Spider (Spider)

Production and year: USA, 2002 Genre: drama, psychological Director: David Cronenberg Cast: Miranda Richardson, Ralph Fiennes, and Gabriel Byrne Medical topic: schizophrenia Description: A film telling the story of Dennis Clegg, a man suffering from schizophrenia, who was nicknamed "Spider" by his mother because of his obsession with hanging strings from the ceiling. The title character is released from the hospital and then sent to a boarding house where patients with various mental disorders live. The depressing surroundings and childhood memories cause his condition to worsen. He writes in a notebook using a script unknown to anyone. Immersed in his own thoughts, he draws various, usually tragic stories from his memory and creates mental images. His own world is a massive jigsaw puzzle in which many pieces are missing, and many others do not fit together. This captivating yet unsettling film offers a compelling exploration of schizophrenia. By maintaining a somber atmosphere, using oppressive music, and sustaining a melancholic tone, the director presents a fascinating portrayal of the illness.  Although recommended by many psychiatrists, I personally didn’t care for it, though that doesn’t change the fact that the portrayal of schizophrenia has left a lasting impression on me.