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Sanitarium

  • 2013
  • Unrated
  • 1h 52m
IMDb RATING
4.6/10
2K
YOUR RATING
Sanitarium (2013)
Trailer for Sanitarium
Play trailer1:41
1 Video
7 Photos
HorrorMysteryThriller

"Sanitarium" is an original series that consists of segments based on particular patients of a mental institution and what drove them to madness."Sanitarium" is an original series that consists of segments based on particular patients of a mental institution and what drove them to madness."Sanitarium" is an original series that consists of segments based on particular patients of a mental institution and what drove them to madness.

  • Directors
    • Bryan Ortiz
    • Bryan Ramirez
    • Kerry Valderrama
  • Writers
    • Kerry Valderrama
    • Crystal Bratton
    • Bryan Ortiz
  • Stars
    • Malcolm McDowell
    • Lou Diamond Phillips
    • John Glover
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    4.6/10
    2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Directors
      • Bryan Ortiz
      • Bryan Ramirez
      • Kerry Valderrama
    • Writers
      • Kerry Valderrama
      • Crystal Bratton
      • Bryan Ortiz
    • Stars
      • Malcolm McDowell
      • Lou Diamond Phillips
      • John Glover
    • 23User reviews
    • 26Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins total

    Videos1

    Sanitarium
    Trailer 1:41
    Sanitarium

    Photos6

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    Malcolm McDowell
    Malcolm McDowell
    • Dr. Stenson
    Lou Diamond Phillips
    Lou Diamond Phillips
    • James Silo (segment "Up to the Last Man")
    John Glover
    John Glover
    • Gustav (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Robert Englund
    Robert Englund
    • Sam (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Ngozi K. Udenkwo
    • Assistant (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Albert Flores
    • Reporter #1 (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Chris Mulkey
    Chris Mulkey
    • Father (segment "Monsters are Real")
    Brandy Lopez
    • Reporter #2 (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    David Mazouz
    David Mazouz
    • Steven (segment "Monsters are Real")
    Tyler Driskill
    • Cameraman (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Walter Perez
    Walter Perez
    • Mateo (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Michael Botsford
    • Cameraman (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Mayra Leal
    Mayra Leal
    • Isabelle (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Venda D'Abato
    • Mirror Woman (segment "Sanitarium")
    Eric Fonseca
    • Gustav's Friend (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Sheri Kosmas
    • Art Gallery Patron (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Sarah Merlos
    • Art Gallery Patron (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    Roman Garcia
    • Art Gallery Patron (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
    • Directors
      • Bryan Ortiz
      • Bryan Ramirez
      • Kerry Valderrama
    • Writers
      • Kerry Valderrama
      • Crystal Bratton
      • Bryan Ortiz
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews23

    4.62K
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    Featured reviews

    3billcr12

    A Bore Fest

    Do not be fooled by the name Malcolm McDowell in the credits, as he is hardly even in this bore fest. His role is more of a Rod Serling of the Twilight Zone guide to each of the three episodes. None of them work very well, as they just drag on. First up is John Glover as an eccentric artist who makes morbid looking dolls and is considered a genius. He thinks the dolls are real and they give him messages about his sponsors. Of course, it ends badly. The second story concerns an eight year-old boy who sees a grim reaper type of figure following him around. He had an abusive father and a pretty and concerned teacher who tries to help. Another sad ending here. Number three is the worst as Lou Diamond Phillips is a college professor who is waiting for the end of the world as predicted by the Mayan calendar. It flashes back and forth between his underground bunker and what leads up to it. It just does not work on any level. Go back to A Clockwork Orange to watch McDowell at his nastiest best.
    7Thrill_KillZ

    Interesting & well filmed anthology, but you should know not to expect a horror flick.◆≈≈6.7/10≈≈◆

    This isn't your average horror anthology by any regard and the unique way of this film's storytelling may put off many viewer's that are expecting a V/H/S or Tales From the Crypt type of film. Instead what we get is a look into the minds of three different mentally ill patients and the horror that is real to them in "their" world. Since there are three installments, I'll outline them individually, although there is one constant throughout the film and that is Malcolm McDowell as Dr.Stenson, who gives a bit of a narrative connecting one story to the next.

    The first segment,"Figuratively Speaking" stars John Glover, who convincingly plays the fragile artist Gustav, whose connection to his creations(which pays a nice homage to the Puppet Master franchise) & some foul play by a trusted friend, lead to his ultimate downfall.

    Segment two, "Monsters are real" involves a young boy named Steven(David Mazouz "Touch") who has the unfortunate case of Catatonic Schizophrenia. At the young age of eight his life crumbles around him as his visions of a beast like stalker begin to plague him. His teacher Ms. Lorne, played by the gorgeous Lacey Chabert, tries to render help to Steven when she suspects abuse from home. All of which leads to quite a mysterious conclusion, blurring the lines between imagination & reality.

    The third segment, "Up to the Last Man" stars Lou Diamond Phillips as Professor James Silo, a husband & father who becomes deeply obsessed with ancient Mayan prophecies telling of an upcoming apocalypse. As his grip on reality fades he begins to design the mother of all bomb shelters and like in the second segment, insanity & reality become intertwined.

    This is a film about perspective, it's purpose isn't to terrify or deliver buckets of blood, but to bring to light the views from inside the minds of these three random, but quite unique patients all remanded to the same asylum. It walks us through the horror's that the exist only in their minds, well, mostly only in their minds, as the viewer is left decide what in fact is real. The direction is executed perfectly in each story by directors Bryan Ortiz, Bryan Ramirez and Kerry Valderrama. Equally noteworthy was the score, giving each piece it's own specific atmosphere & identity. If this sounds interesting then by all means give it a go. It's no masterpiece, but it made for an original & intriguing watch.
    6l-dienes

    Darkly emotive

    A rather enticing and dark glimpse into psychosis and the overwhelming grip it can have on controlling thoughts and actions, the result of which leaves the main characters in the Sanitarium. Each part demonstrates a variance in mental illness to portray the falling of the world around them due to their delusion, with dark conclusions.

    At times the stories can come across as rather coy although this was generally answered toward the end of each story. The tempo across each story is predominately maintained to continue the dark edge but I was left somewhat disappointed by the lack of development of the stories; some aspects felt rushed.

    However it was, to me anyway, an engaging watch. A film that isn't likely to blow many people away but can maintain viewing pleasure through emotion in relation to delicate revelations throughout.

    65/100
    2bradleybean86

    Uncreative Bore-Fest Anthology

    Some horror films purposefully leave/cut out of scenes in order for your mind to fill in the blanks, perhaps creating more suspense. Some films are very in your face and over the top, leaving nothing to the imagination and often challenging us to continue watching. This movie falls under the first category. Incidentally, I don't think that was the intention of this movie as much as a latent function due to it having no subsistence.

    When I hear 'Horror Anthology' I suppose I secretly hope for something along the lines of 'Creepshow' or 'Tales From The Darkside: The Movie.' But this baddie is not even in the same ballpark.

    It has so much going for it in the production value, title & setting and utilizes about 5-10% of what was available. The three stories do not have any connection (not that they need to) other than Malcom Mcdowell occasionally popping up as "The Doctor" to narrate or clarify parts of the three boring stories.

    This movie has zero gore, and extremely sparing use of blood. I almost wonder if they were going for a PG-13 release because other than a couple female breasts, there's nothing here to justify an R rating. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that EVERY horror movie needs to have heads rolling and blood splashing everywhere; but in the case of a boring movie like this, it would have helped. I cannot recommend this to anyone who is a horror fan.
    6swalexan2

    Really scary stuff

    The direction/writing was really good but the acting was even better. If I had any complaint it would have to be about the production design which seemed to be pretty basic in some spots, but it was a minor issue. But again, the acting was great and the direction were really good. Contrary to the other reviews, this is NOT a PG-13 movie, it is R scary despite the lack of blood. Remember these stories (except for one) occur in the minds of the people and therefore does not NEED a lot of blood. The scariness is in the old-fashioned suspense and in trying to figure out what is real or not and in good old-fashioned acting. I hope they make another one someday. But I doubt it. It certainly showed the acting talents of seldom used actors like Lacey Chabert and Lou Diamond Philips.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The close-up of Malcolm McDowell's hand when he reaches under a hospital pillow to remove a voice recorder, is the hand of Andrew Mayer-Oakes, San Antonio Film Commisioner.
    • Crazy credits
      An additional scene is shown midway through the closing credits.
    • Soundtracks
      Coyote
      Written and performed by POP Pistol

      Courtesy of POP Pistol

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Sanitarium?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 1, 2014 (Netherlands)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official Film Page
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Monsters are Real
    • Filming locations
      • San Antonio, Texas, USA
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 52 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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