Alicia I love this movie so much

Palaest recommended

Grimossfer Clever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

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.

ackstasis In 1995, Stephen Fry was performing in Simon Gray's West End play, "Cell Mates." After three days, he walked out of the production. Sitting in a garage, his hand on the car ignition, he contemplated suicide for two hours, before fleeing his home country for the European mainland. It wasn't until this frightening episode that Fry was diagnosed with manic depression, or bipolar disorder, a psychological condition that sees its sufferers oscillating dangerously between dizzying heights of mania and gutting troughs of prolonged depression.'Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006),' a two- part documentary directed by Ross Wilson, unfolds like a personal journey of self-discovery. Fry confronts his medical condition by consulting experts and others who have suffered the disorder (including Richard Dreyfuss and Carrie Fisher). It's very bold for Fry, and indeed all these people, to take the viewer so closely into his personal struggles, and such frankness would, I imagine, be invaluable for anybody saddled with manic depression, whether it's been diagnosed or not.Throughout the documentary, Fry does seem quite insistent on stamping manic depression as a physiological disorder, encouraging the use of medication to control the condition (though Fry himself ultimately decides against any medication). Oddly, I don't recall much mention of therapy as an effective management technique, even though it must play a considerable role in the road to recovery. This is a valuable documentary, and, having been acquainted only with Stephen Fry's bubbly TV persona, a fascinatingly intimate character study.

Rindiana Slightly unfocused and meandering, but nonetheless very illuminating and interesting documentary on bipolar disorder, hosted with an understandably personal touch by Stephen Fry whose at his most tactful without reserving his wittiness.Some more scientific interviews would've been welcome, but the range of opinions on manic depression draw an adequate picture of that particularly complex illness.Not quite as touching as it's meant to be, but still worth two hours of your time.7 out of 10 Electro Boys

Gordon-11 This is a documentary film about Stephen Fry's and other people's life with bipolar affective disorder.I find the documentary well researched and well balanced. For example, they had various leading British psychiatrists talking about the disorder. In addition, the very different views on bipolar affective disorder in the United States were also represented. The spectrum of severity of bipolar affective disorder was represented, ranging from severe depressive episodes to manic episodes with psychosis. Various forms of treatment were touched upon. It also touched on briefly on unipolar depression to make the spectrum of mood disorder more complete.I was the most impressed by the number of celebrities and laypeople appearing on the documentary to talk about their own experience with mental illnesses. This certainly helps to reduce the stigma attached to psychiatric illnesses.It could easily be imagined that it must have been a painful documentary to make for Stephen Fry. I admire his courage. I certainly hope that this documentary will raise public awareness of bipolar affective disorder and reduce the stigma attached to it.