Some of the strongest performances are often given by actors who need to portray a character who is dealing with an addiction or a mental health disorder. Over the years, a good number of films have included characters with Borderline Personality Disorder. They may not have been officially diagnosed in the movie, but their behaviour certainly demonstrates many of the symptoms of BPD. Here are some of the most notable movies featuring characters with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Fatal Attraction (1987)
In “Fatal Attraction”, the femme fatale character played by Glenn Close shows the emotional instability and fear of abandonment that are symptomatic of a person with Borderline Personality Disorder. Her character also exhibits the BPD symptoms of self-harm, intense anger and manipulation as she pursues her ex-lover and her family.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is a science-fiction romantic comedy/drama that focuses on the relationship between introverted and anxious Joel Barish (Jim Carrey) and free-spirit Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet). The central conflict arises from the existence of a procedure that can erase memories — a procedure Clementine undergoes to forget about Joel. The impulsivity and substance abuse problems Clementine exhibits — as well as her emotional intensity and idealization/devaluation of Joel — could perhaps indicate a struggle with BPD. But whether or not Clementinewas written with this specific diagnosis in mind, many with BPD still relate to her.
Single Woman Seeks (1992)
Jennifer Jason Leigh’s character in “Single Woman Seeks” exhibits symptoms of borderline personality disorder such as fear of abandonment, impulsiveness and transference, such as when she tries to take over the persona and life of her roommate (Bridget Fonda).
Girl Interrupted (1999)
“Girl Interrupted” is based on the memoir by Susanna Kaysen, who struggled to overcome Borderline Personality Disorder as a teenager and young adult. The film, starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, revolves around 18 months of Kaysen’s stay in a psychiatric hospital.
Welcome to Me (2014)
“Welcome to Me” is a comedy-drama that follows Alice Klieg (Kristen Wiig), a woman diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) who wins the lottery and uses the funds to create a talk show about herself. BPD is largely characterized by unstable interpersonal relationships, which we see play out in Alice’s life, but there are a few other scenes that tell the story of other symptoms.
The Hours (2002)
All three main characters in “The Hours,” which include author Virginia Woolf, struggle with borderline personality disorder, depression, and suicide. The film, which links women of different generations to Woolf’s book “Mrs Dalloway”, stars Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Wreck-It Ralph is definitely an impulsive guy, to say the least. His emotions constantly push him toward rash decisions based on virtually zero logic. His desire to please others and find acceptance pushes him to game jump, break countless laws and ultimately put his life in danger. In addition to impulsivity, he also displays a propensity for letting his emotions get the best of him, and struggling with fear of abandonment
Monster – Killer Desire (2003)
Charlize Theron transforms for the role of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in “Monster”. Wuornos was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, which may have contributed to the erratic behaviours and anger that led her to murder at least six men.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
One of the few comedy films that features a character with Borderline Personality Disorder is “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.” In this film, Uma Thurman plays a woman with superpowers and a secret identity, who also exhibits the BPD symptoms of impulsiveness, unstable interpersonal relationships, and poor self-image.
Margot and the Wedding (2007)
Two actresses with experience in films portraying Borderline Personality Disorder – Jennifer Jason Leigh and Nicole Kidman – team up in “Margot and the Wedding.” Kidman’s character, who is Leigh’s sister, is said to be diagnosed with BPD and exhibits the symptoms of impulsiveness and lack of boundaries.
Do you know of any other characters in movies that are portrayed as having BPD, or at least the signs of it? Do let us know in the comments below.
