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Asylum (2005)
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Natasha Richardson stars in ASYLUM, a thriller of sexual obsession set in 1950s England. Richardson is Stella, a troubled and sad doctor's wife and mother of one son, Charlie, trapped in the stifling atmosphere of their new home at a mental hospital. At the yearly party where male and female patients are allowed to mingle, she accepts a dance with the handsome and criminally disturbed Edgar (Martin Coskas). This dance, and her violent attraction to this violent man, set in motion a series of tragedies that she seems unwilling or unable to stop.
For a passionate thriller to work, you have to believe the passion you see on screen. In this case, Richardson's portrayal of Stella is to render her a completely passive vehicle, wanly entering into an affair that for all appearances has some of the least sexy, most joyless sex ever. She seeks Edgar's attentions, even after learning from one hospital doctor, Peter Cleave (Ian McKellen) that he's been hospitalized for brutally killing his wife. Gosh, I wonder if this will end well?
The only one who seems to be enjoying himself is McKellan, who as always is a magnetic and utterly convincing presence. His Cleave manipulates the other characters, pulling the strings like a master puppeteer in pursuit of his own desires.
On the plus side, I can say ASYLUM does leave you happy that you don't live in a mental institution.
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