OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger's Movie (2012) Plot Summary Explained

Buddy waited because he spent decades managing his mental health conditions before feeling ready to confront his story. After graduating with Hollywood aspirations, he was immediately hit by major depression and bipolar disorder, which derailed his career. He spent 30 years undergoing treatments and medications, believing he needed to 'fix' himself before pursuing filmmaking. Eventually, he realized he couldn't wait for symptoms to disappear and decided to take control of his narrative instead.

• buddy clayman
• 30 years
• documentary
• mental illness
• film project

Buddy Clayman lives with four distinct conditions: Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Asperger's Syndrome. The documentary specifically focuses on how these conditions have shaped his life and career, particularly his struggle with what he describes as 'the fight inside my head'. Each condition presents unique challenges that he documents throughout the film.

• major depression
• bipolar
• ocd
• asperger's
• mental illness

The title OC87 refers to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with '87' potentially representing a significant year or personal reference in Buddy's journey. While the summary doesn't specify the exact meaning, the title directly references his experience with OCD as one of the central mental health conditions he addresses in the documentary.

• oc87
• title meaning
• ocd
• obsessive compulsive

Soon after graduating from college with dreams of working in Hollywood, Buddy's mental illness severely impacted his career aspirations. The major depression and bipolar disorder he experienced right after college created barriers that prevented him from pursuing his initial professional goals in the film industry.

• hollywood
• career
• depression
• bipolar
• film industry

Buddy travels across the country to interview a TV star, psychiatrist, and radio news anchor to show that mental illness affects many different people. These encounters provide diverse perspectives on mental health struggles and recovery, reinforcing the documentary's message that he is not alone in his battle. Each person's unique narrative adds emotional depth and broader resonance to his own story.

• interviews
• others
• mental illness
• perspectives
• recovery

Buddy uses this phrase to describe the ongoing internal battle with his mental health conditions. It represents the daily struggle between his depression, bipolar episodes, OCD compulsions, and Asperger's-related challenges. The documentary shows his attempts to navigate these competing internal forces while working on his filmmaking project.

• fight inside head
• internal battle
• mental health struggle

Buddy takes on dual roles as both subject and director to take control of his own narrative after decades of being defined by his mental illnesses. By directing the film himself, he ensures his story is told authentically and on his own terms. This approach also becomes part of his recovery journey, giving him purpose and agency.

• director
• subject
• control
• narrative
• filmmaking

The documentary explores the complicated dynamics within Buddy's loving family and shows how his relationships influence his path toward mental health recovery. His family's support plays a significant role in his journey, though the relationships contain the complexities typical of families dealing with mental illness.

• family
• relationships
• recovery
• support

The documentary delivers a powerful message about mental health recovery, emphasizing themes of acceptance, change, and unwavering hope. Buddy's story serves as a testament that recovery is possible even from severe mental illness. The film aims to transform not only Buddy but also touch the lives of viewers who may be struggling with similar issues.

• message
• recovery
• acceptance
• hope
• mental health

The filmmaking process becomes therapeutic for Buddy, allowing him to reclaim his identity as a filmmaker after years of mental illness. By documenting his struggles and victories, he transforms his suffering into meaningful art. The act of creating the documentary represents a crucial part of his ongoing battle with mental illness and serves as both personal healing and a way to inspire others.

• therapy
• filmmaking
• recovery
• identity
• transformation