I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E05

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Upon learning details of his Sicilian grandfather’s arrival in the 1900s Dominick, becomes convinced his family is cursed.

A startling update on Thomas from an unlikely source prompts Dominick to take drastic action.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 07 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E04

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Despite the protestations of those closest to him, Dominick returns to work before fully recovering from his accident.

Heavily medicated, Dominick recalls the disturbing incident that lead to Thomas’s first hospitalisation.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 31 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E03

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Sheffer preps Dominick for a pivotal hearing with Hatch’s review board that could decide Thomas’ fate.

A chance encounter with an old classmate brings painful childhood memories to the surface.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 24 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E02

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Tensions rise between Dominick Joy as the media takes an interest in Thomas’s case.

In an attempt to have Thomas released from Hatch Forensic Institute, Dominick learns that helping his brother may be more difficult than expected.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 17 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True (2020): S01E01

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

After paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Birdsey has a violent public breakdown, Dominick Birdsey finds himself stepping up to defend his identical twin brother in unexpected ways.

I Know This Much Is True Series

You can find a full index of I Know This Much Is True here.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

I Know This Much Is True TV Series Overview

Introduction

I Know This Much Is True is an American television miniseries written and directed by Derek Cianfrance based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Wally Lamb.

Mark Ruffalo stars in two roles, identical twin brothers Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.

Outline

Middle-aged Dominick Birdsey recounts his troubled relationship with Thomas, his paranoid schizophrenic twin brother, and his efforts to get him released from an asylum.

Cast

  • Main:
    • Mark Ruffalo as Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Melissa Leo as Ma, Dominick and Thomas’ mother. It is later revealed her full name is Concettina Ipolita Tempesta Birdsey.
    • John Procaccino as Ray Birdsey, Dominick and Thomas’ stepfather
    • Rob Huebel as Leo[3], Dominick’s best friend.
    • Michael Greyeyes as Ralph Drinkwater, a former classmate from Dominick and Thomas’ youth whose life intersects once again with Dominick.
    • Gabe Fazio as Shawn Tudesco, a weightlifter down at hard-bodies. Fazio also played Dominick and Thomas Birdsey as a stand-in for scenes where both of them would appear.
    • Juliette Lewis as Nedra Frank, a self-absorbed grad student hired by Dominick.
    • Kathryn Hahn as Dessa Constantine, Dominick’s ex-wife.
    • Rosie O’Donnell as Lisa Sheffer, a social worker for unit two at the Hatch Forensic Institute.
    • Imogen Poots as Joy Hanks, Dominick’s live-in girlfriend.
    • Archie Panjabi as Dr. Patel, Thomas’ newly appointed psychologist.
    • Philip Ettinger as Young Dominick and Thomas Birdsey.
    • Aisling Franciosi as Young Dessa
    • Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Hume.
    • Marcello Fonte as Domenico Onofrio Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ maternal grandfather from Sicily.
    • Harris Yulin as Father LaVie.
  • Recurring:
    • Donnie Masihi as 8-Year Old Dominick Birdsey.
    • Rocco Masihi as 8-Year Old Thomas Birdsey.
    • Joseph Ragno as Henrey Rood.
    • Laura Esterman as Ruth Rood.
    • Annie Fitzgerald as Miss Hanker.
    • Irene Muscara as Prosperine Tucci (“The Monkey”), Ignazia’s best friend and lover, loathed by Domenico Tempesta.
    • Matt Helm as Young Leo.
    • Agatha Nowicki as Angie Constantine, Dessa’s sister.
    • Tatanka Means as Nabby Drinkwater.
    • Achakos Johnson as Penny Ann Drinkwater.
  • Guest:
    • Brian Goodman as Al (“One”).
    • Guillermo Diaz as Sergeant Mercado (“One”).
    • Laura Silverman as Kristin (“One”).
    • Joe Grifasi as Steve Falice (“Four”).
    • Felix Solis as Nurse (“Four”).
    • Sue Jean Kim as Dr. Yup (“Four”).
    • Roberta Rigano as Ignazia Tucci Tempesta (Violetta d’Annunzio), Dominick’s grandmother from Pescara. (“Five”).
    • Simone Coppo as Vincenzo Tempesta, youngest brother of Domenico Tempesta. (“Five”).
    • Zaria Degenhardt as Concettina Tempesta, Dominick and Thomas’ mother as a young girl (“Six”).

Trivia

  • In June 1998, it was announced that 20th Century Fox had acquired film rights to I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb, with Clinica Estetico producing, and Jonathan Demme potentially directing.
    • In July 2000, it was announced Matt Damon would star in the film, with Jim Sheridan directing from a screenplay by Richard Friedenberg.
    • In July 2004, it was announced Gina Prince-Bythewood would direct and re-write the film.
    • The film rights expired and reverted back to Lamb, who thought the novel would be better adapted into a miniseries rather than a film. Being a fan of Mark Ruffalo’s work, Lamb suggested Ruffalo should play the role of the twins.
    • Ruffalo was sent the book and wrote an e-mail to Lamb confessing his love for the novel, stating he definitely wanted to be involved.
  • Ruffalo had been interested in working with Derek Cianfrance, and reached out to see if Cianfrance would be interested in directing and writing the series.
    • Lamb told Cianfrance and Ruffalo to make the material their own, and did not ask to see the scripts.
    • In October 2017, it was announced HBO would produce and distribute the series, with Ruffalo starring and executive producing, Cianfrance directing writing, executive-producing alongside Lamb, with FilmNation Entertainment producing the series.
    • In October 2018, the series was greenlit.
  • Ruffalo first shot all of his scenes as Dominick, requiring him to lose 15 lb (6.8 kg).
    • After finishing his scenes as Dominick, Ruffalo took a six-week break to gain 30 lb (14 kg) and then shoot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Gabe Fazio portrayed the roles of both Dominick and Thomas.
    • He is the same height as Ruffalo and lost thirty pounds to play Dominick when Ruffalo shot his scenes as Thomas.
    • Production concluded in October 2019.
  • The members of the Psychiatric Security Review Board in Episode 4 are played by some local officials in Dutchess County, New York, where most of the series was filmed: State Senator Sue Serino, sheriff Butch Anderson, and his wife Danielle, president of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie.
  • Principal photography began in April 2019, in New York’s Hudson Valley.
    • On 09 May 2019 a fire erupted on the set of the series at a used car dealership in Ellenville.
    • The building, film equipment and 20 vintage cars were destroyed.
    • There were no injuries but it put filming on hold.

I Know This Much Is True Series

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Mark Ruffalo and Marcello Fonte.
  • Director(s): Derek Cianfrance.
  • Producer(s): Wally Lamb, Anya Epstein, Ben Browning, Glen Basner, Lynette Howell, Taylor, Gregg Fienberg, Mark Ruffalo, Derek Cianfrance, and Jeffrey T. Bernstein.
  • Writer(s): Derek Cianfrance and Anya Epstein.
  • Music: Harold Budd.
  • Cinematography: Jody Lee Lipes.
  • Editor(s): Ron Patane, Jim Helton, Malcolm Jamieson, Dean Palisch, and Nico Leunen.
  • Production: Willi Hill and FilmNation Entertainment.
  • Distributor(s): HBO.
  • Release Date: 10 May 2020 to 14 June 2020.
  • Running Time: 59-80 minutes (per episode).
  • Country: US.
  • Language: English.

What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery? (2020)

Introduction

Actor and comedian Tony Slattery, as he searches for a better understanding of the mental health problems he has had for the past 25 years.

Outline

Comedian Tony Slattery meets experts to explore his psychological problems, finding out if he is definitely bipolar, confronting addiction and opening up about a childhood trauma.

Tony Slattery was one of the most gifted TV comedians of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Production & Filming Details

  • Narrator(s): Denise Gough.
  • Director(s): Clare Richards.
  • Producer(s): Katie Buchanan, Katharine Fish, Alan Holland, and Clare Richards.
  • Music: Andy C. Taylor.
  • Editor(s): Sean Mackenzie.
  • Production: Sundog Pictures.
  • Distributor(s): BBC Two.
  • Release Date: 21 May 2020.
  • Running Time: 59 minutes.
  • Country: UK.
  • Language: English.

Book: Preventing Bipolar Relapse

Book Title:

Preventing Bipolar Relapse: A Lifestyle Program to Help You Maintain a Balanced Mood & Live Well.

Author(s): Ruth C. White (PhD, MPH, MSW).

Year: 2014.

Edition: First (1st).

Publisher: New Harbinger Publications.

Type(s): Paperback and Kindle.

Synopsis:

There is an old saying: “Prevention is better than cure.” If you have bipolar disorder, this is especially true. For you, it is incredibly important to read the warning signs of a possible episode. For instance, you may find you are not sleeping as well as usual, or you might be sleeping too much. You may stop doing things that you normally enjoy, or you may start acting out your impulses in ways that alienate those around you or get you into trouble.

While the path to wellness for those with bipolar may involve psychiatric visits and medication adjustments, preventing manic and depressive episodes is the true key to staying healthy and happy. So how do you do it? And most importantly, how can you keep yourself motivated?

In this powerful, breakthrough book, bipolar expert Ruth C. White shares her own personal approach to relapse prevention using the innovative programme SNAP (Sleep, Nutrition, Activity, and People).

White also offers practical tips and tracking tools you can use anytime, anywhere. By making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can maintain balanced moods, recognise the warning signs of an oncoming episode, and make the necessary changes to reduce or prevent it.

This is the first and only book on bipolar disorder that focuses exclusively on prevention. To help you stay well, White includes links to helpful online tracking tools so that you can manage your symptoms, anytime, anywhere. If you are ready to stop living in fear of your next episode, this life-changing book can help you take charge of your diagnosis – and your life.

Investigating Spontaneous Brain Activity in Bipolar Disorder

Research Paper Title

Investigating spontaneous brain activity in bipolar disorder: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background

Despite several neuroimaging studies in the past few years, the exact pathophysiology responsible for the development of bipolar disorder (BD) is still not completely known.

Importantly, to the best of our knowledge, no study from India has examined resting state (RS) connectivity abnormalities in BD using regional homogeneity (ReHo).

Hence, the researchers examined spontaneous brain activity in patients with BD using RS functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI).

Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the spontaneous brain activity in patients with BD-I using ReHo approach and RS-fMRI compared to age- and gender-matched healthy control (HC).

Methods

A total of 20 patients with BD and 20 age-, gender-, and education-matched HCs participated in the study. The fMRI data were obtained using 1.5T scanner. RS-fMRI abnormalities were analysed using ReHo method.

Results

Compared to healthy adults, significantly increased ReHo in the BD group was found in the right precuneus, right insula, right supramarginal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, and right paracentral lobule.

No region had significantly lower ReHo values in BD patients compared to controls.

Conclusions

These results suggested that abnormal local synchronisation of spontaneous brain activity is present in the frontoparietoinsular region which may be related to the pathophysiology of BD.

Reference

Achalia, R.M., Jacob, A., Achalia, G., Sable, A., Venkatasubramanian, G. & Rao, N.P. (2019) Investigating spontaneous brain activity in bipolar disorder: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 61(6):630-634. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_391_19.

Is Protein Intake Associated with Cognitive Functioning in Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders?

Research Paper Title

Protein intake is associated with cognitive functioning in individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Background

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with reduced cognitive functioning which contributes to problems in day-to-day functioning and social outcomes.

A paucity of research exists relating dietary factors to cognitive functioning in serious mental illnesses, and results are inconsistent.

The study aims to describe the nutritional intake of persons with schizophrenia and those with a recent episode of acute mania and to determine relationships between the intake of protein and other nutrients on cognitive functioning in the psychiatric sample.

Methods

Persons with schizophrenia and those with acute mania were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall tool to determine their intakes of protein and other nutrients.

They were also assessed with a test battery measuring different domains of cognitive functioning. Results indicate that lower amounts of dietary protein intake were associated with reduced cognitive functioning independent of demographic and clinical factors.

Results

The association was particularly evident in measures of immediate memory and language.

There were not associations between cognitive functioning and other nutritional variables, including total energy, gluten, casein, saturated fat, or sugar intakes.

Conclusions

The impact of dietary interventions, including protein intake, on improving cognitive functioning in individuals with psychiatric disorders warrants further investigation.

Reference

Dickerson, F., Gennusa, J.V. 3rd, Stallings, C., Origoni, A., Katsafanas, E., Sweeney, K., Campbell, W.W. & Yolken, R. (2019) Protein intake is associated with cognitive functioning in individuals with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Research. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112700. [Epub ahead of print].