Actor and Director Jonah Hill will direct and star in a documentary film that sheds light on mental health.
According to an article from Deadline, the film titled “Stutz” will be an entertaining and educational film that will feature interactions between the “Superbad” actor and his therapist. These interactions will have discussions about Hill’s battles with anxiety that have been triggered and worsened by promoting his films. The article also mentions that the title of the film is also “derived from his therapist.”
Hill sent out a statement to Deadline explaining the purpose of making “Stutz” and his decision to take a break from promoting the aforementioned documentary film and the upcoming Netflix comedy “You People” to focus on his mental health.
“The whole purpose of making this film is to give therapy and the tools I’ve learned in therapy to a wide audience for private use through an entertaining film,” Hill wrote.
Hill’s statement elaborates on the process and epiphany he experienced when creating “Stutz.”
“Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events,” Hill explained in the statement.
Further into the statement, the “21 Jump Street” actor also acknowledged being “of the privileged few who can afford to take time off” to deal with his anxiety without losing his job. However, he explained what he hopes that the audience will get out of the documentary.
“I’m hoping to make it more normal for people to talk and act on this stuff. So they can take steps towards feeling better and so that the people in their lives might understand their issues more clearly,” he wrote.
At the end of the statement, the actor and director also hoped that the film will “speak for itself” while he seeks help for his mental health. The actor concluded the statement by thanking his supporters, collaborators and business partners.
“Stutz” will be Hill’s second film since directing the film “Mid90s” which centers around a 13-year-boy name Stevie who spends his time hanging out with skateboarders in Los Angeles during the 1990s while dealing with a troubled home life.
“Stutz” is set to debut at the fall film festivals.
If you, a loved one, or a friend are battling mental health issues or need someone to talk to, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
