Manic (2001)
-
67% of critics liked it
(63 reviews) -
78% of users liked it
(8,011 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 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 being treated for wounds due to a violent outburst from a fight that left another young man in horrible shape. Learning that he won't be taken home by his mother, he is transferred instead to a juvenile lockdown facility and deemed a menace to society. After being sedated during an episode, he wakes up to a room shared by Kenny (Cody Lightning), a 12-year old child molester. Lyle is put off by his new surroundings and refuses to befriend the other inmates or cooperate with the patient, weary Dr. Monroe (Don Cheadle). But Lyle soon begins to adapt to his new life, meeting Chad (Michael Bacall), a bipolar case with an impending release who lures Lyle into a plan for an escape. Lyle also finds solace in Tracy (Zooey Deschanel), a young girl plagued with nightmares and self-mutilation, who finds herself drawn to him as well. Manic also features Elden Henson, Sara Rivas, and Blayne Weaver in supporting roles. ~ Jason Clark, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jordan Melamed
- Written By
- Michael Bacall, Blayne Weaver
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- May 9, 2003 Limited
- Studio
- IFC Films
Critic Reviews
-
Derek Adams, Time Out
It's an undemonstrative, vividly authentic film.
-
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.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Lyle
-
Michael Bacall
as Chad
-
Zooey Deschanel
as Tracy
-
Cody Lightning
as Kenny
-
Elden Henson
as Mike
-
Don Cheadle
as Dr. David Monroe
-
Lydell M. Cheshier
as JC
-
William Richert
as Diego
- Adrienne Rollo
- Blayne Weaver
- Bree Nogueira
- Kathy Paradise
- Lauren Shubert
- Maggie Baird
- Roxie Fuller
- Sara Rivas

