A Summer In The Cage

[jrod16sports]

I really enjoyed this movie because i was able to identify to it. I have been suffering from depression myself for the last couple of months, there has been suicidal thoughts in my mind...therefore one thing that the woman said really was impacting to me, it went something like "it is far more braver and courageous to live with this disease..." 1:15:35

[VirtualMP3Studio]

Depression blows...

[laluna7580]

Thank you for opening your life to us.

[Dee30Jay]

I watched this because I'm bipolar. I didn't find hope, was only reminded that I'm not the only one struggling.

The important thing about this is that it allowed me to see how I am from the outside. I know that my behaviors sometimes hurt those who care about me, but I never really understood it until now.

Many thanks to Sam and Ben.

[jrod16sports]

@Dee30Jay I know what you mean. I never really understood how my behaviors are hurting those around me, I think that just by understanding it opens my mind to the feelings of others.

[KLUTCH09YAB]

This documentary has to be the most comforting film i have seen since i came to the realization that I suffer also from depression. I say comforting because I was able to relate and share the thoughts and emotions that Sam had. I really hope that this gets read by either of you two. I can say BOLDLY, that those with this disorder are some of the most creative and striking people there is. So, this is a response to you both saying that you dont know how many you've helped! Continue!!!

[alubanski]

@ 59:50 I love his analogy, " Look, this is my f***ing room", is honestly a very helpful attitude

[ygalada]

I've done psychiatry and this is such a wonderful documentary!

Bipolar is a real battle,that I can imagine.

Ben is a remarkable person,I must say!!

[comptonjuan]

Thank you for dropping the ball on this one. If Mental illness was a cancer or a blockage people would understand that, Your life is in the balance. I have two very close loved ones who suffer from extreme mental illness. One of them wound up with sugar diabedes from her bi polar medication. Before she could understand the sugar condition she laid down and went into a diabedic coma and died. She was very sad and I will forever miss her.

[lovelifewhy]

THANK YOU!

[mrsbrierly]

This was a very interesting and real insight to bipolar disorder. It seemed like Sam let the diagnosis, and the history and the way it played out in his family weigh so heavily on his shoulders. Sam kept measuring his progress with the filming, which seemed to overwhelm him. I hope he finds his way out of the darkness, and I hope the same for those of you that mentioned you are suffering as well. Great job to Ben as well for sticking with it and producing a great documentary.

[dphyall]

Im lying here with tears. I have the same illness. It sux. I wish I knew Sam, I feel his pain deeply. He is so lucky to have a Mother and Sister that are patient and supportive. Great documentary............

[seansunny05]

@dphyall  plz no tears'''''''''' n by your name can't even imagine you a guy or a girl but being human no more tears get in touch withme i'll tell you because am a psychologist

[qawwalification]

Sam was right. Ben is only an editor. Ben will never understand the stress he put his friend through. At 1 point Ben put the camera down 2 care 4 Sam. Sam didn't have the presence of mind 2 make those difficult decisions in the same way. That anger can happen with this illness and Ben simply became the focus is a gloss over. Healthy people would have felt stress living under the camera, but 2 do this while suffering so? Unfair.

Sam does has incredible strength. What did Ben learn?

[gammerstang2009]

LOL... What kind of loser is he to be a 30 year old white male in America who holds a Master's Degree and who applies for an entry-level job at Home Depot? Can't he use his White Privilege to say, "Open Sesame" on the job front? If this were a black man, there would be a bunch of posts about that lazy, crazy "@#%&s%!!" |O: Sam needs to get in front of Oprah!! PO:

[chrisfilms84]

@gammerstang2009's Post Represents

The Worst Possibilities Of Humanity. -

[gammerstang2009]

@chrisfilms84

Opinions are like assholes. Hopefully, everyone has one... Not just you.

[theresajcd]

Very moving. Now try to step into his shoes and live this life. As hard as it is for the "normal" to watch, try living it.

[nippletease]

i have bipolar type 2.. i just killed my cat 3 days ago .. lol .. im serious .. mania is rage .. i miss him.. i been trying to stabilze but nothing works.. either im extremely depressed or i dnt feel nething.. ohh also add the constant mood swings.. i wish i culd meet more bipolar people.. i noe none ..

[Adamawaterhouse]

This is a compassionate and sincere film.

[mackmeal]

I have bipolar 1 and it's hell, lots of temptations to wanting to come off the meds to see if you can be normal.

[aliejuanware]

This is very powerful and emotional, defiantly worth watching.

[beautifulmind546]

Sam Murchison - please contact me ASAP

[SilverRedIndigo]

I think it's really interesting that just when he got involved in politics he became psychotic.

Sure made his political views be taken less seriously.

I have a friend here in Israel that this just happened to.

People get involved in politics - and then just all of a sudden lose it...

[solbip]

Imprescindible subtitulos en español.Donde????

[camperkala]

1. Sam can know that this documentary is helping at least one person

2. I definitely cried at 49.50. Such raw emotions

[beautifulmind546]

Here is what I saw. The chronicle of a vibrant intense human being who experiences the world and thinks and reacts intensely. Instead of the ppl in his life trying to understand him and accept him, they expect him to dull himself down. 6 years on meds, depressed, immobilized in front of a frickin camera. It's no wonder he got angry at the end. There was nothing wrong with Sam. He was right, it's the world that is wrong. Sam I hope you have some peace.

[SilverRedIndigo]

@beautifulmind546

I saw something very similar.

Notice that the medications turned the "manic" phases off, but not the depressive phases.

It looks a lot to me like this young man had a lot of political potential and someone wanted him immobilized.

[beautifulmind546]

@SilverRedIndigo That is an interesting observation. I think it's valid. I also found it interesting that he seemed to get manic in NY but in CA he was less so. The scene at central park was interesting too as he calmed way down in the water and playing in the mud. I know for fact that ppl are targeted and their minds fucked. It does happen. The meds are really bad. I just think too that people with intense emotions can deal with them without medicating. Thanks for sharing that.

[SilverRedIndigo]

@beautifulmind546

The whole issue of 3-5% of the population being "bipolar" seems unnatural to me.

I think that it is more like the highs and lows all creative people go through that has been manipulated so that people who have the kind of creativity that the System finds a threat are artificially kept in the low phase after they are artificially induced into a higher than normal phase in order to make their claims seem untenable and make people alienate them.

This looks so induced to me.

[beautifulmind546]

@SilverRedIndigo It's unnatural to me as well. The people I know labeled as bipolar all are extremely intense in either progressive thought or artistic talent. These are the people who could really change things. It is well known that psychiatry is a control mechanism. Most antipsychotics will deteriorate brain matter. I agree that you are on to something with this. Now that you mention, it did seem induced to me too.

[tooldrummer]

@SilverRedIndigo You're full of shit. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed when the mood swings become so severe that it impedes on the person's life. It's much more than just "the highs and lows all creative people go through". Your ignorance is ridiculous. Your conspiracy theory that medicating people is a result of "the system" finding people with creativity a threat. Seriously?! Did you just choose to ignore the suicide section? Dad went off meds and killed himself. The meds lessen the lows too.

[SilverRedIndigo]

@tooldrummer

I'm sincerely sorry that what I wrote caused you pain.

[tooldrummer]

@SilverRedIndigo If you are indeed sincere then thank you. I just think it's ridiculous to say things like "psychiatry is a well know control mechanism" like it's some sort of government cover up to dumb people down who have real illnesses. This isn't fucking 1984. In reality psychiatry, is improving a lot of people's lives who would otherwise be in a world of shit or dead from suicide. My life has improved so much from what it was before medication.

[AstralShayde]

I watched this to try and understand the inner workings more. My Father is bipolar and it is very hard to live with. I am very empathic and have battled depression before, but his anger is what becomes scary. This was a great documentary.

[doesitmatter758]

this was a good, dedicated attempt, to show this man’s depression, and the detrimental effects it had on everything in his life. no one person with depression can be compared together exactly, this is not text book stuff; depression is very complicated, if you like, it has its own personal gene which is unique.  i think more awareness is key to gaining more understanding of this illness, and social acceptance - so therefore this gets my thumbs up. well done and thank you

[lucielola]

Amazing...I am left wondering how Sam is doing today. It is such a deceptive, progressive thing. My heart is with Sam and his family, I hope they are all well. Thank you Ben for doing this documentary and thank you Sam for allowing us to be a part of your life.

[gasmatd]

wow... i thought it was going to suck at the beginning. What an amazing display of humanity... i truly hope things were helped by this being made. what a lot of work.

Sam, youre my hero. every day you fought this, you won. no matter what happened that day, you won. also, the metaphor w/ manic depression and you stuck in a room was dead on. you may be mentally unstable, but you ARE very smart, so i have confidence that you will figure things out.

[lonewolfshifter]

Sam.... Thank you..

[Skunkybiffta]

I've got type II and it can suck having long depression phases. This documentary took me by surprise somewhat as I recognise a lot of the manic traits. During our last general election back in the UK I thought I could change the outcome of the election somehow. Hypomania is possibly the best sensation in the world to those who have never had it. Its a burst of relentless energy and percieved unlimited potential. If only there was a way of unleashing the creativity in a controlled way.

[TranceReligion]

wow, amazing documentary

[Eddiesilence]

Great doc, very enlightening. Major props to Ben Selkow.

[SuperDarkfriend]

thank you sam and ben for an in depth look at something very few people know about, bi-polar illness is something that gets an bad wrap cause when you hear those words most people invision you with a gun shooting random people for no reason. i struggle everyday with it and it was nice to know that someone else has the struggles with it . it took alot of balls to let the world in and i wish sam the best in his good struggle.

[rahuljainfilmmaker]

Kudos to u man for making a full docu/ movie on such a subject - which u know may not connect to as many pple but to me - whose dad is a living bipolar - is a major source of info and hope

And truthfully saying - i too was a bit scared that his disease wud get on to me but it dint fortunately

KUDOS

CHEERS

[swebb1989]

Compelling film. Thank you and Sam for producing such a real film that can benefit others.

[gracefulangels]

Fantastic doco. Enjoyed it immensely. Must have been very difficult for Ben to get a grip on what mood Sam was having. It must have also been difficult for Sam to not be able to fulfill himself.

[eastariel]

I've been in a mental hospital twice. The first time, I had a manic episode and was diagnosed with bi-polar. The second time, after obtaining HMO insurance, I was hospitalized because that sucky commie HMO wouldn't give me an appt. to refill my medication -- for months! -- and I had another manic episode. The other patients helped me to heal so I could escape Hotel California, via a judge who decided I was quite sane. Soon after my legal escape, Hotel California killed one of their patients.

[wackysassy]

Sam thanku 4 sharing ur most deepest thoughts and feeling with us!!

You have made me cry 2 day I cried at a lot of ur words coz I understand and have had many simmilar experience with manic episodes!!

Including the plane lol hahaha I didnt get arrested but nearly got a fine 4 £7000!

I 2 love photography and this has helped me recover 4 the last 4 years, Im now lost and the manic episodes returned 10 weeks ago im so frustrated and sad that I had 2 make that call! I accept help now thanku!! xxxxx

[wackysassy]

Im currently coping or trying 2 get ova a manic episode I 2 found therapy with photography!!

arghh I just wish my head wld stop thinking 4 like 5 mins x

Thanku 4 makin this film xx

[avalanchesoul]

reading some of the comments, i gotta say, this doc did feel kinda exploitive of sam. i went to the website and it punctuated that feeling with how it just felt like another marketed product. i understand they gotta sell the thing, but there was no mention of sam; what became of him; whether he was dead or alive or what. i suffer bipolar I and i had a best friend who suffered bipolar II, and this doc didn't really do anything to help me understand it better. i hope sam's at least getting a cut.

[greeniem]

ANYONE ELSE here feel this is exploitative of sam

[screwface1011]

This was hard for me to look at. Though I'm not bipolar but I am severely depressed, so much so that my doctor said she had never seen anyone as bad as me and still able to function.

This thing is a life taker and don't mean suicide but most of the time you may as well be dead. It takes all I have to just get out of bed and face this world. Dead is always calling me to come and join. I have resisted and I will continue to resist.

Please think of me sometime.

[cathyjamrogers]

@screwface1011 At least your honest. I have a friend who suffers Bipolar Disorder. She cheers me up sometimes because (her words not mine) i just leave her alone and don't offer her advice, but most importantly.. I never tell her to cheer-up or say everything is going to be alright.. Ah Bless her. BTW has anyone ever heard of 'The Spoon Theory ?' It's about, how to help people understand people who have a mental illness. I learnt alot from it.

[slime023]

thank you ben and especial thank you to sam. this speaks greatly to the tragedy that is this disorder. i suffer from it as well and its impossible to explain through words what it does to you. but a great demonstration of how a master degree division 1 athlete put into this disease just breaks the human down. nobody who doesnt have this can ever imagine the pain it gives you. when having bipolar disorder there is no such thing as normal and this is best film ive seen that shows this. THANKS!!!!!

[TheAlmightyFSM]

I have bipolar 2 accompanied by the Summer variant of Seasonal Affective Disorder, so I really identify with this movie. I've been handling my disease without medication for a few years, but it's rough... Watching this makes me want to work harder towards actually resolving some of these problems, and I thank the film makers.

I'm definitely going to favorite this.

[MrBcfox1095959]

this director is a toxin. The mentally ill are treated like caged animals to be watched, and this director has, in my opinion, shown some of the worst of humanity. Disappointing to say the least.

[greeniem]

@MrBcfox1095959 Not to mention totally fucking exploitative 

[TexasMom17]

Ugggh...gutwrenching to watch. Leaves me almost paralyzed in sadness for those that have to suffer from this disease and what those that surround them must endure each day, each hour, each minute....each second. This is such a raw look into the devastation of manic depressive illness. What I'm confused about is...is the treatment and research into the disorder effective OR does the afflicted play a huge role in not being effectively helped by NOT taking their medication? Wasn't 100% clear.

[hottblonde1000]

can you make a film about the wives that are out there ?

[greeniem]

@hottblonde1000 i want to make a film aout hottblonde's that are out there

[hottblonde1000]

@greeniem good joke! but unfortunatelly you touched a nerve there....

R u the film maker or another bipolar person? I would really like to see a documentary about the families of a bipolar person......u would be surprise about the findings......

[greeniem]

@hottblonde1000 The reason i watched this yesterday was because i got a call from a friend of mine that i grew up with and he was recently diagnosed as bi polar.

[hottblonde1000]

@greeniem

it seems that some people are luckier than others......this is a complicated disease and people are affected in a lot of areas like relationships , work, behavior......there are very good books on Amazon.com that explains this horrible disease. 

[geeta719]

What good is this documentary, other than probably to make money out of a sick friend?

[OktoPlasm]

that was unexpectedly amazing. I think it explains an old friend of mine who behaved the same way towards the end. I think a can forgive him now. Thanks for the amazing work

[sumerianwarrior]

@OktoPlasm Let's hope he can forgive you.

[wateverz7]

I can't stop watching this

[1changenow]

i plus checkout

[BenjaminNBS]

Thanks Ben and Sam.

This was a fascinating and enlightening documentary. I suffer from depression myself, and this film contained a lot of inspirational and very real moments. Great stuff! I hope Sam is doing well and Ben's still making films :-)

[worldwind06]

I suffer from borderline personality disorder, and I have some of the same symptoms as bipolar so I really related with this film

[namelessart]

I'd like to see more films about this subject matter, in respect to this film- the central figure (Sam) comes across as a real person, brave for exposing himself, I found it really beautiful to see someone so raw. This is Humanity. On the other hand the film maker (Ben)'s presence seems unnecessary & he comes across as self-righteous, annoying enough to almost make me want to stop watching at points. The editing & pace are mediocre. I suppose that's Humanity too.

[TheJaredtube]

Thank you Ben and Jake. I am hypomanic. It is pure pain, nothing more, nothing less.

Some times the depression is so dark and endless, I want to run and keep running forever. But then the depression is in me. How could I run away from myself.

I some times laugh at the pain, it is so damn painful. The depression and mania, it is painful. I find my self laughing out loud at the sheer strapping power of the illness. Its awesome prison.

What an existence!!!

[aaareh]

I'm wondering why this documentary has only 50 comments? People need to watch this - especially people with a loved one who has bipolar illness. This is just 1 story out of all the people out there with a life very similar to this.. - ups and downs. Sam reminds me of someone really close to my heart who is no longer with me. Great documentary- my second time watching it all over again.

[MrBcfox10959]

this give bipolar the decency it deserves. thank you so much. a beautiful film.

[JeansYoga]

What makes a difference for managing bipolar, is to participate in a weekly discussion group with a therapist and other bipolars, at least for a couple of years. Isolation can accentuate the vulnerability and self deception, because you don't have mirrors around you who both have compassion, and the same issues. The learning curve and self deception, and check on delus. is less in group setting. Also, compassion for Ben, because a barrage of stressful phone calls can create a PTSD situation.

[JeansYoga]

Ben good film, it is what it is. Sam good film, it is what it is. A bit of a rough patch with the transgressive sacrality and engaging Ben with the Amygdala...but we can do it man. Am bipolar too, balance beam in between extremes...middle path?

[Nickatimes]

IM LOSING IT

[Nickatimes]

if i talk or watch anything about another religion my dad goes APE ON ME hes bipolar and were jehovahs wittnesses i understand he hasnt worked for 7 months his elevator company went out of busniness but im going to go crazy i feel im slipping

[mercerboy123]

Are you awake???Try to stay on one supjekt at a time.Little comfusing what you are whriting.Where are you from??Regards Thomas Denmark

[Nickatimes]

OhIo sup

[Nickatimes]

umm my dad is manic bipolar and idk if i am my doctor gave me zoloft buspren and now im tryin lexopro i worked at a mental place before and i felt like i could feel the patents pain does that mean one day i will be in one?

[LukeShetler]

Even if you have mild bipolar and you take Zoloft or Lexapro, it can make you very manic. If you feel like you're tweaking out or have way too much energy/can't sleep, you need to talk to your doctor immediately. If you can't, then I really can't give you advice.

If you're bipolar, mood stabilizers are what you want, not anti-depressants.

[nellionare]

LOL @ apostrophe's

I'm bipolar, the only thin I do now is stay in my room online 24/7. I thought I would do a lot of writing to help myself realize things. I can't even write 1 paragraph. I just associate with mom dad sis and bro. Some online friends.

[SuperStorgaard]

To get out of this sickness is very difficut.I took a choise and after beeing atmidd to hospital for 3 years.I whanted too live.I am extremely mania,but used too have long depressions.

I went against them.Forced myself to be possitiv.And it was not easy.But have not had a real depression for a year,but then again extreme mania.But what is best?Try to think about what i do,expeciailly too other people.

[Nickatimes]

hi i get in denial over alot my dads bipolar i fake myself alot i feel like i am a fake to the world like im not accepting so i act like what i think the world would like but i feel not true to myself i tend to explode on my puppy even ; ( i didnt think just acted and im freaking out about life like its not real like what is real then i really freak out im afraid to freak out around people so i will stay to myself i go to church but im disfellowshiped been for 5 yrs so i freak out their the most

[LukeShetler]

2 week late reply, but lol, I'm in the same situation.

I was an aspiring artist, but I've been in a mixed episode for over 7 months, trying new meds, and I can't draw or even read a book anymore. I just stay online. It's like my alcohol, but I feel really guilty doing it.

[iamthejake2000]

IT'S BECAUSE OF YOUR "MEDS".

they are your problem. they are why you cannot draw.

[LukeShetler]

You don't know more about my situation than I do. Go read a science book and lay off the conspiracy theories.

[iamthejake2000]

it's not a conspiracy theory. it's 6 years of firsthand experience going on and off prozac.

[LukeShetler]

Everyone responds differently to certain medications. Just because one didn't work for you, doesn't mean all meds are bad. With most meds I've tried, I haven't noticed any side effects at all. Lithium makes it slightly harder to think sometimes, but it's something I have to take or I will never be able to function. Period.

The reason I'm not doing well now is that lithium prevents symptoms; it cannot stop them while they occur, except for mania.

[epicdaize]

ben seems like a real dick...parasite.

[SpahnRanch1969]

Tweedle tweedle tweedle.

[bluexer]

Two other entertaining good movies are: 1-The Adventure of Robin Hood with Errol Flynn also 2-Angels With Dirty Faces with James Cagney.

[maddison31797]

Wow, that's crazy.

But my mom and my sister are both bi-polar and my sister's also Autistic. It's hard to live them because I'm the only one in the house not like that, but I didn't know it could get this bad.

[TheMistressCandice]

Wow, my brother and my uncle suffer from this. My brother goes off and on with his meds (lithium) which I think contributes to these scary "episodes". As scary as this guy Sam gets it gets scarier and they can get more threatening that this show. Awesome documentary!

[humaner]

The best line in this movie 'This is my fukin room".Ben I am really meditating on you now .I am trying to give you all of my positive energy and compassion.You are a great person and we are all with you.

[blondecat666]

Watched it all now, still think the same. Great movie, congrats, Ben!

[blondecat666]

Only watched 25 mins so far, so I don't know what 's gonna happen, but Sam needs a good woman by his side I think. To reassure him every day...

[newworldodour]

That was great!!! Nothing can beat watching the american dream turn into a fat tub of mentally disturbed lard, it really cheered me up and before I get jumped on by the haters I too aam biolar which is the only reason I was able to sit through a1 1/2 hour film on the subject...great job... next time I get the funks I'll definately be watching this :)

[buru44]

whats the first song?

[James121600]

This is my life story. Great Great film.

[updownjunkie]

This movie is great. I bought a copy a few months ago and I've watched it several times. I have bipolar and it's interesting to see its effect on other people as well as to the person with bipolar.

[boofman666]

Yes, really.

I know exactly what it is like to lose control of reality in one form or another

I've been doing it for years

And if I had a dime for every guy like Sam I've known in my life I wouldn't be rich.

I'd probably have a little over three dollars.

Not even enough for a shit breakfast at Denney's.

Final word:::And a bit of friendly advice.

Take the pills. They will help you.

Stay far the fuck away from illicit drugs or alcohol.

[noneyadambiz]

Pills don't help every one. Pill's are not always the answer. If you have ever been on some of the pill's they give for being Bipolar maybe you would know that.

[AdrienneCou]

If you have ever been in a 3rd grade English class, maybe you would know when to use an apostrophe.

[noneyadambiz]

Tha'nk's f'or bein'g a' Gram'mar' Nazi'. I hope' my apo'strophe's don't Irritate y'ou

[ProJanitor]

Funniest comment ever LMFAO

[Nickatimes]

my doctor told me i can smoke weed but do it for fun not cuz im depressed im confused

[smokythebear123]

@Nickatimes your doc is fucked up please find a new one smoking weed is like put gas on a fire

[justimaybe]

boofman-Really? I don't care if you feel sorry for Sam but don't talk as though you know what having a mental disorder is like or even know what it is like to have someone close to you have a mental disorder.

The film really captured what it's like to feel trapped in your own head.

[MrDjaskari]

wow good job man. had no idea how mental heath impacts people. the music was good and good job on the final still shoot.

[boofman666]

Are we supposed to feel sorry for Sam?

It looks to me like Sam has used his illness as a crutch.

A way to glide through life on the backs of those who care about him.

[dale3858]

boofman666... Yes you should be compassionate toward people with these problems... Life is tough, some folks need help...

Can't you see this guy is in trouble?

[updownjunkie]

You know nothing about how debilitating life with bipolar can be. Sam was an obvious high acheiver and talented photographer. He's still the same person, but he's battling a difficult illness.

[SplashKhat]

Instead of honest unbiased insight into Sam's story, We only get a glimpse of how bi-polar affects the people around them.

The director himself wanted Sam locked up rather then pursue the real story to it's end. or give Sam a chance to tell us something he claimed would have made us cry.

And then the director makes it a point to validate himself through the guy's family! truly disgusting. But shows how people who suffer from bi-polar are commonly treated and unheard.

[Harrysjm]

iiits alright. like a less talented daniel johnston

[Simontubby12]

stupid commercials lol

[bryanthecoolkid88]

i win