Empathy and Art Combine

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
On the Adamant (Sur l’Adamant)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 1h 49m
Director(s): Nicolas Philibert
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available May 28, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Set afloat on the Seine River in Paris, ON THE ADAMANT, directed by Nicolas Philibert, offers a refreshing take on mental health treatment. This documentary is a visual journey and a profound exploration of how a floating day center revolutionizes psychiatric care. The film's innovative blend of arts and therapy illustrates a vibrant community where healing is interwoven with artistic expression and cultural enrichment.

As ON THE ADAMANT sets sail, viewers are taken into the heart of a unique therapeutic environment that redefines conventional mental health strategies. Philibert, a director with a profound connection to social issues, captures a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of Paris’ iconic river. The Adamant serves as a sanctuary and a catalyst for personal transformation by integrating therapeutic and creative practices.

The documentary illustrates how traditional boundaries in psychiatric care are dissolved. On this boat, large windows offer not just views of the Seine but a symbol of the transparency and openness that defines the center’s approach. This serene environment fosters a setting where empathy and mutual respect are paramount, changing how attendees view themselves and their conditions.

Philibert’s style is both gentle and deliberate. It puts the audience in the middle of ON THE ADAMANT’s daily life without ever feeling invasive. This subtle filmmaking method allows the personal stories of those aboard to shine, highlighting how activities like painting, music, and even jam-making play a crucial role in their recovery process.

One of the film's most impactful moments comes from François, a participant whose soulful performance of "La Bombe Humaine" underscores the therapeutic power of music and art. This scene demonstrates how ON THE ADAMANT facilitates coping and thriving through artistic outlets. Each participant brings their unique self to the community, contributing to a mosaic of shared experiences and support.

ON THE ADAMANT goes beyond mere documentation. It advocates for a shift in the mental health paradigm, championing a model where empathy and creativity are at the heart of treatment. The documentary argues that mental wellness can be significantly enhanced in an environment encourages expression and personal engagement.

Throughout the film, it’s clear that Philibert is concerned not only with how mental illness is treated but also with how society perceives and supports those living with these conditions. By advocating for a system where creativity and compassion override conventional treatment, ON THE ADAMANT challenges existing stigmas and paints a picture of what the future of psychiatric care might look like.

ON THE ADAMANT is more than a documentary—it's a call to action. It invites viewers to reconsider entrenched views of mental health care and embrace a model that is as humane as innovative. With its compelling blend of personal stories, artistic therapy, and a unique setting, Nicolas Philibert’s film informs and inspires, making a persuasive case for why empathy should lead the way in mental health treatment. This film does not just capture life on the Adamant; it invites us to think differently about healing, community, and the power of human connection.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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