Introduction
The author portrays Annie Wilkes, who displays the signs of bipolar disorder: from good mood and excessive sociability to hysterics, anger, and attacks of violence. The mental health of a woman causes a woman who expressed love and respect for Paul Sheldon to start abusing him. In this paper, I will discuss the signs, impact on lifestyle, and management of bipolar disorder through the example of the character of Annie Wilkes in the movie Misery. For this purpose, I will introduce the movie briefly, examine bipolar disorder, and then explain how Annie Wilkes shows the symptoms of this disorder.
Movie’s Summary
In “Misery,” the audience is immersed in a story of madness and care. It is also a story of obsession and captivity, as famous novelist Paul Sheldon falls into the trap of his proclaimed number-one fan, Annie Wilkes (Reiner, 1990). Annie is a difficult figure who intersperses moments of fanatical loyalty to Paul with attacks of extreme abuse. The film opens in a remote, snowy house in Colorado, where Annie cares for Paul and, at the same time, holds him captive. The plot of the film is grounded in Annie’s obsession with Paul’s novels, especially those starring the main character, Misery Chastain (Reiner, 1990). When she discovers that Paul has killed Misery in his last book, her obsession transforms into a violent and domineering power.
The character of Annie epitomizes a range of feelings and behaviors, which, when examined closely, can be viewed as reflective of characteristics associated with bipolar disorder (Reiner, 1990). Her moods range from extreme joy to intense anger, and she displays moments of impulsivity and severe irritability. Her acts, such as fracturing Paul’s arms to keep him from getting out, underscore the unstable nature of her psychotic state, which is a theme that is central to the film’s intensity and suspense (Reiner, 1990). As the film progresses, Misery provides a disturbing exploration of the psychological implications of imprisonment and the intricacies of human behaviors (Reiner, 1990). It questions the distinction between fandom and addiction and the impact of mental disease on both the person affected and those unlucky ones affected by it.
Theoretical Background
Essentials of Bipolar Disorder
At this point, it seems reasonable to empathize that researchers suggest that bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric condition marked by a wide spectrum of severe signs that can range in severity and presentation over the duration of the disease (McIntyre et al., 2020). Bipolar disorder is typically defined by alternating phases of mania and depression. Manic episodes are often associated with heightened activity, euphoria, irritability, and a decreased sense of sleep. Depressive episodes may include low mood, exhaustion, changes in hunger, and hopelessness. Kato (2019) indicates that bipolar disorder generally progresses in a circular way. It often starts with a manic or dependent mood episode, which then may recur occasionally.
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
The treatment of bipolar illness usually entails a mixture of medication and behavioral therapy. Kato (2019) notes that medication such as mood stabilizers, lithium, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics are often recommended to help control mood fluctuations. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relational therapy, in particular, can help individuals develop coping mechanisms and maintain a consistent pattern of mood. Lifestyle issues, which include sleep, coping with stress, and avoiding stressors, play a significant factor in the management of mood disorders.
McIntyre et al. (2020) suggest that establishing regular sleep schedules, practicing stress reduction methods, and minimal substance use can improve the stabilization of mood and decrease the number of episodes. An understanding of these dimensions of bipolar illness is essential for individuals living with the disease, healthcare professionals, and families (McIntyre et al., 2020). Early diagnosis, effective management, and a positive community can significantly increase the quality of life for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Application of Theory to “Misery”
The explored essentials of bipolar disorder give the opportunity to apply them to the chosen piece. In the film “Misery,” the character of Annie Wilkes displays characteristics resembling bipolar disorder. Her predictable mood swings, which oscillate between severe euphoria and extreme rage, represent the symptoms of this disorder (Reiner, 1990).
Annie’s volatility, which ranges from intense devotion to outbursts of abuse, reflects the distinctive mood swings associated with the disorder. Her scenes of manic possession of the character Paul Sheldon and sudden transitions to depressive states offer a glimpse into the fluctuating nature of bipolar illness (Reiner, 1990). This representation emphasizes how bipolar disorder, untreated or inadequately managed, can produce severe mood changes and harmful behaviors. While Annie is a fictional figure, her role provides a playful depiction of the difficulties of dealing with bipolar disorder.
Here, it should be stressed that the film’s depiction of Annie’s persistent mood swings is consistent with the standard characteristics of bipolar illness. Her excessive happiness, where she shows an almost crazy excitement, is starkly at odds with her intense anger, making for an emotional roller coaster (McIntyre et al., 2020). This extreme contrast in feelings is indicative of the ups and downs that characterize the manic and depressed periods of bipolar illness. Annie’s behavior exemplifies the erratic character of the disease, shifting from caring and committed to violent and abusive in the blink of an eye.
Annie’s emotional instability is explored throughout the film, from her unwavering commitment to Paul Sheldon to her unexpected descent into profound depression and rage. This is reminiscent of the pronounced shifts in emotion that characterize bipolar illness, in which a person may go from a high state of vitality, inventiveness, and euphoria to a low state of depression and despair. Annie’s story illustrates the potential for dangerous activities during the manic or depressed stages of bipolar disease since these changes are not only emotional but also apparent in her conduct.
The character’s obsession with Paul Sheldon during her manic episode is a striking allegory for the all-consuming character of mania in bipolar illness. She depicts the intensity that some people with bipolar disease may experience during manic episodes with her obsession with the character and her bursts of creative energy and excitement. The elevated drive and impulsivity exhibited in manic periods are reflected in this depiction, which is consistent with clinical diagnoses of the disease (Kato, 2019).
Annie’s sudden shifts into melancholy moods, on the other hand, provide a moving peek into the depths of feeling connected with bipolar disease. Her periods of despair and rage mirror the intense feelings of hopelessness and irritation that characterize depressive episodes. This clip shows how the melancholy stages of bipolar disease may be just as all-consuming as the euphoric ones.
Beyond a clinical depiction of bipolar illness, the portrayal of Annie Wilkes in “Misery” highlights the possible repercussions of leaving the disease untreated or improperly controlled. The movie implies that people with bipolar illness may have trouble controlling their emotions and actions, which may have negative effects on them and others around them if they do not get help. Annie’s persona offers a fresh perspective on the toll that bipolar disease has on interpersonal connections.
Mood swings may be difficult for relationships, as seen by the author’s alternating displays of great affection and aggressive behavior. This investigation of the social difficulties of bipolar illness adds to our knowledge of the disease’s complexity. Annie Wilkes is a fictitious character, yet her portrayal in “Misery” is both moving and humorous in its exploration of the nuances of bipolar disease. The movie encourages viewers to sympathize with Annie and serves as a reminder of the significance of proper management and treatment for those struggling with mental health issues.
Conclusion
In the film “Misery,” Annie Wilkes is obsessed with her idol, which is why her bipolar disorder progressed. I have explored the symptoms, lifestyle impact, and treatments of schizotypal personality disorder through the main character, Annie Wilkes, in the movie “Misery.” The character’s mental health issues in “Misery” are not, however, red flags for schizotypal personality disorder. Instead, her portrayal is a compelling instance highlighting the nuances of bipolar disease. Insight into the larger narrative of mental health in popular culture and its function in encouraging awareness and empathy for people coping with similar difficulties may be gained by exploring Annie’s symptoms, lifestyle influence, and possible solutions.
References
Kato, T. (2019). Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(9), 526-540. Web.
McIntyre, R. S., Berk, M., Brietzke, E., Goldstein, B. I., López-Jaramillo, C., Kessing, L. V., & Mansur, R. B. (2020). Bipolar disorders. The Lancet, 396(10265), 1841-1856. Web.
Reiner, R. (1990). Misery [Film]. Columbia Pictures.