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By
WAYNE KLEIN
An unusual psychological
thriller "Asylum" features Natasha Richardson as
Stella the repressed wife of a psychiatrist (Hugh
Bonneville) during the 1950's. When she meets
Edgar ( Martin Csokas)an inmate with privileges of
the asylum convicted of disfiguring and killing
his wife her bottled up sexuality escapes.
Manipulated by one of the doctors (Ian McKellen)
in competition with her husband to become the head
of the institution, Stella's attraction grows to
the quiet and seemingly normal and gentle Edgar as
they spend more and more time together.
A powerful character driven drama that avoids
cheap cinematic tricks viewers will be unsettled
by this fascinating thriller. Director David
Mackenzie ("Young Adam") crafts a film that harks
back to the type of character driven well written
thrillers that Peter Weir makes. Avoiding the
clichés of the genre Mackenzie's film of the novel
by Patrick McGrath reaches for pathos and tragic
dimensions usually reserved for much higher
profile dramas. While it takes awhile for "Asylum"
to reach its dramatic centerpiece patient viewers
will be rewarded with a series of brilliant
performances, a well written screenplay (and
novel) and imaginative direction. It's well worth
seeking out this "Asylum."
A beautiful stellar transfer from box is marred
only by some minor digital issues with edge
enhancement. Otherwise, the rich colors and
natural skin tones receive the top notch attention
they deserve for this drama. The clarity and
detail are quite nice. Most of the activity of the
soundtrack is confined to the front speakers which
isn't a surprise given the nature of this drama
but the surround speakers are nicely used for
ambient effects. The dialogue and music come
across with crystal clarity and remarkably rich
detail. Sadly there aren't any extras to speak of
beyond the previews included.
A well written fascinating dramatic thriller,
"Asylum" is different from the high octane
thrillers produced in America and that's all to
the good; this intense character driven thriller
will make an impression like no other you've seen.
The director, writer and actors don't provide easy
answers as to the deeper motivation of many of the
characters preventing it from becoming a one
dimensional thriller. |
