'Mr. Jones' is the weak title for an otherwise excellent and intelligent movie. It depicts Jones as an absolutely classic case of severe bipolar disorder--manic-depression syndrome. Jones, as a carpenter, goes through all the ecstatic highs and abysmal lows characteristic of his condition. I especially like it when he gets 'moving' with the rhythm of the hammers singing in his head. He's feeling no pain, no fear which, of course, can be lethal. He perches precariously on the roof of a tall house, arms held out over the precipice, in what may be an effort to fly like a bird. At other times he's in total misery, weeping and drowning in guilt that crushes entire worlds.
Remarkably...or not so remarkably...Jones beautiful psychiatrist falls in love with Jones, which is totally outside the boudaries of ethical behavior. This, too, however, is textbook and charachteristic. Bipolar people tend to be sexually attractive. When in hypomanic states their eyes glow, their bodies move and they are wonderfully self-confident. The world is their oyster and sometimes it really is.
Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of America
August 23, 2008I just rented this movie and thoroughly enjoyed Gere's spot-on portrayal of a man with bipolar disorder. As other reviewers have duly noted, the love story wasn't really necessary, as the movie's honesty and insight into manic-depression is worth the price of admission. However, it did bring to light how unlovable Bipolar people almost always feel - unworthy, not worth loving - and the isolation that causes them. All the actors were excellent and I don't think I've ever seen Mr. Gere more fetching. :-)
March 31, 2008 |  | Realistic portrayal of a person coping with mental illness |  |
Far too often, the various facets of the media misrepresent mental illness, thereby reinforcing stereotypes and strengthening stigma. As a mental health professional, this is infuriating to me! I've been a Social Worker for several years and the individuals with whom I work teach me at least as much, if not more, than I ever do them. We all deal with issues and problems in our lives, but they have the usual problems compounded by a mental illness! They are truly amazing people and this film depicts an example of one such endearing person. I will be the first to admit that the symptoms exemplified in the movie are to an extreme. For instance, in my experience, many persons with Bipolar Disorder having a Manic Episode will be up for two or three days straight working and cleaning their house over and over again. Yet, despite the fact that the movie depicts several outrageously obvious episodes of mania, likely for dramatic effect, the things that happen are very real possibilities. This film covers a number of issues, albeit briefly, with which a person coping with mental illness has to contend. To draw them to your attention they are things such as: overcrowding in/lack of access to appropriate care, misdiagnosis, medication side effects, continuity of care, minimal work opportunities, lack of access to housing, and cultural differences in mental health care. An additional note I'd like to make is in reference to the inappropriate behavior of the psychiatrist. While such extreme unethical behavior does, in fact, occur it is a rare exception and not the rule!
September 9, 2007tearjerker and wonderfully put together drama - Richard Gere is great in this and gives a very convincing performance.
August 23, 2007By the director of "Stormy Monday", which I thought a much better film. I didn't think this was that good; but Richard Gere's performance is a marvel. He has really grown here. Unfortunately, Lena Olin was once again too weepy, as she was in Robert Redford's "Havana".
February 23, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
(21 reviews)