One of the most fascinating documentaries I have ever seen. Kind of changed the way I looked at mental illness in general, not just as a closed off brotherhood of a few bad eggs, but bizarre patterns that occur across history and geography, and striking seemingly at random.
"Whole" is a documentary about an extremely rare mental disorder, where men and women from different countries and economic backgrounds all have a tremendous desire to amputate one or more of their limbs. Some are faking(tying an arm behind their back just to get the feel), some have done it themselves, and others are still waiting for their insurance to clear so they can try to get it done in hospitals. The idea of cutting a part of yourself off, to me seems so anti-evolutionary and mal-adaptive, but the heart/mind wants what it wants. It's just strange to watch otherwise completely normal seeming people who just feel as if there lives would be improved, saved, even vindicated, if only they were a few limbs the lesser. Fascinating film about mental disorder, and what it means to be a "whole" and complete human being. Recommend | add comment