This is a gripping drama based on a true story. Sybil Dorsett, portrayed by the talented Sally Field is a young graduate who suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder as a result of the psychological and physical trauma she suffered as a child. She seeks help from a psychiatrist, Dr Cornelia.B.Wilbur, played by Joanne Woodward.
This film will shock you and awe you at the same time. Like I said above, It is based on a true story so when you see the multiple faces of Sybil, you cannot help but fear her. She has at least 16 personalities inside her and usually they take control of the different situations. Sally Field is beyond brilliant. She plays all her personalities so convincingly, making it easy for the audience to identify who is on screen....Vanessa, who plays the piano and socially confident or Victoria, who is sophisticated, mature and speaks excellent French or Peggy, who is a hysterical little girl.
Dr Wilbur, patiently and humanly treats Sybil and meets all her other personalities and does whatever It takes to make her face all of them and understand that these personalities are people that she has created within herself! The film shows the bond between a doctor and a patient, without making it too corny or cheesy or unrealistic. Dr, Wilbur genuinely wants to help Sybil and Sybil does not portray a clown when transforming into other characters. The film has a very dark theme in the flashback, often It makes you feel like you are watching a horror movie!
This film was made in 1976 for television miniseries and It won critical acclaim and commercial success. Directed by Daniel Petrie Sally Field received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama or Comedy Special. The film was based on the book, Sybil, written by Flora Rita Schreiber. The real name of the patient suffering from this identity disorder is Shirley Ardell Mason. Sybil Dorsett was the screen name given, to protect her identity. She died on February 28, 1998. She was seventy-five years old.
