Professor Green: Suicide and Me

Professor Green: Suicide and Me is a widely acclaimed, poignant, and groundbreaking British documentary from 2015, which features the popular rapper and television presenter Professor Green, also known as Stephen Manderson. The film is an intensely personal exploration of the impact of suicide, specifically looking at the suicide of his father, a heart-wrenching event that profoundly impacted his life.

The inclusion of Millie Mackintosh, then-wife of Manderson, provides a supportive and empathetic presence. She emphasizes the significance of open discussions about mental health issues, challenging the associated stigma, particularly among men. Her role may be understated, but her contribution is crucial, and serves to underline how suicide affects not just the individual, but also their close relations.

The documentary begins with Manderson narrating his personal story. He was just 24 years old when his father committed suicide. Although he had been largely absent from Manderson's childhood, the raconteur of this story navigates his early days growing up in Hackney, recounting the complexities of their relationship. The documentary does an incredible job in conveying the impact of this devastating event on Manderson's life.

Manderson bears his soul as he explores his father's history and the circumstances surrounding his demise. He presents his story with remarkable sensitivity and courage, using his platform to throw light on the urgent need for more transparency and conversation about male mental health.

The documentary also delves into the wider societal impact and implications of male suicide. Manderson explores the potential reasons behind the unsettling statistic that suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. He raises thought-provoking questions about masculine identity and the pressures on men to conform to societal expectations at the cost of their mental health.

In Professor Green: Suicide and Me, we see the rapper engage with mental health professionals, researchers, and individuals who've experienced suicidal ideations. He visits support groups and the bereaved, focusing on the diverse aspects of this societal issue and ensuring the documentary isn’t just about his own personal narrative.

The film is not only powerful because of its emotion-laden content but also because of the approach it adopts towards the topic of suicide. Manderson tackles the subject head-on, navigating the sensitive issue with respect, tact, and emotional honesty. It is well-structured and purposefully unvarnished, managing to strike a balance between being informative and deeply moving.

As a television presenter, Manderson exhibits an authentic interest in the subject and the people he interacts with, showing empathy and understanding that is often rare to find in celebrity-fronted documentaries. His interviewing style, candid and unpretentious, fosters a real connection between the viewers and those featured in the film. This creates a compelling dynamic that keeps audiences engaged throughout the documentary.

Another notable quality of the movie is how it captures real human experiences and emotions while raising awareness about a major societal issue. It breaks down barriers while shedding light on an often misunderstood subject. In its essence, it's a journey of discovery, understanding, and — at its core — an attempt at initiating and encouraging a more open dialogue on mental health issues in society.

The documentary's impact is in its undeniably real portrayal of the complexities surrounding suicide. It aims to start an open discussion around the taboo subject while examining the repercussions on the lives of those left behind. Manderson's exploration of his father's death takes viewers on a riveting ride that oscillates between despair, anger, sadness, and acceptance.

On the whole, Professor Green: Suicide and Me is a compelling documentary that elegantly combines social relevance with an intimate personal narrative. It serves as a reminder that behind every statistic, there is a human story which often remains untold. Through Manderson's exploration of his own painful past, the documentary succeeds in shedding light on the deep-rooted issue of male suicide and the urgent necessity to address it.