Sanitarium (Video 2001)

A generation ago, Dr Max Warick was researching a mysterious experimental drug which was scientifically proven to cure certain types of madness. But as the most deranged test subjects ... See full summary »

Directors:

James Eaves, Johannes Roberts

Writers:

James Eaves, Johannes Roberts

Stars:

Jeremy Minns, Kate Copeland, Terry Aaron

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeremy Minns	...	Dr. Max Warick
Kate Copeland	...	Dr. Elle Warick
Terry Aaron	...	Harris
Harold Gasnier	...	Paul Karnell
Uri Geller	...	Male Detective
Jared Morgan	...	Old Max
Azucena Duran	...	Dr. Isabella Ramoray
Andy Blacksmith	...	Dr. Anthony Armstrong
Harry Tufill	...	Dr. Richard Calishot
Tammi Baker	...	Donna
Hannah Stansbridge	...	Rosie Warick
Daniel Kobbina	...	Kelly
Theressa Wood	...	Nurse Alice
Michael Hall	...	Mr. Hall
Maxine Robinson	...	Max's Mother

Storyline

A generation ago, Dr Max Warick was researching a mysterious experimental drug which was scientifically proven to cure certain types of madness. But as the most deranged test subjects miraculously regained their sanity, the control patients, who were given no drugs at all, suffered horrific consequences. Because no one could find the cause of such deadly side effects, the experiments were stopped. But now twenty years later, a new set of hospital officials are about to release the drug into the marketplace. And the only man who can prevent this terror from eating away at the masses has since traded in his lab coat for a straight jacket.

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Plot Keywords:

hospital | medical | british | independent film

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Taglines:

science crossed the line...something was waiting on the other side.

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 April 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Diagnosis

Filming Locations:

Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Catncage Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Uri Geller's scenes were added after the film was completed because it was felt that the film was too complicated and some kind of explanation was needed.

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Goofs

Its a common goof, but however small always breaks the film "spell". One of the mourners makes the classic mistake of looking directly at the camera, just after the punch up at the wake, but the real beauty of it is that it's as if she forgot they were filming (so "into" the role), and was surprised to see a camera in the room, check out the double take at the camera, then swift realisation of her GOOF and aversion of the eyes away! Luckily the tall baldy chap is acting so well most people miss this goof.

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Connections

Referenced in Darkhunters (2004)

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Soundtracks

"Marie-Lou"
Written by Roberts & Buttery
Performed by Chief Wooden-head

User Reviews

Deserves to be locked away in a padded cell

Sanitarium has shaken my cinematic beliefs. I once thought that Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell was the single worst film ever made. Now, i'm not so sure. What seems like quite a good idea for a plot, soon descends into needlessly complex twists, and just complete craziness. And not in a good way. Filmed in what looks like an old school, and using what looks like a £200 digi-cam, and edited on what looks like I-movie, the quality of the film leaves a lot to be desired. And that's putting it nicely. Presumably the budget didn't stretch to a microphone, as the entire thing seems to be dubbed over, making everyone's voice exactly the same volume, despite their location on screen. If this wasn't amusing enough, a lot of the blood appears to have been bizarrely animated by computer. All of this could be forgiven though, if the acting was any good.

The acting. Oh yes. i'm not sure if the cast consists of friends/family/general bystanders, but it ranks amongst the worst EVER. The acting in my friend's media coursework was far superior. The actors read in monotone, and with little change in pitch or tone, even the expression of the most simple of emotions seems beyond them. Maybe this is due to the voice-overs, but who knows. One highlight is the use of swearing, randomly placed around the script, making it 'gritty' (presumably). Max is the best, 'FFFUCK!' he pulls of with incredible emphasis, yet a monotone voice. Surely an achievement to be proud of.

The casting of the Uri Geller was totally pointless. He adds nothing, can't act, and just his being in the film immediately raises hilarious expectations. Though, much to my disappointment, he fails to bend any spoons or even natter on about how brilliant his mate Michael Jackson is.

This film is disastrous, the clunky, electric keyboard soundtrack compliments the woeful attempts at something serious. If the idea of a fat man dancing around balloons strikes you as scary, than this is for you. If you can believe someone requiring a tiny pocket torch to walk through a perfectly lit hospital corridor, than you'll like this. If you find the site of Uri Geller in a horror film neither amusing or cringingly embarrassing, then you'll get something out of this film. But I for one couldn't, so it's straight into the bin with you Sanitarium!