![]() ![]() I've no idea how this relates to the tale by Edgar Allen Poe, but the director / writers have managed to balance the sense you get when reading a Wilkie Collins novel or other 19th century melodrama with the (slightly) more critical perspective we have today, although having said that the idea of a therapeutic community - an idea implicit in much of the film - remains quite controversial even today, where drug treatments as a first line of intervention remain the norm rather than the exception. Despite this - the film works very well, not least because we never know quite what to expect from Ben Kingsley and the always top notch David Thewlis as the villains of the piece, and to go with the melodrama there's some genuine villainy & tragedy to keep the narrative going not to mention a few twists and turns. Etc is one of the 'abuses' that used to be forced on people, but since its still in some circumstances used today (as it can be effective for treating depression amongst other things) its got a slightly ambiguous status as an 'horror' treatment (although I've met people who were profoundly angry at being forced to undergo it). 19th (and 20th) century mental asylums were fascinating and terrifying places, and fortunately or unfortunately depending on your opinion the film doesn't really explore the worst horrors that took place in those institutions. Its a nice piece of Gothic melodrama rather than a Gothic horror (as it's made out to be) not least because its concern is to humanise rather than exploit its subject matter. ![]() "Stonehearst Asylum" is an insane, Gothic thriller with a lot of chills, thrills, and fun to be had along the way. This one isn't it, but it is nonetheless a solid, sturdy piece of entertainment. There's probably a brilliant, award-worthy film to be made about the inhumane way the medical practice dealt with the mentally ill in the past. While the film might lack some the macabre drama and dark humor of the original Edgar Allan Poe tale, it still does a fine job of conveying a creepy, engaging thriller with a brilliant Gothic atmosphere and fine performances from its terrific ensemble cast. Anderson clearly takes delight in all the proceedings, which is one of the reasons the film feels fresh. Between its distinctly modern intelligence and razor-sharp plotting, Director, Brad Anderson's clever contraption almost matches the heights of Gothic grandeur that keep Poe held in high esteem even today. Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK) Rating: 3.6/5 stars If you like period pieces, psychopathic characters, excellent actors, and plenty of atmospherics, then "Stonehearst Asylum" should be right up your alley. ![]()
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