Manic

Manic (2001)

  • 67% of critics liked it
    (63 reviews)

  • 81% of users liked it
    (7,445 ratings)

This first feature for filmmaker Jordan Melamed uses the verite style of the Dogme 95 movement for a hard-hitting drama centering on a group of troubled teens. Taking place entirely in a psychiatric ward, the film opens with Lyle (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who has chosen to accept calm in the wake of… More

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R, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By
Jordan Melamed
Written By
Michael Bacall, Blayne Weaver
Genres
Drama
In Theaters
May 9, 2003 Limited
On DVD
Jan 20, 2004
IFC Films

Critic Reviews

  • Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

    Shows more hopelessness than optimism but is never less than honest.

  • Stephen Hunter, Washington Post

    Its modesty of aspiration and its naturalism of style are its two most salient values.

  • Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

    A movie of heart and substance.

  • Tom Long, Detroit News

    Manic has quite a bit to recommend it as well, not the least of which is the lack of Hollywood gloss mental patients.

  • Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

    Melamed and his cast provide more than a few truth-divining moments.

Read all 19 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • paul o


    The acting is solid and strong from early Gorden-Levitt and Deschanel. Along with the cinematography being in cheap digital font, the feel is gritty and realistic. The story isn't deep but it'll have you hooked for the hour and a half.

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Don Cheadle, Zooey Deschanel, Michael Bacall, Cody Lightning, Elden Henson, Sara Rivas, Maggie Baird, Blayne Weaver, Adrienne Rollo, Lydell M. Cheshier, Roxie Fuller, Bree Nogueira, Kathy Paradise, Lauren Shubert Director: Jordan Melamed Summary:… More

  • Leigh R


    Very intense and dark. Gordon-Levitt really plays this heartbreaking role so well. The movie was played out well in a handheld camera style that adds to the intensity and realness of the film. Kudos to everyone in their roles.

  • Conner R


    This spared no expense to give you a very surreal look into insanity. The shooting style of the film was perfect and made the story all the more life-like and it almost seemed like a home movie. The performances were great, the level of complexity that went into each character was… More

  • Nani V


    I think this is the first time I saw Joseph Gordon-Levitt play a serious role after 3rd Rock from the Sun. I was a fan of the show then, but I was so impressed with his acting in this movie that I have since been a big fan of his. The movie itself is very deep and goes into the lives… More

Read all 12 featured audience ratings

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