The link between bipolar disorder and creativity is often overplayed and overly glamourized (I say this as someone who has won an award for creativity in bipolar disorder). This has been at least partially fueled by Kay Jamison’s comprehensive book on this subject called “Touched By Fire.” The book can elicit emotions from both extremes of the manic-depressive spectrum for those who live with this condition–pride in their special and unique perspective on the world and abundant artistic energy, and black, often suicidal despair when they feel they cannot function or live up to their potential or when they feel embarrassment after manic behavior.
The Brazilian short film Chameleons, written and directed by Camila Jaquiel, explores this tension with an inner monologue and curated quotes from the recognized geniuses who likely lived with bipolar disorder in a variety of artistic disciplines throughout history. Most of the film is set in the afflicted character Joana’s bedroom, which is reminiscent of Van Gogh’s painting of his bedroom. It is composed of a lot of still photography and shifting scenery outside of her window. Jaquiel makes resourceful use of set design and color, with bright oranges and glitter symbolizing mania and dull grays and clutter typifying depression. There’s also the in-between moments of recovery: when Joana is starting to pick up around her bedroom, when she’s changing her medication, when she’s picking up her pen to write again. Chameleons is immersive and atmospheric, and from my personal experience it captures the cyclical nature of the illness with authenticity.
We learn a little more about Joana’s family history as the film progresses and there’s an ultimate reckoning of the price of the artistic genius. What defines a good life? One spent making prolific and ingenious art and feeling invincible? One governed by medication and strict regimen? Is the myth of the mad genius a destructive one? And how does medication and treatment that has evolved over the years factor into the management and accountability of bipolar disorder and its extreme highs and lows? These are all important questions that Chameleons asks.
Chameleons is now playing in Shorts Block No. 2 in the virtual festival. The Mental Filmness live Zoom interview with Camila Jaquiel will take place Saturday, October 14th, at 7:00 p.m. Please watch this unique short and join us then to listen and ask questions!
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88263132781?pwd=OmfzJW4Pia7S8c9C7xrzPGc4owfS39.1
