Mr. Jones (1993 film)

Mr. Jones is a 1993 American film directed by Mike Figgis and starring Richard Gere.

Plot

Mr. Jones (Richard Gere) is a man who suffers from a severe type of bipolar disorder, a psychiatric illness that causes phases of euphoria and pathological physical and mental hyperactivity (mania) alternated with severe depressive episodes. Jones is a person of brilliant intelligence, but unhappy, as he cannot find the stability he needs due to his illness.

Jones, aware that he needs treatment, is admitted to a psychiatric clinic for one of his episodes, as he had tried to "fly like an airplane" from a rooftop. There he meets Dr. Bowen (Lena Olin), one of the most efficient professionals at the clinic with whom he gradually falls in love.

He is not disciplined in taking his medicines and causes more than one altercation inside. The doctor is reluctant to reciprocate her feelings, since it goes against the code of her profession, which prevents her from establishing relationships with her patients. However, in a moment of weakness, he gives in to Jones' requests and turns himself in. Jones leaves the clinic without having been treated enough to show significant improvement, he proceeds to steal a motorcycle to get away and try to make another attempt on his life. Dr. Bowen knows that she has made a serious mistake in professional ethics and because of her conscience she decides to resign, they warn her that Mr. Jones may try again to "fly"; so he runs to try and stop him. Mr. Jones, despite being suicidal, does not commit such an act. Dr. Bowen's emotions end up winning and they decide to stay together as mutual support.