Movie Review: CANVAS - Coping with Mental Illness

ENRICHING HUMAN SPIRIT MOVIE:

CANVAS

Synopsis:  When Mary's (Marcia Gay Harden) mental illness puts herself and her family in jeopardy, her husband (Joe Pantoliano) and son (Devon Gearhart) helplessly watch as she is torn from the family by the police. Forced to raise a boy on his own and cope with his wife's schizophrenia, father and son learn what it is to truly be a family through a experiential knowledge of the human spirit. Inspired by a true story, this critically acclaimed and award winning film is as full of hope and humor as it is heartbreaking performances. 101 minutes.

Review:  Each of the actors plays their part with great passion and excellence. Harden is a wonderful actress and seems to capture the essence of her mental illness, schizophrenia.  Rather than focusing on some of the more severe symptoms, the film centers around the difficulties associated with having the dis-ease and how it affects family and friends.

The film is consistent with the reality of how difficult and of how long the road can be, while it encourages us to keep going, to look for the truth, beauty and goodness of each individual personality and spirit.  This is evidenced by the workmanship and the sails on the sailboat that father (Pantoliano) and son (Gearhart) build together while learning to cope with the effects of mental illness in their family. 

Treating Mental Illness:  A friend and associate, Steve, a retired Therapist, tells me he is convinced mental illness can be treated with therapy and proper medication, making life more bearable for the individual.  The problem is not over-diagnosis, but under-diagnosis.  Many people are afraid to seek help or don't believe they have a mental illness that cannot be cured by human will alone.  Mental illness is often diagnosed as a chemical imbalance, meaning that there is a direct physical correlation between the physical body and the brain that is out of sync in some way.  Steve's advice is to seek help, start with your family Doctor.  Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication are two major treatment options, as well as supportive interventions and self-help.

The integration of spirituality and mental health occurs when spiritually minded individuals and faith-based organizations are welcoming and understanding of those with any type of mental illness, providing love, support and prayers for the individual and those affected.

For more information and support - please check with your Doctor or Pastor.  General information about mental illness can also be found here:  National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 

 Purchase the movie here:  CANVAS