Review of Infinitely Polar Bear (2014) by Angela C — 06 Jul 2015

Finally, a film that does not render its mentally ill character a caricature.

I disagree with the critics that its too much of a "feel-good" film or is too lightweight. There's a difference between warmth and saccharine/sugary. I see its treatment as mostly warmth. It doesn't shy away from showing Cameron's breakdowns, his difficulties as a parent or even being independent. It clearly shows us some of his failings but it doesn't depict him as a caricature of a failure or a monster or a brilliant success story. It consistently shows the ups and downs of trying to fulfill responsibilities as a mentally ill person. On issues of class, race and gender it is indeed a little lightweight but at least acknowledged e.g. we see the gender discrimination towards working mothers, even highly educated ones.