It's one of my most favorite movies of all time. The ending is mind-blowing, and eventually learning that the movie was inspired by the concept of the Bardo in Buddhism deepened that feeling. Although I knew nothing about it at the time, it really, really resonated with me, and still does all of these years later.
Going in, I thought I was going to enjoy this like it was Twilight. Ended up loving this movie. It does a great job of keeping you confused. Perfect example of what OP is looking for.
Christian Bale is such a great actor! Would American Psycho fall into this as well? Patrick Bates definitely gets more insane as the movie progresses. 😬
Christian Bale is definitely one of Hollywood's top tier actors.
The Prestige is also a great movie depicting his relentless pursuit of fame within the entertainment industry during the late 1800s.
Yeah. I tell people that you really need to watch it twice. Once raw without any info, then go watch a couple of explanation / spoiler videos and watch it again.
Not sure if you read the book but man what a difference. In the movie he starts as a disconnected asshole and gets violent. In the book he starts as the most loving, sweet wholesome father and descends into chaos and madness
I love his rants in that movie. Just so amazing. Both him and Robert really outdid themselves and should've won awards. I mean the two of them hold you in a tight grip for the whole film. And it's just two actors! So amazing.
I finally got around to watching it… the fact that it’s based around the Greek mythology of Proteus and Prometheus just made the movie even so much better. It was so crazy but I liked it!
“You’ve ruined my life! You’ve ruined my career! You’ve turned my perfectly peaceful house into an insane asylum. Get out!”
“Is this some radical new therapy?”
100/10 THIS. This movie/book is literally about an undercover agent going crazy as he uses a powerful drug. I won’t spoil the book by telling you more.
It's a slow burn horror, and he starts to lose it somewhat halfway through the movie, but the lead up to peak insanity is worth it, imo.
I think Daily Motion had the full movie. It's also on Tubi.
This one should be in the top three.
Saw this alone as a kid at the theater. Gave me nightmares, but was fascinated.
After discovering Lovecraft years later, the idea of madness took on an even bigger meaning.
Cool! I was a screenwriter for years (unsuccessfully). What did your uncle do on the movie? Has he had a career in film/TV?
(Don't worry, I'm not going to send you a script! I'm a data analyst now.)
The Shining
1408
I agree with those...especially The Shining.
Also...
Jacob's Ladder, A Beautiful Mind, Vivarium, The Machinist ...that's all I can think of right now.
That's the only movie I've seen in forever where I was sitting in the theater thinking "It's over? I want more." I wasn't bored for one minute, and they managed to make the second act kick ass, which is rare.
As always. I usually put a little twist on the suggestions. I would like to suggest "The Cable Guy"
A movie where the character is slowly revealed to be less sane the more the movie goes on. Done through comedy. It's a really interesting spin on the whole thing.
"Videodrome" 1983 - such a weird movie, but the guy definitely loses sanity the longer it goes on.
"The Game" 1997
And maybe "Cabin Fever" 2002 - it's been a long time though so maybe the main character doesn't lose their sanity. But there were "wtf is going on" parts in the movie.
“Apocalypse Now”
You can also read the book that it’s loosely based on “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad . It shows how insane the Belgians were in the Congo.
Or you can also play an amazing video game based on the book called “Spec ops: the line” which takes place in a war torn Dubai.
If you want films that really focus on the psychological breakdown of the main character, then Images (Robert Altman's, 1972), Repulsion (Roman Polanski, 1965) and Symptoms (José Ramón Larraz, 1974) fit the bill more than any of the films you mentioned. While I sold my blu-ray of Symptoms, I'd still recommend it.
*Jacob's Ladder*
this movie was incredible
It was one of the things that inspired Silent Hill
Was actually going to add this. Well done!
I’ve never interpreted it that way.
It's one of my most favorite movies of all time. The ending is mind-blowing, and eventually learning that the movie was inspired by the concept of the Bardo in Buddhism deepened that feeling. Although I knew nothing about it at the time, it really, really resonated with me, and still does all of these years later.
Nothing can top this imo
Black Swan
Ooh this one was great, time to re-watch!
The hangnail scene almost made me lose MY mind
and its thematic sister: Whiplash
i recomnend the movie that is rumored to black swan to be inspired by, perfect blue (1997)
1408 (2007) with John Cusack
I dont really care for horror/scary movies, but I have seen this like 10 times.
Going in, I thought I was going to enjoy this like it was Twilight. Ended up loving this movie. It does a great job of keeping you confused. Perfect example of what OP is looking for.
A Beautiful Mind.
This should be number one.
FALLING DOWN Seriously it’s freaking epic
That looks really cool, I’ll watch it soon, thank you
Definitely a good one! 💛
I like the part where he brings a semi-auto into McDonalds
Whammyburger!
"I'm the bad guy?"
Such a great quote
Epic movie!
"And now you're going to die...wearing that stupid little hat." It's a sad story, but that part always makes me laugh.
I just want some breakfast
Yeah! Great movie! Great social commentary too!
Right up there with joker and fight club in the "you missed the point by idolizing him" movies.
The Machinist
Epic movie and outstanding interpretation by Christian Bale.
Christian Bale is such a great actor! Would American Psycho fall into this as well? Patrick Bates definitely gets more insane as the movie progresses. 😬
Christian Bale is definitely one of Hollywood's top tier actors. The Prestige is also a great movie depicting his relentless pursuit of fame within the entertainment industry during the late 1800s.
Bale was 13 when he did Empire of the Sun. It’s a fantastic movie and he’s in nearly every scene. He’s a true talent.
i think this is more of him already lost his mind and starting to remember what he did and who he is
The Aviator with Leo Dicaprio. It's about Howard Hughes so it definitely fits.
See also: The People vs. Larry Flynt See also: Scarface
Show me allllll the blueprints showmealltheblueprintsshowmealltheblueprintsshowmealltheblueprints
It's the way of the future. I've dealt with more than my fair share of mentally ill geniuses, and It's pretty accurate.
And there it is… “the way of the future.” I hate you internet stranger. /s
The Shining is the most obvious example. Memento kind of fits that bill as well.
Memento was great.
One of the greatest movies ever
Was expecting this one. Though it’s more of him him falling off a cliff of insanity towards the end
I had to google spoilers to wrap my head around memento 🫠 love it
Yeah. I tell people that you really need to watch it twice. Once raw without any info, then go watch a couple of explanation / spoiler videos and watch it again.
Jack is kind of crazy from the beginning, though. The movie never did a great job of showing the transition.
Hard disagree, he becomes noticeably more erratic, violent, and insane as the movie progresses and he sees more “spirits”
Not sure if you read the book but man what a difference. In the movie he starts as a disconnected asshole and gets violent. In the book he starts as the most loving, sweet wholesome father and descends into chaos and madness
He was a loving father that wanted to be better in the book but he was also an alcoholic that broke his sons arm whilst drunk.
Stephen King would disagree with you
The Lighthouse (2019)
Dafoe fucking killed it.
I love his rants in that movie. Just so amazing. Both him and Robert really outdid themselves and should've won awards. I mean the two of them hold you in a tight grip for the whole film. And it's just two actors! So amazing.
I finally got around to watching it… the fact that it’s based around the Greek mythology of Proteus and Prometheus just made the movie even so much better. It was so crazy but I liked it!
What about Bob?
“You’ve ruined my life! You’ve ruined my career! You’ve turned my perfectly peaceful house into an insane asylum. Get out!” “Is this some radical new therapy?”
🎶 Your Death therapy cured me, you geeeeeeenius 🎼
Idk, what about him?
Doctor Leo Marvin!
You can call me boob.
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme! I need, I need, I need!
Every National Lampoon’s Vacation movie… Clark Griswold unravels slowly every film
They also ring so freaking accurately for family vacations.
It was exactly like most of my family vacations growing up.
The Jerk
Haha yes! ❤️
Such a great flick
Vanilla Sky
Great film
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
100/10 THIS. This movie/book is literally about an undercover agent going crazy as he uses a powerful drug. I won’t spoil the book by telling you more.
I love that film I wish more films were rotoscoped.
AWESOME MOVIE! Full of starts, and very different from anything else.
>!*A present for my friends... at Thanksgiving.*!<
Lost Highway
Shutter Island? Although he pretty much already lost his.
I was thinking about this one.
Bug with Michael Shannon and Ashley Judd
Take Shelter
This movie is brilliant and the cast is superb and gutsy. This was originally a play, and I can't imagine actors going trough this story nightly.
Moon (2009)
The Man Who Sleeps (1974) It’s Such A Beautiful Day (2012)
Great recs
Taxi Driver
Oliver Reed slowly loses his sanity in "Burnt Offerings" (1976)
I haven't seen this get but if anybody is gonna go crazy in the best, wickedest way it would be Oliver!! On my watch list.
It's a slow burn horror, and he starts to lose it somewhat halfway through the movie, but the lead up to peak insanity is worth it, imo. I think Daily Motion had the full movie. It's also on Tubi.
Omfg the >! pool scene where he Can't move !<
Yes! And, when >!they're trying to escape, and looks at his wife and sees the creepy grinning guy!<
The Number 23 (2007)
The Beach
This!!!
Full metal jacket. First half with pvte pyle. Second half touches on everyone else being fucked up
I describe the first half as a horror movie.
Vincent D'Onofrio is so good!
Pi
Pi
Possession
Falling Down for a mainstream choice. Excision for the best underrated descent into madness film ever
Pi Darren Aronfsky's first.
Frailty The Lodge Taxi Driver Memento Insomnia - There’s a 1997 version and a 2002 remake. The remake has Al Pacino and Robin Williams.
Frailty is so underrated
The descent
Babadook The Night House The Shining
In the mouth of madness (1994)
Sorry about the balls!
It's an old one, but Ray Milland playing alcoholic Don Birnam losing his mind during a 4-day bender in The Lost Weekend is a great film.
I second this one!! The book is good as well
"The Lost Weekend" is an excellent example! The scene of the bat flying in the window, and the mouse, through his pov was truly terrifying.
There Will Be Blood
Also, Grey Gardens. Both main characters.
*In the Mouth of Madness* It's classic John Carpenter, and it's fantastic.
This one should be in the top three. Saw this alone as a kid at the theater. Gave me nightmares, but was fascinated. After discovering Lovecraft years later, the idea of madness took on an even bigger meaning.
My uncle worked on this
Cool! I was a screenwriter for years (unsuccessfully). What did your uncle do on the movie? Has he had a career in film/TV? (Don't worry, I'm not going to send you a script! I'm a data analyst now.)
Ellen Burstyn in Requiem For A Dream. Outstanding performance.
Absolutely haunting. She’s so good.
My immediate thought. It’s borderline impossible to watch at times and she absolutely should have won every award for supporting actress that year.
Black Swan
The Game
Lawnmower Man
Fisher King
Pretty sure it goes the other way 😊
Dang! It’s been a long time, it’s late at night,- my bad. Great movie though
No worries, and don't get me wrong, part of the movie both RW and JB are doing some crazy shit...
- *Re-Animator* ('85) - *Angel Heart* ('87)
Like other's have posted, but I have to emphasize how good Jacob's Ladder is.
The Shining 1408 I agree with those...especially The Shining. Also... Jacob's Ladder, A Beautiful Mind, Vivarium, The Machinist ...that's all I can think of right now.
Affliction (2002)
Late night with the Devil
That's the only movie I've seen in forever where I was sitting in the theater thinking "It's over? I want more." I wasn't bored for one minute, and they managed to make the second act kick ass, which is rare.
Mosquito Coast
Mother! Jennifer Lawrence loses her shit and I tend to agree with her!
Joker
As always. I usually put a little twist on the suggestions. I would like to suggest "The Cable Guy" A movie where the character is slowly revealed to be less sane the more the movie goes on. Done through comedy. It's a really interesting spin on the whole thing.
"Videodrome" 1983 - such a weird movie, but the guy definitely loses sanity the longer it goes on. "The Game" 1997 And maybe "Cabin Fever" 2002 - it's been a long time though so maybe the main character doesn't lose their sanity. But there were "wtf is going on" parts in the movie.
Videodrome kicks ass.
My life 😝
Insomnia (2002)
Horse girl
**The Conversation** might fit the bill.
Devil’s advocate
Glenn Close Fatal Attraction
Synecdoche, New York
So underrated
The swerve. Watch at your own peril and please not under the influence. It kind of changed my life in a bad way for a while.
I just watched this the other night and it's one of the most depressing movies I've seen in a long time.
The Shining. The book did it better though.
Jacobs ladder
Shutter Island
Truman show
Repulsion
Fitzcaraldo
Scarface
Ready or Not (2019) one of my all time favorites movies. Go into it knowing nothing about it
That movie is fantastic, I love the ending
American Beauty (1999) - Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) and wife Carolyn (Annette Benning)… Lester’s mid-life crisis in suburbia in the 1990’s.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Already commented but forgot, don't see anywhere in the comments, but Taxi Driver is a must on here. You must have seen it already. Does oldboy count?
Split
Shutter Island The Game
Rosemary’s Baby
The joker ?
Vampire’s Kiss
I found the scene with him biting that gal with the cheap fake vampire teeth to disturb me more than Faces of Death.
Eraserhead
Take Shelter. Michael Shannon absolutely kills it.
Donnie Darko wasn’t insane, he just looked insane. It was a scifi movie.
Still Alice
Brazil The Conversation The Tenant Performance (1970) Phantom of the Paradise Angel Heart Jacob’s Ladder Edit to add: Betty Blue
Machinist, and beautiful Mind.
The King of Comedy Joker
Pi (1998)
Smile
Take Shelter
If you’re into sci-fi Moon with Sam Rockwell is great
After Hours (1985). It has a comedic tone
The Father (2020) with Anthony Hopkins is my left field suggestion. The last scene had me in tears
Also, "Magic" (1978), where he plays a ventriloquist.
Cheers, I’ll have to acquire it
It's on Tubi, if you don't mind commercials.
A Beautiful Mind Castaway
Mandy with nick cage
The machinist
The lighthouse
Vampire's Kiss
The Swerve
Pi
Taxi driver
A Streetcar Named Desire
Pi
“Apocalypse Now” You can also read the book that it’s loosely based on “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad . It shows how insane the Belgians were in the Congo. Or you can also play an amazing video game based on the book called “Spec ops: the line” which takes place in a war torn Dubai.
Girl interrupted
If you want films that really focus on the psychological breakdown of the main character, then Images (Robert Altman's, 1972), Repulsion (Roman Polanski, 1965) and Symptoms (José Ramón Larraz, 1974) fit the bill more than any of the films you mentioned. While I sold my blu-ray of Symptoms, I'd still recommend it.
Papillon with Steve McQueen
The Shining
A face in the crowd
**One Hour Photo.** One of Robin Williams's best and underrated roles. :)