History of Eating Disorders in Film

Films with a plot based around a character with an eating disorder have existed for a long time now. I have decided to look into some of these films to see the way in which they portray eating disorders and mental health in general, and the way in which the representation of eating disorders in film has developed. This post does include mentions of eating disorders and eating disorder behaviours - please be warned and aware that each of the films mentioned in this post may have a negative effect on those suffering with an eating disorder. 

The Best Little Girl in the World, 1981

The Best Little Girl in the World is a TV movie released in 1981, based around Casey Powell, a young girl who develops anorexia nervosa because of her troubles at home and her problems at school. The film received a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb, and a number of positive views on the representation of anorexia in the film. The reviews explain that the film is very hard to watch at certain points due to its subject matter, and the way in which it deals with the subject is in fact very realistic. Some recognise the outdated treatments that were used in the film and the way that Casey seems miraculously cured after a small amount of treatment.

The Karen Carpenter Story, 1989

The Karen Carpenter Story is a film based upon the true story of the rise and fall of Karen Carpenter, a famous singer who battled anorexia and bulimia. The film has a PG certification and received a 7/10 rating on IMDb. Some of the reviews of the film not that quite a few things involving Karen's eating disorder are glossed over, and leave the audience with a multitude of questions. An eating disorder sufferer writes a review that explains she felt as though she could connect to Karen through the numerous health conditions she developed as a result of her eating disorder.

For the Love of Nancy, 1994

For the Love of Nancy focuses on the attempts of the protagonists parents attempting to help her daughter into treatment and into recovery for her eating disorder. The narrative focuses on Nancy who has just graduated from high school and is attending college, becoming obsessed with her weight. Nancy's father eventually takes her to court to seek guardianship of Nancy in an attempt to force her into treatment. The reviews of the film praise its realism with dealing with the illness, and the portrayal of Nancy by Tracy Gold, a recovered anorexic. A regular notation within the reviews is the way in which the film represents the way Nancy's friends and family are affected by her illness.

A Secret Between Friends: A Moment of Truth Movie, 1996

A Secret Between Friends, also known as When Friendship Kills, is a film that focuses on best friends - Lexi and Jennifer - who attempt to help each other 'get in shape' through purging. The film is based upon bulimia, and received a 6.6/10 on IMDb. The reviews of this film acknowledge the realism in the fact that the sufferers do not immediately get better or recover from their eating disorder - there is recognition of relapse within this film, which is know to be a key milestone in the recovery process. The reviews also recognise the way in which the film does not glamourise eating disorders for the audience's entertainment, but rather shows the real truth of the illness.

Perfect Body, 1997

Perfect Body focuses on a gymnast, Andie Bradley, who is scrutinised by her coach about her weight and eventually breaks from the pressure to lose weight. The film has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and is noted for its ability to educate young girls and their parents on the reality of eating disorders. This film is said to contain very compelling scenes of anorexic and bulimic behaviours and therefore may be very triggering to those suffering. The film is also acknowledge for its recognition of the pressure that is placed upon young athletes.

Dying to Dance, 2001

This film focuses once again on the effect that the professional industry of dancing and athletics may have upon a performer, but demonstrating how a young girl is pushed to lose weight in order to be a professional dancer. The film has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and its noted for it truthful and shocking revelation on what can go on for those aspiring to be dancers and the lengths that they may go to to achieve their goal.

To The Bone, 2017

To The Bone follows Ellen, a 20-year-old woman struggling with anorexia, who meets an unconventional doctor that leads her on a path of self discovery and embracing life. The film has a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb, and the film is praised for its accuracy with the day-to-day routine of someone suffering with an eating disorder. The film is notably hard to watch at points due to the concern the audience feel for the sufferers. Other reviews claim that the unconventional methods of Dr Beckham are unrealistic and would never happen in real life.

Even though each of these films are full feature lengths, they deal with very similar themes and issues in a similar structure to my own idea. I will be drawing inspiration from the way in which each of these films deal with the topic of eating disorders in my own short film.