Rent Manic (2001)
3.6 of 5 from 52 ratings
1h 37min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
Lyle is filled with rage. After badly beating a classmate during a schoolyard fight, he is committed to a juvenile mental institution in lieu of criminal prosecution. Inside, Lyle encounters a group of adolescents all afflicted with a similar failing to deal with the hand society has dealt them. The troubled teens are in the care of their psychiatrist, Dave, a reformed drug addict who has successfully fought his inner demons to become a firm but fatherly soul, with a first hand understanding of the workings of his young patient's minds. Under his watchful eye, these complex kids fight to deal with a slew of emotionally charged events, constantly battling to overcome the thin line that separates them from their "sane" friends in suburban lives just outside the institution's walls. - Actors:
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Bacall, Zooey Deschanel, Maggie Baird, Don Cheadle, Blayne Weaver, Lydell M. Cheshier, Roxie Fuller, Bree Nogueira, Kathy Paradise, Elden Henson, Cody Lightning, Sara Rivas, Lauren Shubert, William Richert, Ben Markham, Travis Sutton, Nic Henley, Julie Remala, Van Epperson
- Directors:
- Jordan Melamed
- Producers:
- Trudi Callon, Kirk Hassig
- Writers:
- Michael Bacall, Blayne Weaver
- Studio:
- Metrodome
- Genres:
- Drama
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Reviews (1) of Manic
An interesting film spoiled by bad direction - Manic review by CP Customer
Troubled teens with anger and rage issues are filmed documentary style in a juvenile mental institution. The plot is simple, counselling sessions, conflicts with others, making friends, and playing basketball. The acting is uniformly good and, if there hadn't been some easily recognizable actors you might think you were watching a real documentary. The direction however, is pretty appalling. Filmed with handheld digital video cameras, by a cameraman with a bad case of the shakes. The result is a constantly unfocused and moving camera like you've never experienced before; and the resulting camerawork totally distracts from the story and characters. If you can handle this type of filmmaking, then this thoughtful film is worth checking out, especially for the very realistic performances. Though if you're looking for something a little more polished, and more story based, then check out 'Girl Interrupted'.
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