The Adderall Diaries 2016
Directed by
Pamela Romanowsky
Made by
A24
Plot Summary
Stephen Elliott, a successful author, grapples with the shadows of his troubled childhood. Having lost his mother at a young age and subjected to both physical and psychological abuse from his father, his life has largely been marked by self-destructive behaviors, including drug abuse and petty vandalism. Recently, he secured a deal to write his next book, focusing on the notorious Hans Reiser, a software genius renowned for creating the Reiser file-system. Reiser’s life is turbulent; his volatile marriage is marred by the mysterious disappearance of his wife. While Hans claims his wife has merely gone into hiding to cause him pain, he finds himself arrested for her murder and is currently on trial.
As Stephen follows the trial closely, attending court each day, he hopes to weave this sensational case into a bestseller. Coinciding with the release of his memoir about his own childhood trauma, Stephen is faced with a cringe-worthy moment during the release party. While passionately reading about the agony caused by his late father, Neil Elliott, his father disrupts him from the audience, calling him a liar. This public confrontation leads Stephen to doubt the authenticity of his childhood memories.
In a spiral of despair, seeking respite, he indulges in drugs, visits a nightclub, and ends up sleeping with a stranger. The next day, he wakes to a series of alarming voice-mails: his publisher has dropped him due to his absence at a crucial meeting, and a girl he was starting to connect with has ended things. To intensify his emotional turmoil, he realizes he missed the jury’s verdict for Hans Reiser, who has been found guilty of murder.
In a poignant turn of events, Stephen reaches out to his father, who is now near death and wishes to reconcile. Through this heartfelt conversation, Stephen comes to terms with his father’s flawed but well-intentioned parenting. He discovers that many of his deeply ingrained memories of abuse are, in fact, misremembered; a vivid recollection of his father handcuffing him until he bled was an attempt by Neil to restrain him during a self-harm crisis.
Ultimately, Stephen finds clarity and takes just two days to pen a new manuscript about his journey toward forgiveness and understanding with his father. His agent, impressed by his work, vows to secure him a new publisher. Meanwhile, the media reports that Hans has finally confessed to murdering his wife, revealing that his actions stemmed from a moment of rage when he learned she intended to leave him and take their children. In a further twist, he has disclosed the location of her remains to the police in exchange for a reduced sentence.
Timeline
Stephen's Troubled Childhood
Stephen Elliott reflects on his troubled childhood, marked by the early loss of his mother and the abusive behavior of his father, Neil Elliott. These traumatic experiences instilled self-destructive tendencies in him throughout his life.
Securing a Book Deal
Recently, Stephen has secured a lucrative deal to write his next book that aims to capture the life of Hans Reiser, a notorious figure known for his creation of the Reiser file-system. This opportunity provides Stephen a potential route to financial and professional success.
Hans Reiser's Trial
Hans Reiser is put on trial for the murder of his wife, who has mysteriously disappeared. The tension surrounding the trial captures Stephen's attention as he hopes to incorporate this sensational story into his writing.
Release Party for Memoir
During the release party for his memoir about childhood trauma, Stephen reads an emotional passage about his late father. The moment turns awkward when Neil disrupts him from the audience, branding him a liar and forcing Stephen to confront his painful past.
Doubts Arise
Following the confrontation with his father, Stephen is engulfed by doubts regarding the authenticity of his childhood memories. This turmoil negatively affects both his work and mental health.
Spiral into Despair
Seeking to escape his emotional pain, Stephen indulges in drugs and visits a nightclub. That night leads to a reckless encounter with a stranger, further complicating his already troubled state.
Consequences of Self-Destruction
The next day, Stephen wakes up to alarming voice-mails indicating that his publisher has dropped him for missing a crucial meeting. Additionally, he learns that a burgeoning relationship has ended, deepening his sense of isolation.
Hans Reiser's Verdict
In a moment of regret, Stephen realizes he missed the jury’s verdict for Hans Reiser, who has been found guilty of murder. This news adds to Stephen's realization of how consumed he has become in his personal struggles.
Reconciliation Attempt
In a heartfelt attempt to reconcile, Stephen reaches out to his ailing father as he nears death. This conversation becomes a pivotal moment for Stephen as he seeks to understand his father’s intentions amid the past abuse.
Confronting Misremembered Trauma
Through their conversation, Stephen uncovers that many of his childhood memories may be misremembered. This includes a painful recollection of his father handcuffing him, which was actually an attempt to protect him during a self-harm episode.
Finding Clarity
After reconciling with his past, Stephen experiences a newfound clarity that inspires him to write a manuscript about forgiveness and understanding. This significant personal breakthrough unfolds in a short span of just two days.
New Publishing Opportunity
Stephen's agent, impressed by his new manuscript, pledges to help him find a new publisher. This development represents a resurgence in Stephen's writing career, signifying hope for his future.
Hans Reiser's Confession
As the media covers the trial, Hans Reiser confesses to murdering his wife, revealing that his violent act stemmed from a moment of rage. He agrees to disclose the location of her remains in exchange for a reduced sentence, further complicating the case.
Aftermath and Reflection
Stephen reflects on the parallels between his life's turmoil and Hans's tragic story. He begins to understand the fragility of human emotions and the impacts of trauma, driving home the themes of his emerging work.
Characters
Stephen Elliott
Stephen Elliott is a successful author grappling with deep-seated childhood trauma that manifests in self-destructive behavior. He oscillates between ambition and despair, seeking to pen his experiences into a bestseller while contending with painful memories. His journey of self-discovery and forgiveness reflects his evolution from doubt to clarity.
Hans Reiser
Hans Reiser is a software genius, embroiled in a turbulent life marked by the disappearance of his wife and a subsequent murder trial. His complex character functions as a catalyst for Stephen's exploration of truth and justice. Hans's actions and revelations bring to light themes of rage, manipulation, and the dire consequences of his choices.
Setting
Time period
Present Day
The events of the movie occur in the present day, marked by contemporary societal issues such as addiction and the complexities of familial relationships. The modern legal system is showcased through the trial of Hans Reiser, highlighting public interest in sensational court cases.
Location
The story takes place in a contemporary urban setting, primarily focusing on the courtroom where Hans Reiser's trial unfolds. This environment is filled with the tension of legal proceedings and the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Nightclubs and other social venues also feature, representing the chaotic escapism sought by Stephen.
Themes
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Trauma
The film delves into the theme of trauma, exploring how Stephen Elliott's troubled past shapes his present life. It illustrates the long-lasting impacts of childhood abuse and the struggle for healing. As he confronts his memories, the narrative emphasizes the complexities and nuances of personal trauma.
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Justice
Justice is a prominent theme, underscored by Hans Reiser's trial and Stephen's journey through his own challenges. The film raises questions about the nature of justice, particularly concerning flawed human actions and accountability. It juxtaposes the legal proceedings with individual experiences of seeking truth and reconciliation.
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Forgiveness
Forgiveness plays a crucial role in the story as Stephen learns to reconcile with his father's troubled past. The narrative depicts his path towards understanding and acceptance of his father's intentions, demonstrating the complexity of familial bonds and the healing power of forgiveness amidst pain and misunderstanding.
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