So I watched Helen today and cried from beginning to end. It is downright the most authentic portrayal of depression that I have ever seen, in a movie that is. Ashley Judd was brilliant in her role as Helen and seemed to bring the story to life as you watch her transform from a fun loving, open and seemingly happy woman into a woman battling many of the most painful moments depression has to offer. I felt like I was watching myself unfold on the screen. Her transformation was breathtaking and yet invoked the most haunting moments of my own struggle. It moved me to tears.
And Goran Visnjic, who played Helen's husband was just as brilliant. He portrayed the role of the devoted husband and loving stepfather flawlessly. As I watched his character go through the many trials as a loved one of someone who suffers from such a debilitating illness, I saw my own family and friends and found myself wondering if they also struggled the way David did, though my family and friends weren't as interested in understanding what I was going through as David was with Helens' struggle. At least not from my perspective.
To bring you back to the film; there is a scene where David asks Helen to explain to him what's going on with her and she lashes out at him but you can see she wants to tell him... she just doesn't know how to. It's a constant struggle and it can be very tiring to go through the motions day in and day out.
I've read many reviews about this film and even though I agree with many of the things that have been said, I feel this is possibly the most honest depiction of depression I have ever seen. It makes you take that journey with her - brings you to the darkest moments of human suffering and explores the feelings of utter despair and hopelessness. If you want to understand depression, this is the film to watch.
And Goran Visnjic, who played Helen's husband was just as brilliant. He portrayed the role of the devoted husband and loving stepfather flawlessly. As I watched his character go through the many trials as a loved one of someone who suffers from such a debilitating illness, I saw my own family and friends and found myself wondering if they also struggled the way David did, though my family and friends weren't as interested in understanding what I was going through as David was with Helens' struggle. At least not from my perspective.
To bring you back to the film; there is a scene where David asks Helen to explain to him what's going on with her and she lashes out at him but you can see she wants to tell him... she just doesn't know how to. It's a constant struggle and it can be very tiring to go through the motions day in and day out.
I've read many reviews about this film and even though I agree with many of the things that have been said, I feel this is possibly the most honest depiction of depression I have ever seen. It makes you take that journey with her - brings you to the darkest moments of human suffering and explores the feelings of utter despair and hopelessness. If you want to understand depression, this is the film to watch.