The Mother Project
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The Mother Project Posted on May 14 2007 at 11:46am by I wanted to share how powerful the documentary was for me due to the fact I also grew up with a mentally ill mother. Even though I am now almost 60 myself, this experience left a life long scar. I am impressed with Tierney's ability to turn her experience into a work of art. Looking at the image of the baby lying in the sun triggered a deep feeling of emotional abandonment that that I had not felt in many years. Watching her mother's undependable nature, sometimes present to be Tierney's companion, friend, artistic partner, but, other times she was in another reality, inflicting emotional abuse upon her daughter; this is a pain that no one can understand unless they have been a child of a mentally ill parent. The impact on a child is enormous, confusing, painful. You want to fix things. You have your own pain to get through as well you assume the role of fixing this person whom you have loved dearly from the time you were an infant. Additionally there is the fear of becoming that way yourself, or passing it on to your children either through nature or nurture. It's a difficult walk through this world when you have grown up with a mentally ill parent. I very much appreciated this film. 
RE: The Mother Project Posted on Mar 4 2008 at 9:27pm by I only saw the last few minutes of this very powerful piece. I really want to see the whole thing. My daughter is mentally ill and my grandson is being raised by her. It is an awful thing and my heart breaks for him every day.
I cried just watching for the short time last night.
I hope I can watch the rest without falling apart.
RE: The Mother Project Posted on Jun 11 2008 at 9:19pm by I would like to show this film to a friend interested in tierney and
the film process. how can she see this film
thanks.
nancy.