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Before They Fall off the Cliff
The Ripple Effect of Schizophrenia
| Length: | 60 min |
| Released: | 2004 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
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Before They Fall off the Cliff is the story of a family devastated by one member’s paranoid schizophrenia, and their ultimate struggle to find the courage to forgive and to enlighten others about mental illness.
In 1994, Matthew McBride, the youngest son of a suburban St. Louis family was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when imaginary voices convinced him to killed his parents in order to prevent World War III. After Matt stabbed his parents to death, his siblings were left to deal with their parents’ violent end and to oversee their younger brother’s treatment for his debilitating illness.
With the support of his siblings, Matt was placed in the care of a psychologist in a hospital maximum security wing, where he battled psychosis, depression, and suicidal impulses.
This film, co-produced by Matt’s brother Mark McBride, explores the story of a family tested by tragedy, and the importance of advocating for those with mental illnesses.
The filmmaker is available for speaking engagements and screenings.
In 1994, Matthew McBride, the youngest son of a suburban St. Louis family was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when imaginary voices convinced him to killed his parents in order to prevent World War III. After Matt stabbed his parents to death, his siblings were left to deal with their parents’ violent end and to oversee their younger brother’s treatment for his debilitating illness.
With the support of his siblings, Matt was placed in the care of a psychologist in a hospital maximum security wing, where he battled psychosis, depression, and suicidal impulses.
This film, co-produced by Matt’s brother Mark McBride, explores the story of a family tested by tragedy, and the importance of advocating for those with mental illnesses.
The filmmaker is available for speaking engagements and screenings.
Nominated, Gordon Parks Award, 2003
