Film Analysis: I Never Promised You A Rose Garden

Compare the ways in which Joanne Greenberg and James Mangold use techniques to explore the idea that when dealing with mental health and identity there are many hardships

Joanne Greenberg in her 1964 semi-autobiographical novel I Never Promised You a Rose Garden and James Mangold in his 1999 film adaptation of Girl, Interrupted, establish how important a person’s identity is and the struggle and pain, mental health issues have on one’s mind and that it should never be brushed off as it often leads to emotional and mental instability. One’s identity is what defines who and what a person is along with their purpose for existence. When lost, this can lead to confusion and can create the feeling one is of no great importance. Both authors using
This is evident in the scene where Susanna is seen running through the underground tunnels away from Lisa. In the scene the lighting has a dramatic effect and emphasises the emotions that are rising between both Susanna and Lisa. The lighting when focused on Lisa shadows her face and when walking past a source of light, bars of light would pass over her face, highlighting the swirl of emotions she felt. In contrast, Susanna was placed so that the light shone on her face however, it was still dim and this displayed a sense of darkness or gloom in the scene. Within the same scene, Susanna comes to a locked door that has a grate covering the spaces, this combined with a close-up shot of Susanna’s face displays the emotions Susanna has of this place, she feels like there is a barrier in front of her, preventing her from experiencing what the world outside is like beyond that barrier or door. This further backs up her statement of not wishing to be stuck there with Lisa, but to be outside in the world, indicating that Lisa is her barrier, preventing her from moving on. This placement of props along with the close-up shot, reflects the feelings Susanna has felt in the hospital, denying her identity and the ache she felt due to her mental health issues being ignored. Another example is in the scene after Daisy commits suicide; using pathetic fallacy the weather is dark and gloomy to match Driving in the Rain by Mychael Dynna that it playing, as the emotions Susanna feels are sadness, regret and remorse for her friend and herself. Susanna is sitting on an outside lounge holding Daisy’s cat close, both looking as Daisy is placed inside an ambulance. Furthermore, Susanna similar to the weather, is wearing dark, thick clothing. This scene through placement of various film devices and items such as props, costuming and lighting, creates a deep emotion within