“A Fine Wife” by First Time Filmmaker, Randall White
*Photo by GR Stocks on Unsplash
A Fine Wife is a new documentary created by first-time filmmaker, Randall White.
Randall recorded about thirteen years of film footage showing the relationship between him and his family.
The focus of Randall’s documentary uncovers the story of the love of his life, Michelle White. She lived the majority of her life with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
I had the privilege and honor of watching A Fine Wife, with the love of my life—my wife.
The relationship I have with my wife helped us deeply empathize with the story of Randall and Michelle. I live with bipolar disorder type 1 and my wife does not. The major difference is that I received my diagnosis decades ago, right before my 21st birthday.
This film is an eye-opener for any audience.
Living with bipolar myself, I felt a sort of kindred spirit with Michelle. My heart broke for her, Randall, and their daughter, Charlotte.
Not only that, but I felt anger towards a system that is supposed to help and protect us.
Medical professionals treated Michelle for years. They knew that one of Michelle’s grandmothers lived with schizophrenia and the other grandmother lived with bipolar disorder.
I’m not here to argue the validity of our current mental healthcare system. However, medical professionals should have pinpointed Michelle’s illness years ago. Michelle’s family history should have raised red flags—actually, more like fireworks!
A Closer Look
A Fine Wife is a perfect example showing the current state of our mental healthcare system. For me, this is a huge wake-up call to anybody and everybody. Unfortunately, Randall’s story is not uncommon.
If you live with bipolar disorder, you will immediately relate to Michelle. Especially if you live with bipolar type 1.
Randall presents an authentic and transparent perspective of a loved one experiencing the repercussions of undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
I hope that A Fine Wife will educate, help break down stigma, and prompt a discussion regarding mental healthcare reform.
Amazingly, Randall created this documentary with no budget and only his laptop. He used footage throughout his relationship with Michelle.
On January 4, 2019, the public got to see A Fine Wife for the first time.
If you live with bipolar disorder, are a loved one of someone living with bipolar, or simply want to educate yourself, I highly recommend that you watch A Fine Wife.
