Out of Mind, Out of Sight

Out of Mind, Out of Sight is an intriguing Canadian documentary from 2014, directed by award-winning filmmaker John Kastner. This enthralling documentary presents a compassionate gaze into the complex world of mental illness, specifically as it pertains to those within Canada's criminal justice system.

The movie goes behind the fortress-like walls of Brockville Mental Health Center, one of the foremost forensic psychiatric hospitals in the country. Kastner pulls back the curtain to afford audiences a genuine and unfiltered perspective on the lives of individuals who have committed violent crimes but are deemed "Not Criminally Responsible" due to a variety of psychological disorders. It takes its audience on a deep, emotional journey, leading them from initial assumptions to a broader understanding and empathy towards mental illness.

Kastner’s principal focus is on four patients, two men and two women, of Brockville's unique Forensic Treatment Unit (FTU). These protagonists aren't simply nameless patients, but rather, they are painted as human beings defined by their stories and struggles, rather than by their illnesses. Their tales have a raw intensity, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the mentally ill. From their struggles with understanding their actions and conditions to the efforts made towards recovery; the film offers a humane perspective on often misunderstood situations.

Introducing us to their world, Out of Mind, Out of Sight portrays a thorough journey of these individuals seeking redemption, recovery, and a chance to live a 'normal' life. The movie reflects the highs and lows of their respective journeys, their hopes and fears, the difficulty of coming to terms with their actions, and the desire to heal. It humanizes these individuals, shattering stereotypes and evoking empathy from viewers.

Out of Mind, Out of Sight is a robust portrayal of mental illness in an environment that is largely overlooked or misunderstood by the public. Thanks to insightful interviews and the patient's own narratives, it explores complex subject matter with sensitivity. It paints an empathetic image of the harsh realities faced by the mentally ill within the walls of forensic psychiatric hospitals.

Kastner’s observant direction fosters connection and comprehension between the viewer and the subjects. He does not shy away from the hard questions, but rather, he faces them head-on, providing a voice to the voiceless. The movie also features the knowledgeable perspectives from psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers who interact closely with the patients, giving viewers a well-rounded portrait of life inside the facility.

The film ably combines heart-wrenching personal stories, expert commentary, real-time observation, and poignant reminiscence from people whose lives have been marked by mental illness.

Confronting these hard-hitting themes, the film is not voyeuristic or speculative of the struggles it shows. Instead, it is observant and respectful and serves as a clear and compelling plea for more understanding and compassion for people living with severe mental illness.

One of the noteworthy pieces of the film is its narrative structure. The viewer is smoothly guided through the complexities of the subject matter without feeling overwhelmed, enabling a deep level of engagement with the film. The storytelling intentionally leaves no resolution or easy answers, reflecting the inherent nature of mental illness - a challenge that can be managed but not completely eradicated.

While capturing shared aspects among the patients' lives, Out of Mind, Out of Sight maintains the individuality of each person's experience. By allowing patients to share their stories, Kastner illuminates the complexity of mental illness and brings the viewer closer to understanding the challenges those affected face. This documentary demonstrates how movies can serve as an instrument of transformation, reducing stigma and encouraging dialogue on a topic often sidestepped.

By humanizing a segment of the population that is usually detached from society, Out of Mind, Out of Sight, with its deeply personal, emotional, and powerful narratives, leaves a lasting impact, lifting the veil of misunderstanding that clouds mental illness, and advocating for a fairer, empathetic perspective.

Out of Mind, out of Sight presents an often-ignored aspect of society that undoubtedly needs more care, and through its detailed narrative about struggle and recovery, it shines a light on the topic of mental illness within the justice system. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in understanding mental health and stigmatization in a new light.