So often we talk about mental illness in de-personalised ways. Those with mental illness are loathe to self-disclose because of the stigma and marginalisation that it might cause. This is more so with men. Happy Sad Man is a skilfully crafted documentary film about 4 men from different walks of life. Four men, each of whom courageously disclose their individual vulnerabilities and joys in vividly personal ways and allow the camera to expose them to the audience. Genevieve Bailey has emotionally captured on camera their stories in Happy Sad Man that reflects her personal investment in the stories of the men and her affection for them. Made over several years the film explores the highs and lows of John, Jake, Grant and David in ways which leave the audience with no doubt that their mental illnesses are as individual as each of them. The camera work is bold and raw with close ups of each of the men as they experience doubt, sadness, happiness, calm, depression, uncertainty and love. The stark imagery of masculinity is captured in the film stunningly through sport by Bailey. The narration and voice overs naturally fit with a varied landscape. There were times in this documentary when I laughed out loud and times when tears welled my eyes. Happy Sad Man should be on everyone's list of "must see".
Review of Happy Sad Man
