Are You Here
I recently saw Are You Here, a movie with Owen Wilson, Zack Galifianikis and Amy Poehler, written and directed by Matthew Weiner. The movie is currently my favorite depiction of mental illness in film. While some parts of the plot are implausible, Ben, Zack Galifianikis's character, as young man diagnosed with manic-depression is powerful. The writer captures much of the complexity of the disease, deftly conveying moments of psychosis and depression. What is most beautiful in the movie is his friendship with Owen Wilson's character, Steve. Both characters are depicted as seriously flawed individuals who accept each other's shortcomings as an intrinsic part of each's identity. However, this doesn't mean they don't want to see change in one another. It shows the beauty and depth of accountability in relationships. Each calls out the other for reckless choices in a way that cuts through the noise. This communication invites them to respond to each other's cha