Kyle and I saw "The Soloist" in theaters last weekend. I wasn't sure what to expect. I have a brother with severe mental illness (schizo-affective bipolar. I'm sure some doctors would give him a full schizophrenia diagnosis...but I'd like to think not). So anyway, a part of me was intrigued with this movie and the possibility of the public being educated about mental illness. That's a good thing. And a part of me thought maybe I could steal a good cathartic cry from this movie. Yes, it has been more than painful to see my brother, Paul, suffer and my parents likewise. Paul is very much like the man in the movie. He was a very successful young man. Paul served a mission for our church and held the position of Assistant to the President (AP). Which I only say to show a specific instance which clearly illustrates that he has not been crazy his whole life. He was capable, funny, and talented. He is still a very talented artist and his art is the one thing that I believe has kept him alive. He has a very, very hard life. On his art blog there is a depiction of himself titled, "abnormal self." So sad. His art is amazing..some say there is a fine line between genius and crazy. That's paul. For some reason, I can't get a link in right here to his blog, but his link is on my sidebar under family links.
The movie could have been more compelling, but I enjoyed it because of my personal interest in mental illness. I thought it was a very accurate depiction of mental illness. My parents have said many times that they worry Paul will be homeless someday. He needs a place where he is watched carefully (legally bound) and given meds and other medical care for a long term of time. Then with long term success with meds and with sure signs of stability, Paul (and others) could venture out on their own and live their "free" life. These places just don't exist because of the focus on freedom and rights. I heard a wise person say on a recent PBS special that yes, these individuals are "free" to roam the streets. But are they really experiencing freedom when they have a delusional mind (not on meds). In any case, it's very discouraging, just like the movie portrays. There's not much you can do with a person who refuses medication and is paranoid of everything. I thought the scene where his mom is trying to care for him and feed him "poisoned" soup was well done.
I thought it was sad to see so much of the homeless: the lowliest of people. I realize there are homeless individuals who have chosen that life and are responsible for themselves. But I think there are MANY who are weak and helpless like the movie depicted. Two nights ago I read this scripture in the Book of Mormon,
1 Nephi 13: 42
And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.
I have always thought that "the last shall be first" could be applied to the homeless and all the lowliest of people. They are God's children. They have the same potential as the most successful person on earth. They will be healed. They can be EXALTED! I just LOVE that.
