Sybil
One Woman. 13 Personalities. The Electrifying True Story.
Meet Peggy, an aggressive nine-year-old... Vicky, a sophisticated young lady... Mary, a grandmother. Meet Vanessa, Mike, Sid and everyone who lives in the mind of Sybil Dorsett. Sybil doesn't know about her secret selves. But she does know something is wrong, so terribly wrong that it may drive her to suicide.
This wrenching true story of a woman whose tortured childhood shattered her into multiple personalities won four Emmys, including Outstanding Special (Drama) and Outstanding Actress for Sally Field, who portrays Sybil. Field is a revelation in the role that established TV's former The Flying Nun as one of America's most respected actresses. And Joanne Woodward is the film's anchor as the wise, tenacious doctor who is determined to help Sybil find herself. And find peace.
Member Reviews
Intense Acting By Sally Field - 0930tracey
I didn't know much about this movie when I zipped it. It really, really impressed me.
Sally Field did an extraordinary job as Sybil, a young woman with several spilt personalities.
I was a little taken aback by the length of the movie (about 3 hours) but it flew by and the movie was great. I recommend it, for sure.well acted - docjay
Sally Field gives an excellent portrayal of Sybil in this movie based on real life events.
Imagine going through life as a young person who in a second will all of the sudden change personalities to an alter ego. She can be a shy teacher's assistant one moment, and in the next is a confident and worldly connoisseur, or a 12 year old child standing in a pool at Central Park.
This was very well acted and much deserving of awards.Disc 2 not worth it - dreag21
If you have any prior knowledge of the story of Shirley Mason (aka Sybil) then you will definitely enjoy the movie. Even those unfamiliar with Mason's journey to psychological "oneness" will find this movie riveting. The DVD version presents the original 198 minute long version of the TV movie that originally aired over two nights in 1976 (which is a benefit over the VHS version which was a shortened 132 minute version with crucial scenes deleted). The DVD version is even worth it for anyone who may have seen this movie on TV recently as much networks heavily edit the film for a shorter broadcast time.
Sally Field is amazing in her first dramatic role and really brings the turmoil and anguish that Sybil lives with to life. Joanne Woodward portrays Dr. Wilbur with realistic compassion and elegance.
I do think that Disc 2 is not worth the effort though. The interviews with the screen writer and producer are a tad boring and even a little pretentious which is unfortunate because both actually have interesting stories to tell about the project... they're just not lively interview subjects. The promised therapy session tapes are a real disappointment (the screenwriter simply describes the tapes rather than sharing excerpts) and the artwork can be seen at www.sybil.biz and many other places on the web.
Definitely check out the DVD movie but skip the extras.
Member Reviews
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Intense Acting By Sally Field - 0930tracey
I didn't know much about this movie when I zipped it. It really, really impressed me.
Sally Field did an extraordinary job as Sybil, a young woman with several spilt personalities.
I was a little taken aback by the length of the movie (about 3 hours) ...well acted - docjay
Sally Field gives an excellent portrayal of Sybil in this movie based on real life events.
Imagine going through life as a young person who in a second will all of the sudden change personalities to an alter ego. She can be a shy teacher's assistant ...Disc 2 not worth it - dreag21
If you have any prior knowledge of the story of Shirley Mason (aka Sybil) then you will definitely enjoy the movie. Even those unfamiliar with Mason's journey to psychological "oneness" will find this movie riveting. The DVD version presents the original 198 ...