Faye Dunaway Talks About Her Bipolar Diagnosis

Faye Dunaway, the iconic actress known for her roles in classics such as ‘Chinatown’, ‘Bonnie and Clyde’, and ‘Network’, has unveiled her life story in a candid new documentary. In this film, Dunaway shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing her raw emotions in her craft, a lesson she learned from director Elia Kazan during the making of ‘The Arrangement’. She acknowledges the complexity of her feelings, stating, “The mania we tap into, and the sadness, of course… I need all of that to use in my craft.” The documentary also delves into Dunaway's personal life, including her reflections on past romances. She describes Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni as “in many ways the love of my life,” recalling their brief affair during the filming of ‘A Place for Lovers’. This exploration of her relationships adds a poignant layer to her narrative, revealing the emotional depth behind her public persona. Dunaway candidly discusses the challenges she faced in her career, including a period of intense personal struggle that left her feeling isolated. She recalls being “in pieces for quite some time, locked up in my room and going to analysis,” highlighting the toll that perceived failures took on her mental health. Director Laurent Bouzereau emphasizes the documentary's commitment to authenticity, stating he wanted to portray Dunaway without “honey-coating,” capturing the essence of her strength and vulnerability as both an actress and a woman.