12 Days

12 Days, a 2017 documentary film directed by the eminent French filmmaker Raymond Depardon, explores themes of mental illness and personal freedom, shedding light on seldom-discussed aspects of society. In this thought-provoking film, Depardon brings viewers face-to-face with the challenging reality of the psychiatric care system in France.

Commencing its journey at the crossroads of law enforcement and healthcare, 12 Days navigates the intersection of these two potent influences on people's lives, revealing a complex and potent interplay that often receives scant attention. The documentary places viewers in the midst of Le Vinatier Hospital, one of France's largest psychiatric facilities. Through his signature observational filmmaking style, Depardon exposes us to the dramatic realities that existing in such an institution entail.

The title itself, '12 Days', refers to a stipulation contained within French law that mandates a judge's oversight within a span of 12 days of any involuntary psychiatric admission. Thus, the film serves as a solemn observation of this court process unfolding, comprising interactions between judges, lawyers, and patients. It provides an unvarnished insight into debates about individual liberty, human rights, and societal protection.

Through a series of court hearings, the film introduces us to several patients who've been involuntarily committed for an array of reasons. Herein, the threads of personal stories unravel, from suicidal tendencies to stemmed outbursts of violence, where regret, despair, confusion, anger, and lucidity interweave, offering a lens into the mental landscapes of the individuals involved.

Depardon neither romanticizes nor demonizes mental illness. Instead, he presents it for what it is - varied, complex, and deeply human. The film offers profound reflectiveness, agnostic of one-dimensional portrayals or misleading stereotypes. It presents poignant individual narratives and explores the complexity of human emotions and identities, the thin line between sanity and insanity, and the intricate nature of mental health issues.

Interspersed with moments of heartbreaking tenderness and disconcerting subtleties, 12 Days perceives the human condition's intricate nature. In some instances, the subjects express their perspectives lucidly, arguing for their rights to decide their treatment, while others embody a disturbing disconnection from reality, representative of the vast continuum of mental illness.

The movie is a poignant exploration of the microcosms of human experiences in mental institutions. Depardon takes us beyond the austere corridors and closed doors of psychiatric wards into the very heart of human consciousness and the jarring realities of those struggling with mental health.

The cinematography of 12 Days contributes significantly to the poignancy of the narrative. The majority of the film takes place within the confines of the court, further driving home the disconnect pitting the world of mental health against societal norms. The haunting images combined with the restrained yet eloquent visual narrative amplify the movie's powerful lack of outward expressionism.

Powerful still shots and long takes contribute to a somber, reflective atmosphere, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the reality of the subjects' experiences. The montages of hospital life, interspersed with the court proceedings, underscore the stark contrast between freedom and confinement. Insofar as the institutional settings work in conjunction with the dialogue to portray the sincerity and authenticity of these human experiences.

The film is not just a series of clinical and impersonal examination of court procedures but rather, it dares to exist as a conduit, transmitting the raw, intense emotions and experiences of its subjects. Depardon's 12 Days is a provocative and affecting commentary on the oft-forgotten corners of mental illness and the struggles faced by society in comprehending and addressing it.

12 days is a film that urges viewers to engage in essential dialogues about mental health, autonomy, and the role of institutions in handling individuals in their most vulnerable states. The film earns merits in recognizing its subjects as human beings, exposing their complexities and the difficult questions that can arise when societal concern and personal freedom intermingle.

Overall, 12 Days embodies a vital voice in conversations about mental health and human rights. Guided by Depardon's effective storytelling and compelling cinematography, it is a must-watch for anyone looking to dive into the depths of complex human experience and the often ambiguous intersection of healthcare and justice.