Girl, Interrupted

Winona Ryder starred in and produced this acclaimed film based on Susanna Kaysen's journals of her time spent at a mental institution in the late 60's. The film put Angelina Jolie on the map with an Oscar®-winning (and scene stealing) portrayal of charismatic sociopath Lisa Rowe. The film also features a breakout performance from Brittany Murphy as the emotionally damaged resident "loonie," Daisy. After being questionably diagnosed with "borderline personality disorder," Susanna (Ryder) rebels against the psychiatrists, deciding instead to befriend the women patients on the ward, principally the seductive Lisa whose non-conformist ways make her highly appealing to the disaffected Susanna. A turbulent journey of self-discovery ensues that leads Susanna to independence, sanity and ultimately freedom. Whoopi Goldberg as a sympathetic nurse and Vanessa Redgrave as the institution's psychiatrist lead the strong supporting cast.