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Crazy as Hell
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by First Look Pictures
Sales Rank: 57419
Price: $9.98
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Viewer Reviews
'Crazy As Hell' is a 2002 movie directed by Eriq LaSalle(who also produced), based on a screen-play written by Jeremy Levan adapted from his novel. It stars Michael Beach, Eriq LaSalle, and Ronny Cox with a few familiar faces is supporting roles.
As our story starts we are introduced to Ty Adams(Beach), a gifted but arrogant and egocentric psychiatrist. In the opening scene that is somewhat ambiguous, we learn that Ty has some repressed emotional issues himself. We learn that Ty is somewhat of a maverick, and has developed a radical treatment without the use of medication. He has taken on a unique assignment; He is to stay at the Sedah State Mental Hospital for 30 days and have a production crew film him for a documentary on his approach to psychiatry. As Ty is settling in and evaluating his patients, an enigmatic figure admitts himself. The man(LaSalle)claims to be 'Satan' himself. As the movie progresess, Ty tries to figure out the nature of the man's(satan)issues as he comes face to face with his own demons.
This movie was released in '02 to a very limited theater run. Upon first look, this movie might remind some of 'Session 9'. Both movies were released in '02, both had a limited theater run, both have a supernatural vs. insanity plot, and both have a protagonist who begins to question his mental state. However, that's where the similarities end, Comparing the two is like apples and oranges. While 'Session 9' has achieved 'cult' status, 'Crazy As Hell' still remains relatively obscure.
The acting is outstanding. Michael Beach does an amazing job as the protagonist, and carries this film. As the movie starts, Ty appears to be confident, although very arrogant. As the movie progresses, he begins to question himself, and becomes unstable. LaSalle is great as the antagonist. It's his job to question Ty at every step(tempter)and eventually makes him question himself, and his ethics. Cox(Dr. Delazo)is great as the anchor. Every step of the way he warns Ty of his arrogance and tries to set boundaries for him, but of course Ty doesn't listen.
The dialoge is very thought provoking. The dialoge is centered around mental instability, theology, free will, a divine plan, and how these issues relate to each other. Much of the conversation is based around Ty's personality, and explores his mind as opposed to the patients.
The editing is good. The movie runs 114 min. and is compelling from beggining to end. Like most movies that have a supernatural vs. insanity theme, there is an escalating tension that is reflected in the pacing, as well as the acting. The movie moves to a slightly predictable 'finale' but the exact ending is quite unexpected.
The cinematography is unique. The movie is rather dark with a redish hue, as well as scenes with dark bold colors to represent insanity. In many scenes, there are continuous tracking, steady-cam shots that contain 'tricks' to compliment the supernatural plot. Everything you see in this movie is for a metaphoric reason, and is meant to make you think. Everything from a book on a shelf, to the opening music, to the way the credits roll, to the color in the film has meaning.
The biggest flaw of the film is the visual display of insanity. In the first 20 min. we are introduced to the 'residents' of the hopital, and you can see that LaSalle tried to visualize the insanity, but these scenes(and a few after)come off as more humorous than schizophrenic, and this is only increased by a few short apperances by comedian Sinbad. There are a few other minor issues, like a trophy in Cheryl's room, but it doesn't create any plot-holes.
'Crazy as Hell' is suprisingly good, and hasn't recieved the recognition it deserves. This might be in part due to the rising sucsess of 'Session 9' that has a veguely similiar plot.
Movies that deal with insanity are very frightening because it can strike anyone at anytime. This movie also explores the idea that we are responsible for our own actions and should be held accountable for them.
The only flaw(I feel)is the unintentional humor of the patients; but then again, maybe it was intentional? Regardless it is unbalanced. If one can look past that, One will see a compelling, engaging movie that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. This movie is highly recomended for fans of supernatural and psychological thrillers.
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Crazy as Hell
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