'Boy Interrupted' Director Tells Son's Story

For more videos, check out www.wsj.com/video. Dana Perry's documentary "Boy Interrupted" will premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival. This film is about her son Evan, who suffered from bipolar disease and committed suicide at age 15. Produced by Lauren Goode & Jeff Bush.

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Film & Animation

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• Wall Street Journal
• Boy Interrupted
• Sundance Film Festival

[UKRose2]

as the mother of a bipolar child, who at 6 has threatened suicide several tmes, I can, sadly, take strength from Mrs. Perry...No one can understand this unless they've experienced it---it's gut wrenching to watch them struggle with ordinary life...Thank you, Mrs. Perry, for sharing your experience with us...

[guizuo]

It's heartbreaking when I watched this documentary. Thanks for making this film. Dana, I'm terribly sorry for your loss. But I believe Evan is happy now for living in a peaceful world.

The documentary is such extraordinary and a great contribute to this society, as it brings more and more people to be aware of this mental illness.

[iclandgirl]

I am a bipolar adult- who was a bipolar child. They didn't diagnose kids as bipolar when i was a child.. got into lots of trouble in school- said i just talked too much etc. a morbid kid - a kid w/ way too much energy- . i am still not - stabilized w/ meds. they just don't work- it's hell.

[SouthernRR4501]

I am bipolar and it seems like I'm living with ghosts who taunt me all the time to make me angry, its at its worst when my own family is doing the taunting in my mind, and I start to believe it. I thank this women for making this documentary as I can relate to it somehow. I am still fighting right now and hopefully I won't commit suicide. The only big reason thats keeping me from doing it is that i know I will go to hell if i do it.

[09251925]

Do you even know what bipolar disorder is? If not, read up on it. It is a chronic illness like diabetes, heart disease, etc. Just like the mentioned diseases, if treated they can be managed, BUT all chronic illnesses are ever-changing and unpredictable. "Self-absorbed" parents you say? Have you lived with someone with mental illness? Try it and it will change your attitude!! YES, I AM A CHRISTIAN and I believe that precious Evan is resting in Jesus' arms. God bless the Perry family.

[crazymiles]

With parents as incredibly self-absorbed as Evan's, it's no wonder the boy had troubles. Poor kid.

May he rest in peace.

[2ladybughippies]

This is so sad. I just can't understand why the shrink would ok him stopping his meds. The big problem with bi-polar is getting them to stay on thier meds.

[Sirgreaseflick]

Incredibly tactful, much-needed documentary. It's a complex, though prevalent topic: suicide is on the increase; youth suicide is particularly alarming when you look at the statistics. Because, in this case, Evan displayed impulsive behaviour (wanting to jump from great heights), my only quibble is that his bedroom had an unlocked window with access to a building shaft: had it been locked (which it should have, as it had no view), maybe Evan could have been saved. Hard to know. RIP .much love

[beezy272]

Bi polar depression is extremely complex and hard to detect .. I mean Dana could've taken this kid to any therapist or psychologist and he would've still killed himself .. this is sad to say but some kids just can't be saved ... we will never know why Evan did what he did but if something positive can be done for future children because of Even then .. thats a good thing .. RIP to Evan .. his mother is very strong and courageous for sharing her painful story.

[0500666111]

This is real mourning to all of us

rest in peace Evan

[JohanStarDragon]

The film really is a sad story but what's sadder is how indifferent some can be to those who suffer from mental illnesses like bipolar and depression.

Such as if you say that you're suffering from depression, some would say, "Stop being such an emo pussy." And things like that.

It irritates me because they turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to suffering but when someone is at the edge they come to the rescue or when its all over they say that they should have done something.

[Chopinsnocturnes]

I'm wondering if Evan's psychiatrists ever suggested treating him with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). It has been effective for some people such as the author of Electroboy. This is such a sad movie.