About Boy Interrupted (HBO)

Boy Interrupted is a poignant and deeply moving HBO documentary film released in 2009. The film focuses on the life of Evan Perry, a 15-year-old boy who committed suicide in 2005. Evan's parents, filmmakers Dana and Hart Perry, directed and produced the documentary, detailing their son's struggle with bipolar disorder and his journey through life.

Making / Production

The documentary includes home video footage, interviews with family members, friends, and medical professionals, as well as personal photographs and reflections from Evan's parents. The film pulls no punches in its candid exploration of mental illness, the impact of suicide on loved ones, and the challenge of treating and diagnosing mental illness in children.

Actors

• Dana Perry: Not only a mother to Evan but also the filmmaker, Dana Perry brings a deeply personal perspective to Boy Interrupted.
• Hart Perry: As Evan's father and the film's co-director, Hart Perry utilizes his expertise in filmmaking to provide a profound examination of his son's life and death.
• Evan Scott Perry: As the subject of the documentary, Evan's posthumous presence is facilitated through home videos, photos, and interviews.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was primarily produced by the parents of Evan Scott Perry, thereby making it a deeply personal narrative.
• The documentary includes rare footage from Evan Perry's life, including videos documenting his mental condition's progression.

Awards

Despite its impactful narrative and gritty portrayal of mental health issues, Boy Interrupted did not receive many award nominations.

Quotes

• "Sometimes life gives you a second chance, but often it doesn't. So, you have to appreciate what you have." - Dana Perry
• "If I could have done anything to keep him safe, I would have." - Hart Perry

Music, Soundtrack

• The film uses minimal music, allowing the words and emotions of those interviewed to serve as the primary soundtrack.