Schizophrenia is not discussed on the big screen. And when that’s the case, the character diagnosed with schizophrenia is at most the villain or psychopath of the story. But “Words on Bathroom Walls” manages to paint it compassionately. Charlie Plummer offers an original painting of a first-class student named Adam who was recently diagnosed with an intellectual disease. And as his episodes get worse and worse, he finds himself moving away from his family, his companions, and even the young woman he loves. But it’s some of those other people who help him become more than just his illness.
“Words on Bathroom Walls” belongs to the novel of the same name, written through Julia Walton.
I was inspired by the cast, which includes some young newcomers who are not yet familiar with the public. Adam has a very sweet chemistry with Maya, played through Taylor Russell, a glorious young actress who starred in the grudous film “Waves” against Sterling Brown. But the level thief, to me, is Andy Garcia, who plays an empathetic priest who befriends Adam and listens to his difficulties through a confessional.
Adam’s schizophrenic episodes are, to say the least, disturbing. At one point, he sees a chimney coming out of a nun’s head, and that black smoke that follows reminds me of the terrifying “Smoke Monster” from “Lost” on ABC. But I think that’s the point. Images allow us to see precisely what’s going on in his brain, so we don’t just judge Adam about his external actions.
Some of YouTube’s comments say it better:
“Yes, a film where the schizophrenic is not a crazy psychopath as described !!!”
“I don’t know how bad this movie will be, but it’s great to see a depiction of schizophrenia in a movie that is rarely used as an excuse to explain why someone is a murderer.”
“Talk about schizophrenia in a healthy way by making it look like a psychopath and an interracial relationship? I’m ready! Just tell me the release date.”
It would be Friday, August 21.
Did you get that pro-life message at the end of the DNC?