Girl, Interrupted

by James Mangold, Anna Hamilton Phelan, Lisa Loomer

Set in the changing world of the 1960s, the motion picture Girl Interrupted is the searing story of Susanna, a young woman who finds herself at a mental institution for troubled young women. Susanna's 'short rest', prescribed by a psychiatrist she had met just once, becomes a strange journey into Alice's Wonderland, as she spends nearly a year both struggling and flirting with the thin line between 'normal' and 'crazy'. Susanna soon realizes how hard it is to get out once she's been committed, and ultimately she has to choose between the world of those who belong on the inside - such as the seductive and dangerous Lisa - and those who can engage with the reality of the outside world.
This volume includes storyboards and a discussion by the film's director James Mangold about the film-making process by which this screenplay by James Mangold and Lisa Loomer and Anna Hamilton Phelan was transferred to the screen.

Genres: Fiction

167 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2000

About the author

James Mangold is an acclaimed American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his versatility across genres. He made his directorial debut with Heavy in 1995 and quickly gained recognition with Cop Land (1997) and Girl, Interrupted (1999). His work often blends strong character development with rich storytelling, as seen in later films like Identity (2003), the Oscar-winning Walk the Line (2005), and the Western 3:10 to Yuma (2007).
Born in New York City, Mangold grew up in Washingtonville, New York, and is the son of artists Robert Mangold and Sylvia Plimack Mangold. He studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where he was mentored by Alexander Mackendrick, and later earned his MFA in film at Columbia University under Miloš Forman’s guidance. Early in his career, he worked at Disney, co-writing Oliver & Company.
Mangold’s success continued with Walk the Line, which earned five Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actress win for Reese Witherspoon. He later directed The Wolverine (2013) and Logan (2017), both starring Hugh Jackman. Logan became a landmark in the superhero genre, praised for its emotional depth and realism, and earned Mangold his first Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
In 2019, Mangold directed Ford v Ferrari, starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Mangold’s ability to combine dynamic storytelling with human drama was widely recognized.
In 2023, he directed Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, taking over from Steven Spielberg for the franchise’s final chapter. He also directed and co-wrote A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. The film earned Mangold his first nominations for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director at the Academy Awards.
Looking ahead, Mangold is set to direct a Swamp Thing film for the newly rebooted DC Universe and a Star Wars film exploring the origins of The Force. He has expressed a preference for storytelling grounded in emotional truth, steering away from multiverse narratives and franchise overexpansion, which he believes can dilute storytelling's emotional core.
Mangold's directing style focuses on finding a personal and emotional center in each project, whether adapting a real-life story or a popular franchise. He believes that changing genres keeps his work fresh and allows lessons learned in one style to influence another. His films often feature strong, nuanced characters navigating complex worlds, blending genre conventions with a deeper, emotional resonance.
Throughout his career, Mangold has demonstrated a remarkable ability to move between independent films, large-scale franchises, and biopics without losing his distinctive voice. His ongoing projects and past achievements cement his place as one of the most dynamic and respected filmmakers of his generation.

Reviews

[Aslan Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this as part of my final project for class and found it very interesting! I don't think I'll watch the movie because the screenplay was intense enough for me, if I'm being honest. However, I look forward to digging in a bit deeper for my scene study final using one of Lisa's scenes!

[Jeri Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I was reading the last few chapters, I was thinking 3/5 stars... Until the end when she explains the title. I thought I knew why it was titled, Girl Interrupted, until I read it. This is a good book and I appreciate her sharing her story. Although she wasn't there long, compared to some of the other patients, it's an interesting perspective that I enjoyed reading.

[beta]

if u know this book u are female sigma fr

[Ranette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This jumps around a lot and I found it confusing but memorable

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this screenplay was absolutely amazing, based on the true events is Susanna Kaysen's life, it dealt with her being institutionalised, which is a very difficult issue to talk about, more so to create a movie.

It was such a sad and endearing story and the book, screenplay and the movie were all terribly sad.

On a different note, I found the movie a little more appealing which is a rare preference of mine as usually I prefer to read, being the avid reader that I am.
Overall a very good but tragic screenplay that will have you in tears.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the screenplay version of Girl, Interrupted. It has a really interesting discussion with the movie's director along with storyboards and some pictures (black and white) from the movie.

It's interesting to read the screenplay and find the scenes that were actually cut out (among the "extras" on the dvd) and find out about the history of the film and why certain people are in it. If you liked the film then you'll definitely want to get this book.

[claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work in an all girl's ward and this book is quite accurate. Girls who would normally be outcasts in regular society form an uncanny bond in treatment centers-- girls who normally hate girls and call them scandalous.

[Katie Scheer Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read that opened my eyes to the way mental illness was treated as well as given some insight to living with BPD. However, was left hoping for a few more details about her behaviors and cognitions.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the few books that wasn't much better than its movie adaptation. I think that given the subject matter, this could have been a lot better, but the writing style never quite draws you in.

[clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting character study...makes you feel sane...

[Dana]

Awesome

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The movie was better.. which almost never happens.

[Aposia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I story was not bad, but the movie was ten times better

[Tachiodinesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

evss ;)

[Staci Havens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would enjoy the movie a bit more... The book was good but somewhat difficult to follow.

[Anna. F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susanna writes about her own life about her personal struggles due to mental illness. We get a sneak peak into the lives of the crazy!

[Pete Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, it made stop and think.