Reflecting on past readings, a book titled 'Psycho / Genius' stood out for its interviews with mental patients. While the book's content didn't leave a lasting impression, the online discourse surrounding it was striking. Many readers shared similar experiences or sentiments, defying the binary portrayal of mental illness and genius. This observation prompted a consideration of historical contexts when societal norms and cultural perceptions shaped definitions of normalcy and abnormality, particularly concerning mental health.
Quoting a reflection on genius as "the pathology of humanity, much like how pearls are the pathology of oysters," it's evident that figures like Van Gogh, Beethoven, Einstein, Darwin, and Turing, among others, often exhibited traits associated with mental pathology. However, the correlation between genius and mental illness remains enigmatic, with vague explanations provided by sources like Wikipedia.
The artistic endeavours draw inspiration from personal experiences, including moments of waking up laughing or crying from dreams, as well as insights gleaned from discussions on 'Psycho / Genius.' The aim of the work is to delve into a deeper understanding of the portrayal of genius and mental illness. Taking cues from narrative techniques seen in 'Memento,' the short film utilises a blend of black-and-white and colour scenes, intertwined with the concept of the 'dreamscape.' Through seamless transitions between dreams and reality, the film endeavours to reconstruct society's perceptions of genius and mental illness.