Girl Interrupted hit theaters 22 years ago but until now, the movie remains to be a rewatchable classic with an important story to tell.
Aside from its compelling plot and powerhouse acting, the 1999 movie also had some behind-the-scenes drama that the audience didn’t know about.
Starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie, the film had some juicy secrets off-screen that make the movie even more intriguing.
Scroll down to read more about Ryder and Jolie’s behind-the-scenes secrets.
Winona Checked Herself Into A Psychiatric Facility
The movie was based on a 1993 memoir by Sussana Kaysen, an 18-year-old girl who was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Winona is no stranger to mental health issues herself. The actress shared in an interview with New York Times that she actually checked herself in a psychiatric treatment facility after her break-up with Johnny Depp because she suffered from anxiety and depression.
“No matter how rich you are and how much you pay some hospital or doctor,” she said, “they can’t fix you. They can’t give you a pill or a secret answer to anything that’s going to make you all better.”
Winona Fought To Cast Angelina Jolie
Because of her personal struggles, Winona was reportedly very attached to the project and even served as one of its executive producers.
She was only 21 years old when she first read the book and immediately wanted to turn it into a movie.
One of the things Ryder contributed was casting the important role of Lisa to Angelina Jolie, who was then a newcomer in the industry.
Jolie’s performance as an unstable sociopath was so impressive that she stole the show and earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actresss for her role.
Angelina Was Cold To Her Castmates
According to insider stories, Angie was so dedicated to her role that she practiced method acting during their filming.
While her dedication paid off, it took a toll on her castmates. Reports say that Jolie didn’t get along with her co-stars on set and even Winona was disappointed that she didn’t develop a friendship with Jolie off-screen.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh, we’re going to turn out to be great friends,’ Winona said. “But I think she needed to be able to look at me just as the character Susanna, not as Winona, so in a very respectful way she just kind of kept her distance."
No Bitterness Over Angie's Win
Despite the drama behind-the-scenes, Winona explained that she was proud of Angie’s Oscar win and was perfectly happy with how the movie played out.
“At one point, they asked if I wanted to play Lisa,” says Ryder, according to US Weekly.
“And I said, ‘No, I want to be Susanna.’ But there was no resentment. When it came out, people almost felt bad for me. But I expected it all along. I was really happy with the film and really proud of it.”
]]>The Inquisitr
