Fantastic!

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Tephen Fry the celebrated Englishman is a manic depressive and it takes a lot of courage to come out publicly let alone come out to the wide world in a documentary but this is a great effort by the comedian and he charts not just his battle with this disorder but its widespread effects and the ways one can try to work around it. Many are still confused as to what depression is and how devastating it can be- This is the documentary to show them.

In this poignant two part documentary, actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry looks to unravel the stigma surrounding mental health and discover the truth behind bi-polar disorder. The themes and issues tackled in this documentary are sensitively handled throughout, and Fry makes for a compelling and articulate presenter, as the viewer follows his journey to discover the truth about his condition. The filming of the scenes is sensitive and even handed, not only with the people affected in the documentary but also with Fry's personal journey in finding out whether or not he needs to take treatment. Fry's narration is frank and sincere, the information about the illness as well as his own personal experiences are bravely and compassionately told. The documentary balances the medical and personal aspects of the illness as Fry talks to fellow sufferers as well as the doctors attempting to treat and help those affected. The documentary confidently avoids the trope of the 'tears of a clown' (the fascination with mental illness and comedians), and the issues and experiences shown in the documentary are handled with care, without being exaggerated for dramatic effect. What is presented is honest and thoughtful, with the interviews conducted by Fry being some of the best aspects of the show. His interview with fellow comedian and former psychiatric nurse Jo Brand is particularly well presented, it was clear that the views shared in this scene were heart-felt and sincere. This was due to the natural rapport that Fry succeeds in having in all of his interviews. Even when sharing his own issues he remains sincere and thoughtful throughout. The style and presentation of the documentary was successful, and successfully presented the experiences and issues without feeling overdone. The tone was consistent throughout, and the music and cinematography were mostly of a subtle and high standard. The one point at which the music felt overdone was during Fry's on screen depression episode, where the music was overly dramatic and detracted from what would otherwise have been a poignant scene. Overall however, the style and presentation was well executed, and confidently delivered the complex themes without seeming cynical or overly dramaticized. The secret life of a manic depressive presents a thoughtful and intelligent discussion of the issues surrounding bi-polar disorder and the stigma of mental health. Fry makes for a more than capable host, effortlessly conducting interviews and presenting information as well as his own personal issues. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone who has been affected by the issues involved or who has an interest in clinical psychology.

In 1995, Stephen Fry was performing in Simon Gray's West End play, "Cell Mates." After three days, he walked out of the production. Sitting in a garage, his hand on the car ignition, he contemplated suicide for two hours, before fleeing his home country for the European mainland. It wasn't until this frightening episode that Fry was diagnosed with manic depression, or bipolar disorder, a psychological condition that sees its sufferers oscillating dangerously between dizzying heights of mania and gutting troughs of prolonged depression.'Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006),' a two- part documentary directed by Ross Wilson, unfolds like a personal journey of self-discovery. Fry confronts his medical condition by consulting experts and others who have suffered the disorder (including Richard Dreyfuss and Carrie Fisher). It's very bold for Fry, and indeed all these people, to take the viewer so closely into his personal struggles, and such frankness would, I imagine, be invaluable for anybody saddled with manic depression, whether it's been diagnosed or not.Throughout the documentary, Fry does seem quite insistent on stamping manic depression as a physiological disorder, encouraging the use of medication to control the condition (though Fry himself ultimately decides against any medication). Oddly, I don't recall much mention of therapy as an effective management technique, even though it must play a considerable role in the road to recovery. This is a valuable documentary, and, having been acquainted only with Stephen Fry's bubbly TV persona, a fascinatingly intimate character study.

In dispelling myths and opening up a dark illness to public light, Stephen Fry has shown the way forward in raising awareness for BiPolar. Mental issues and illness hasn't come all that far from the Victorian, out of sight - out of mind, asylums of the past. But with candidness and honesty we are taken on a personal journey, that was well researched to give a insight to the traumatic and chaotic lives of sufferers.The stigma surrounding mental illness is a heavy burden for those affected and their families yet we see Stephen Fry not giving a damn about others perceptions of his illness. A truly ground breaking and thought provoking documentary. A must see for anyone connected with manic depression or those looking to understand what is at times incomprehensible.