On the latest episode of Reel Shorts, the winning documentary, Running From Crazy chronicles the story of three of the author’s grandchildren, Mariel, Margaux Hemingway and Muffet Hemingway, daughters of Jack Hemingway, and their struggles with the family history of substance abuse, mental illness and suicide.
Audio Review
That seven family members have committed suicide, including Ernest Hemingway and Margaux, is commented upon by Mariel early in the film. Ernest Hemingway shot himself a few months before his granddaughter Mariel was born.
The film includes excerpts from lengthy footage filmed by Margaux in 1983, called by a reviewer the “most riveting depictions of the Hemingway clan”. It demonstrates the contrast between the two sisters: Margaux’s modeling and acting career ultimately collapsed and in 1996 she died of a drug overdose exactly 35 years after her grandfather killed himself, while Mariel’s early career was successful.
In the documentary, Mariel describes her own experience with depression and thoughts of suicide which she says she has overcome. She also talks of her difficulties in dealing with the mental illness of her sister Muffet, diagnosed with “bipolar schizophrenia.”
The film, focusing on suicide and mental health issues, was promoted on the Oprah Winfrey Network, which will run it later in the year.
Grade: B