This is one of those rare experimental projects that channels real and inner thoughts. Artists: Depression, Anxiety and Rageexplores a new thought-process of how the world views mental health scenarios. Directed by Lydia Lunch and Jasmine First, their approach takes a deep dive into the realms of how people’s thoughts spiral out of control when they get into their own heads. Artists: Depression, Anxiety, and Rage is a train ride of feelings that reminds its audience to keep the thought of resilience in the back of their minds.

Artists are the central focus of the film. Literary authors,composers, poets, visual artists —everyone has a way of telling how they feel and putting it into art form. The stories behind what unfolds in the lives of many of the artists is a lot to take in. Some of the information they share may be too much to bear, however, it keeps bringing up the inspirational factor despite thedark subject matters. The three feelings in the title are just the beginning, there is a whole lot more to the stories of the artists.

This was a two-year project by Lunch and Hirst. One that brings spellbinding realizations and connections in all their interviews. All of the artists featured have a dark background which correlates to how their art is expressed in their chosen medium. Artists: Depression, Anxiety, and Rage is a film where audiences may have to have a thick skin to take in these stories. The world of truth has layers of meaning with a presentation that is haunting, yet mesmerizing.

The whole film is in black-and-white cinematography—a trait where the darkness feels appropriate. But it is also one where it feels questionable. Is there hope? Is there a light? How deep are the mental health issues for each artist? Can some crawl of their darkness and anguish? Can some learn how to use their artistic skills to help them grow out of this? There is light for everyone, but not everyone may see it through the film. Despite what may be unknown, Artists: Depression, Anxiety, and Rage reminds its audience that the whole world is only human in a breathtaking narrative. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Artists: Depression, Anxiety, and Rage will be playing in the 31stChicago Underground Film Festival. The festival runs from Wednesday, September 11th to Sunday, September 15th. Artists: Depression, Anxiety, and Rage will play on Saturday, September 14th at 4:30 pm, and Sunday, September 15th, at 2:30pm. Both showings will be at the Harper Theater. Go to https://cuff.org/for listings, tickets, and passes.