Tag Archives: Richard Gere

Best Split Personality Films Ever Made (10+1list)

Best Split Personality Films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Best Split Personality Films: On June 11, 1990, in the U.S. State of Wisconsin, a man (29) and a woman (26) had consensual sex in the man’s car. But a few days later the man was arrested for sexual
assault! Unfortunately the woman was suffering from multiple personality disorder, she had 21 different personalities and 2 of Split-Personality-Filmsthem (personalities aged 20 and 6) did not give consent to that physical act! (The trail of Mark Peterson)

Well, there are many such unusual cases recorded of people who suffer from multiple personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder, and are commonly known as split personalities. The person affected from such a neurosis has his/her personality dissociated into two or more distinct parts each of which becomes dominant and controls behavior from time to time to the exclusion of the other parts.

Many movies have been made to highlight this special medical condition, some based on actual cases while others are conjured out of pure fiction. Here are some other Best Split Personality Films are listed below. Have a look!

Note: I have not included the imaginary character’s world dramas/thrillers in this list, the likes of Fight Club (1999), A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), Identity (2003) and Shutter Island (2010).

10. Psycho (1960)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz719b9QUqY

As the famous quote says Split-Personality-Films‘A boy’s best friend is his mother.’

The infamous Bates motel is the residence of Mr.Norman (Anthony Perkins) and his jealous Mother and anybody who wants to get involved with them are at risk!

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, undoubtedly the most popular and thrilling split personality movie ever made!

9. Split (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84TouqfIsiI

Split-Personality-FilmsThree girls are kidnapped by a man with multiple personalities, 23 different personas to be precise. And still counting!

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, one of his latest mediocre movies, though I personally think it is the acting of James McAvoy that makes the movie worth a watch.

unfortunately the movie aims more for thrills than authentically portraying  the disorder.

8. Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssx_riw1Y9Y

Split-Personality-FilmsA funny take on a man’s extremely contrast split personalities and twisting his state of dissociative identity disorder into some hilarious comic effect.

Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly, and starring none other than Jim Carrey as two personas – the polite cop and his maniacal alter-ego!

Entertainment at its best!

7. Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase (1990)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR9o_UZ3GRg

Split-Personality-FilmsBased on true events, adopted from the autobiographical account written by Truddi Chase, in the book named When Rabbit Howls, the Troops for Truddi Chase. 

Directed by Lamont Johnson and brilliantly performed by Shelley Long, her character being haunted by the sexual and psychological abuse afflicted on her as a child by her stepfather, tends to develop multiple personalities as a kind of defence mechanism to shut down the past horrible memories.

A highly underrated TV movie that perfectly portrays the torment and suffering of a person having dissociative identity disorder.

6. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0DopZosR84

Split-Personality-FilmsA remake of the 1993 Malayalam film Manichithrathazhu.

A newly married man returns to his ancestral palace along with his wife, ignoring the various ghost stories rumored about the place. But then can there be any truth in these stories or is it the work of one disturbed mind?

Directed by Priyadarshan, a very entertaining film that intelligently delves with the split personality aspect of human mind and how to take control over it.  

5. Frankie & Alice (2010)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y10yyl_MJ4Q

Split-Personality-FilmsDirected by Geoffrey Sax, Stellan Skarsgård as the doctor and Halle Berry‘s best performance till date, portraying the character of a go-go dancer suffering from mood swings and sudden black outs which reveals to the fact that she is having multiple personalities.

An underrated film that succeeds in depicting the tragic life of a person with dissociative identity disorder with a certain degree of honesty.

4. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqqZ0yFqY04

Split-Personality-FilmsBased on the famous novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ written by Robert Louis Stevenson – this is the tale of a unique scientific experiment, a magic potion that effectively splits a person into two different personalities  – the sober and gentle Dr Jekyll  and his alter ego Mr Hyde!

Directed by Rouben Mamoulian, and performed by Fredric March who won an Oscar for his superb acting – this is one of the earliest movie that gave us a glimpse of a person suffering from split personality.

3. David and Lisa (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox39j2wwhy0

Split-Personality-FilmsA love-story blooming inside a mental asylum between two teenage patients – the boy David (Keir Dullea) suffering from the fear of death while the girl Lisa (Janet Margolin) who has a split personality disorder.

Directed by Frank Perry, a brilliant film that goes deep into the psyche of such emotionally disturbed teenagers and delves in the process of medically treating them along with enough love and patience.

2. The Three Faces of Eve (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-B0_m6fW94

Split-Personality-Films‘I’m Eve’ written by Christine Costner Sizemore is the autobiographical book on which this movie is based on.

Directed by Nunnally Johnson, and performed by Joanne Woodward who won an oscar for her part playing a woman who has three prominent personalities that come out at regular intervals and each of these personas are aware of the other two! 

  1. Sybil (1976)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kPIDt3yu1M

Split-Personality-FilmsChild abuse has been the prime factor in such cases, and in an unconscious urge to block away the painful memories of childhood a person deliberately creates the other personalities. And that is exactly what happened to Shirley Ardell Mason on whose real life the novel/ movie is based on.

Directed by Daniel Petrie, and exceptionally well performed by Sally Field this mini series is the best and most authentic case study of a person suffering from multiple personality disorder. Sybil, the central character developed sixteen different personalities and was treated by a doctor named Dr. Cornelia Wilbur.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Primal Fear (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnmTi7hSjrA

Split-Personality-FilmsA priest murdered and all the evidence points to an alter-boy as the murderer but then the defense lawyer finds that the accused is suffering from multiple personality disorder!

Directed by Gregory Hoblit, this one is a superb drama with some pretty unexpected twists. Richard Gere and Laura Linney give great performances but the one to look for in this film is Edward Norton, a star was born!

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.imdb.com.

Best Biopics on Musicians (10+1list)

Best Biopics On Musicians

written by Souranath Banerjee

While watching the recent biopic Love & Mercy (2014) based on
Beach Boys lead singer Brian Wilson’s life (starring John Cusack,
love-and-mercy-posterElizabeth BanksPaul Dano and Paul Giamatti), I had this observation that the more famous the artist, the more is the chance for them to be vulnerable and gullible in their personal life.

The extremely talented Musicians who are superstars on the stage, with all the money and fame in the world but in their real life, most of them are so alone and disturbed and emotionally unstable.

Either their family lives are torn apart as a direct side-effect of fame (too much of drugs, sex and ego) or else they are being bullied, cheated, harassed or exploited by none other than their close friends and relatives.

These films in the list are some of the Best Biopics on Musicians across the world, the lives of the crazy and the genius.

Let the music flow!

10. Amadeus (1984)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIzhAKtEzY0

amadeus-poster1‘I am a vulgar man but i assure you my music is not’ – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Directed by Milos Forman, an epic biopic made on the life of arguably the best composer ever existed. 

Mozart, Music and Murder -a colorful masterpiece, nominated for 11 Oscars and won eight of them, including best picture, actor and director!

9. The Doors (1991)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU0tR0EjAXA

doors-posterJim Morrison, the God of Rock – the story of his eccentric life; the madness and the genius.

Starring Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan, the film perfectly captures the energy, the style and the vibrant personality of the ‘Electric Poet’. 

Directed by brilliant Oliver Stone, a visual treat and for me, in the rock n’ roll genre this is the best biopic ever made. Watch it.

8. I’m Not There. (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFUEofAr9GA

im-not-there-poster1

Christian BaleCate BlanchettHeath LedgerRichard GereBen Whishaw and Marcus Carl Franklin – six actors, six characters, one life, one artist – Bob Dylan!

Soaked in Dylan’s soulful music, it is made in a non-linear and avant garde fashion, a complete original take by director Todd Haynes

Challenging but certainly not mainstream. 

7. Walk the Line (2005)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsvZGwd8vrI

walk-the-line-posterDirected by James Mangold, this one is a biopic on country music legend Johnny Cash’s life.

His fame and family, his love and addiction, his depression and his will to survive; his ultimate success.

Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon both were Oscar nominated for their outstanding performances and Reese finally won the award.

6. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pivm4oMEDRs

coal-miners-daughter-posterThe legendary singer Loretta Lynn and how she changed the rhythm and style of country-music forever.  

From poverty to worldwide fame, her life  and her musical career is a story to be told. Starring Sissy Spacek (oscar winning role)Tommy Lee Jones and Levon Helm.

Directed by Michael Apted, this biography deserves much more attention than it received.

5. Nowhere Boy (2009)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0Qu62_vPbo

Nowhere-boy-posterDirected by Sam Taylor-Johnson, this biopic focuses on the early life of musical sensation John Lennon.

Lennon’s relationship with his aunt Mimi and his mother Julia, his love for music and how he met his friends Paul McCartney and George Harrison!

Experience the evolution of the revolution, the man behind the most popular band ever – The Beatles.

4. Ray (2004)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVHCQfcugdw

ray-poster1Directed by Taylor Hackford, this one tells the story of Ray Charles, the legendary rhythm and blues musician of the 60s.

At the age of seven he lost his eyesight but still with his gifted voice and compositions, and his brilliance in playing the piano he became one of the most successful musicians of the time.

Jamie Foxx won Oscar for his role.

3. Control (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c2_B_cWK_M

control-posterA biography of the famous lead singer of the band Joy Division – Ian Curtis.

Directed by Anton Corbijnthe film depicts the troubled life of the musical genius which ended at the young age of 23 (he committed suicide).

The film is a simple yet stylized series of black and white visuals shot brilliantly by Martin Ruhe.

2. What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbzbd2wUGao

whats-love-got-to-do-with-it-posterIt’s a biopic on Tina Turner’s courageous life, both stage and personal.

The way she shot to stardom and became famous, the tough years when she was traumatized by her abusive husband Ike Turner and finally how she managed to break free.

Directed by Brian Gibson, a film that every woman should see and take inspiration from.

  1. Shine (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTt4Ar6pzO4

shine-posterPiano player David Helfgott, a child prodigy who had a breakdown early in his life but later came back and became popular. 

Directed by Scott Hicks, a film that is so intense and yet so satisfying, so true to the life of the artist.  

The prime reason to watch this biopic is for Geoffrey Rush‘s brilliant performance for which he won the Oscar that year!

and now, (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. La Vie en Rose (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzEJ7NV_g98

vie-en-rose-posterA superb biopic on Édith Piaf‘s life, the famous French singer.

With the ever-beautiful Marion Cotillard in the lead, the film takes us into a nonlinear journey of the vulnerable yet talented singer’s childhood, then her rise to fame and the various ups and downs of her life. 

Directed by Olivier Dahan, a great work of passion and emotion.

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comwww.festivalinla.com.

Best Court room drama films (10+1list)

Best Court room drama films.

written by Souranath Banerjee

Back in 1928 director Carl Theodor Dreyer made an epic film The Passion of Joan of Arc and although the movie was unique in many other aspects but it was also probably the first ever cinema to showcase the dramatization inside a court room.

And since then, there has been several brilliant contributions made to the ‘courtroom drama’ genre.

The Judge, the jury, the lawyer, the accused and the witnesses. Guilty or Not guilty?

Sometimes the primary focus is on the lawyer’s intellect and determination while other films deal more with the accused or the suspense of the final verdict. 

The list below consists of some of the best Courtroom drama films ever made.

So, Order! Order!

10. 12 Angry Men (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7CBKT0PWFA

12-angry-men-posterWhen you say ‘courtroom drama’, the first film that comes to your mind is this one, and why not?

An epic film directed by Sidney Lumet featuring a murder trail where 12 jury members have to come to a decision unanimously.

Almost shot inside a single room, 12 characters and their unique approach to the case. Henry Fonda‘s best role.

Another brilliant film by the same director on this genre is The Verdict (1982). A must watch.

9. The Paradine Case (1947)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGt4VvcSfjU

pardine-case-posterNot one of his best suspense thrillers, but nevertheless Alfred Hitchcock‘s contribution to the courtroom drama genre.

A lawyer risks his own marriage and reputation as he falls for the beautiful female client accused of murdering her own husband!

Gregory PeckAnn ToddCharles Laughton and Oscar nominated Ethel Barrymore all at their best.

8. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsVN1hv9D5c

witness-prosecution-posterThis time it’s director Billy Wilder who joins the courtroom drama.

Brilliant performances by Tyrone PowerMarlene DietrichCharles Laughton

The film’s suspense is so vital that the audience before entering the hall had to sign, cards that read, ‘I solemnly swear I will not reveal the ending of Witness for the Prosecution.’! 

7. Primal Fear (1996)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnmTi7hSjrA

primal-fear-posterA priest murdered and an alter boy is accused for killing him. But the real truth is not what it seems to be.

Directed by Gregory Hoblit, this one is a superb drama with some pretty unexpected twists.

Richard Gere and Laura Linney give awesome performances but the one to look for in the film is Edward Norton, a star was born.

Another cool film by the same director on this genre is Fracture (2007). A good watch.

6. Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfOgZXIQ6fo

Judgment-Nuremberg-posterFour Nazi judges are to be judged for their war crimes, but before the cold-war people are willing to forget the past very easily.

Director Stanley Kramer creates this terrific American courtroom in occupied Germany of 1948 and tells the intense tale of judgement. 

Probably the film of most historical significance in this list.

Another awesome film by the same director on this genre is Inherit the Wind (1960)

5. Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAVLvGP25uQ

Anatomy-Murder-posterCan temporary insanity be the reason for committing murder?

My favorite actor James Stewart gives a great performance along with Lee Remick and Ben Gazzara.

Directed by Otto Preminger, there was controversy because the film uses words like ‘bitch’, ‘contraceptive’, ‘panties’, ‘penetration’, ‘rape, ‘slut’ and ‘sperm’ for the first time on screen!

4. Philadelphia (1993)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cl4B9AU45P4

philadelphia-posterTom HanksDenzel WashingtonRoberta Maxwell all together in this superb drama.

A lawyer takes the case of a man who press charges on his employee on the ground that he was fired just because he had AIDS.

Directed by Jonathan Demme, this is one remarkable film based on a true incident.

3. …And Justice for All. (1979)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQzYNoLANrg

And-Justice-All-poster‘You’re out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They’re out of order!’

One of Al Pacino‘s classics, a film that is intense and indeed makes you doubt the true meaning of justice.

A lawyer is forced to defend a judge who seems to be guilty.

Directed by Norman Jewison, one of the best court drama ever made. 

2. The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFwE3UgCMIk

Lincoln-Lawyer-posterA wealthy client, a talented defense lawyer with a conscience and then there is a full proof plan to beat the system!

Matthew McConaughey at his best as usual along with Marisa Tomei and Ryan Phillippe.

Directed by Brad Furman this one is one of the best court dramas of recent times.

  1. A Few Good Men (1992)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePo91pMcu94

few-good-men-posterDirected by master director Rob Reiner, this film has one thrilling court drama.

A Navy lawyer determined to defend two Marines who have been accused of murdering a colleague. But things doesn’t look as simple as they are.

Great performances by Tom CruiseJack NicholsonDemi MooreKevin Bacon – you can’t miss this one.

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most unique one. A must watch).

+1. OMG: Oh My God! (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nUwpoTrWFk

OMG-Oh-My-God-PosterAn earthquake destroys an atheist shopkeeper’s shop and so he takes God to the courtroom.

Directed by Umesh Shukla, a film that is so innovative and probably the only film that so aptly deals with commercialization of religion in our current social scenario.

Akshay KumarParesh Rawal and Mithun Chakraborty – couldn’t have been better on the performance basis. 

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comhttp://www.koimoi.com and www.bollywoodmdb.com.