BiPolar

As soon as the movie opened, the haunting Spanish melody held me trapped. The classic melody with all the passion in the springs- was typical for Spain. That flamenco music is all about the love/hate relationship that we have with each other , as people, and music itself. When Carlos stopped playing and explained how his life is cyclical. A period of normal which allows him to function, then a high period where he can’t function, and a low where he can’t function.
It’s difficult to imagine somebody who can create music as beautiful as Carlos did, has a hard time dealing with life. It takes much practise, dedication and skill. It is hard to imagine that such discipline occurs only in one part of his life. It’s hard to imagine that he has manic days, or high days for that matter.
Watching this movie and watching Carlos made me aware of my own bias on people with bipolar disorder. I guess I always assumed that they were incapable of such luxuries (like music). I guess I thought they spent so much of their day just trying to stay above water, to stay on top of their game, that they didn’t participate in activities. I never realised how naïve my preconceptions were.