illness to public light, Stephen Fry has shown the way forward in raising awareness for BiPolar. Mental issues and illness hasn't come all that far from the Victorian, out of sight - out of mind, asylums of the past. But with candidness and honesty we are taken on a personal journey, that was well researched to give a insight to the traumatic and chaotic lives of sufferers.The stigma surrounding mental illness is a heavy burden for those affected and their families yet we see Stephen Fry not giving a damn about others perceptions of his illness. A truly ground breaking and thought provoking documentary. A must see for anyone connected with manic depression or those looking to understand what is at times incomprehensible.