Documentary
2020 Norway
21 minutes
Language: Norwegian
Subtitles: English
Director: Melanie Ekholdt
Website: https://www.forelskaigalskap.no/en/
Short synopsis from the films website
A young man’s struggle with ADHD; his portal to drug use, experiences a metamorphic coming of age through the creative energy of rap music. “Why do I judge myself, when the whole world is already doing it?” was the line in ‘#Speil’ (‘Mirror’), a song performed by Norwegian rap artist Michael Kildal, which went straight to the heart of child psychiatrist Melanie Ekholdt. Fascinated by his artistic expression and energy, she invited him to a series of candid video-documented conversations between the two. The short documentary film ‘In Love with Craziness’ is based on these conversations, incorporating Kildal’s music videos and personal photo albums.
Summary
This 21-minute documentary introduces Norwegian rapper Michael Kildal. The film is directed by child and adolescent psychiatrist and filmmaker Melanie Ekholdt, who became interested in Kildal’s story after the musician publicly stated that his struggles with substance abuse began with medication prescribed for ADHD. This challenged Melanie’s long-held belief that medications like Ritalin help prevent addiction, prompting her to explore a different perspective.
The documentary offers an intimate portrayal of how an early ADHD diagnosis shaped Kildal’s self-image and identity. Being labeled at a young age became a stigma he felt compelled to live up to, gradually pushing him toward environments on the margins of society, where substance abuse and violence were normalized. Many of his peers ended up in psychiatric institutions or prison.
In contrast, Kildal found a way forward through music. A turning point came through his relationship with his music producer, who encouraged him to confront his inner struggles and emotional pain. This support helped him begin a process of self-reflection and healing. By facing difficult emotions, Kildal started the journey toward self-acceptance and rebuilding his sense of self.