The Mind-Bending Truth: Why This 90s Film Reveals the Raw Reality of Schizophrenia Like Never Before

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One significant hurdle in any artistic expression lies in accurately portraying the intimate feelings and thoughts of its characters, especially when they grapple with mental illness. This task becomes even more complex when the characters are grappling with mental health issues. Although numerous films effectively highlight mental health concerns, representing the inner monologue, the chaotic whirlwind of emotions, and the all-pervasive nature of these feelings in daily life remains a conundrum that many struggle to solve convincingly. Schizophrenia, for instance, is particularly tricky; it’s a condition that requires careful handling to avoid misrepresentation or stereotyping.

In a sea of films struggling to portray schizophrenia authentically, “Clean, Shaven” stands out among devoted viewers due to its success in this area. We’ll delve into why this 1993 film succeeded where others failed in depicting schizophrenia and discuss whether “Clean, Shaven” remains compelling viewing in today’s shifting cultural context.

Getting Close and Intimate with Mental Health in ‘Clean Shaven’

In his search for his daughter Nicole after being discharged from a care facility despite his ongoing struggle with schizophrenia, Peter Winter (Peter Greene) becomes progressively suspicious that unknown entities are preventing him from finding her and manipulating his thoughts and behaviors. As the world around him grows more unfamiliar, Peter’s anxiety escalates as he suspects external powers are obstructing his reunion with his daughter and meddling in his mental state. Matters become even more complicated when authorities start questioning Peter in relation to the death of another girl, casting doubt on his intentions to locate Nicole.

Lodge Kerrigan first stepped into the directorial world with the release of “Clean, Shaven” in 1993, earning him recognition as a potential cinematic visionary. Nevertheless, since then, he has primarily focused on a limited number of projects, such as character-driven films like “Claire Dolan”, “Keane”, and the TV series “The Girlfriend Experience”. Often labeled an ‘outsider artist’, his innovative concepts haven’t always been commercially successful, causing him to turn towards television work. In this realm, he has directed critically acclaimed episodes for popular shows like “The Americans” and taken on more mainstream assignments, such as “Tulsa King” and “The Killing”.

In much the same way as other films he’s worked on, “Clean, Shaven” primarily revolves around the character Peter Winter and his hardships, with actor Peter Greene being the main performer in this production. This was actually his second leading role in a full-length movie, following “Laws of Gravity“, which premiered in 1992. Since then, Greene has established himself as a regular face in the industry with more than 90 credits to his name, one notable example being his portrayal of the villainous Dorian in one of Jim Carrey’s most successful films, “The Mask“. To this day, his performance in “Clean, Shaven” is widely regarded as one of his best.

How ‘Clean, Shaven’ Captures Schizophrenia by Immersing the Viewer in Its Symptoms

As a passionate admirer, I’d like to highlight an intriguing aspect of “Clean, Shaven” that resonates deeply. Instead of following traditional paths, the film subtly delves into schizophrenia, laying a foundation for its raw authenticity. Unlike many productions, Lodge Kerrigan avoids forcing interpretations or explanations onto viewers about Peter Winter’s experiences. Instead, he leaves it to us, the audience, to decipher and empathize with his journey – making the movie a non-exploitative exploration of his turmoil.

The audience finds an inexplicable emotional bond with Peter’s journey as he grapples with his mental health issues and yearns to restore the family he desires. Simultaneously, the movie maintains moral complexity, refraining from providing a straightforward explanation for Peter’s actions or presenting a typical tale of a reunited family. Despite its somber tone, Clean, Shaven offers a deeply personal viewing experience by eschewing traditional storytelling methods.

In “Clean, Shaven,” I aimed to portray the subjective experience of someone battling schizophrenia, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in what I envisioned as the symptoms: auditory hallucinations, intense paranoia, detachment, anxiety. Ideally, the audience would conclude by feeling what it might be like to live with those symptoms for a lifetime, not just an hour and a half… (Kerrigan)

The sound design of “Clean, Shaven” warrants recognition, as it skillfully integrates a jarring blend of electronic sounds, competing voices, static, and intensified alarms that resemble the wandering of AM radio stations. This discomfort is intentional and even nauseating, mirroring the hallucinations that people with schizophrenia might encounter. The film subtly yet effectively portrays delusions and paranoia through Peter’s hallucinations, which, under Kerrigan’s direction, challenge the distinction between mental illness and reality. Additionally, Peter’s deteriorating personal hygiene, a symptom often seen in those suffering from this condition, is another thoughtful yet brilliant aspect of the film that echoes the title itself.

Should You Watch ‘Clean, Shaven’?

According to UCLA Health, the internet has significantly altered the way individuals dealing with schizophrenia seek assistance, yet it also presents its own set of challenges; for instance, how can you reassure someone that their phone isn’t spying on them when they might believe it is? To illustrate, the character portrayed by Peter Winter in the film “Clean, Shaven” frequently checks his phone to fuel his delusions. In today’s world where most people acquire knowledge about the condition through online interactions with other sufferers, this movie may appear somewhat outdated. However, some contemporary viewers might find the narrative slightly unfamiliar due to its stark contrast with the sensationalized portrayals of schizophrenia prevalent on social media. Although this point might seem insignificant for a film that so skillfully depicts the feelings and ideas associated with the condition, it may still leave some modern viewers feeling disconnected from the story.

The enduring significance and influence of the film “Clean, Shaven” will continue to strike a chord with cinephiles who have spent decades delving into cinema and appreciate more intricate narratives that steer clear of sensationalism. Additionally, individuals with an interest in mental health and its role in storytelling might find the movie engaging. It offers a profoundly moving and distinct cinematic journey for those yet to experience it. You can stream “” on The Criterion Channel, and you can watch it here. Below is the trailer.

The impact of “Clean, Shaven” will still resonate with cinema enthusiasts who have been exploring films for decades and appreciate more subtle storylines that avoid sensationalism. Those interested in mental health and its influence on narratives might find this movie captivating. It is a deeply moving and original cinematic experience that I’d recommend to those who haven’t seen it yet. You can stream “” on The Criterion Channel; click here for more details. Check out the trailer below:

Or even shorter:

Cinephiles seeking subtle storylines will appreciate “Clean, Shaven“, a profound and original cinematic experience about mental health. Stream it on The Criterion Channel or watch the trailer below:

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2025-01-23 03:01