The Left-Hander (1987 film)

The Left-Hander is a 1987 television film directed by John Erman. It stars Peter Coyote as Mike Lefton, a successful advertising executive who experiences a mental breakdown. The film explores Lefton's descent into paranoia and his struggles with mental illness.

The narrative follows Lefton's professional and personal life as it unravels. He becomes increasingly convinced that his colleagues and friends are plotting against him, leading to erratic behavior and strained relationships. The film depicts his hospitalization and treatment, including therapy and medication, as he attempts to regain control of his life and confront the underlying causes of his mental state.

While the film is fictional, it aims to portray the impact of mental illness on individuals and their families, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and social stigma. It also examines the pressures of the corporate world and the potential for stress to contribute to mental health issues.