Edge of Madness (2002)

1851, Manitoba's Red River Valley. As winter sets in, a young woman on the edge of madness arrives exhausted at the fort, a wilderness station, claiming she murdered her husband. She's ... See full summary »

Director:

Anne Wheeler

Writers:

Alice Munro (based on the short story "A Wilderness Station"), Charles K. Pitts

Stars:

Caroline Dhavernas, Frank Adamson, Wayne Nicklas

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Caroline Dhavernas	...	Annie Herron
Frank Adamson	...	Donnely
Wayne Nicklas	...	Inmate
Nicole Bremault	...	Marie
Paul Johansson	...	Henry Mullen
Currie Graham	...	Dr. Jenkins
Tantoo Cardinal	...	Ruth
Anne Ross	...	Sadie Johnson
Ruth De Graves	...	Nervous Woman
Brendan Fehr	...	Simon Herron
Terri Cherniak	...	Matron La Roche
Corey Sevier	...	George Herron
Jonas Chernick	...	William Sellor
Jennifer Pelser	...	Mrs. Treece
Francis Damberger	...	Mr. Treece

Storyline

1851, Manitoba's Red River Valley. As winter sets in, a young woman on the edge of madness arrives exhausted at the fort, a wilderness station, claiming she murdered her husband. She's placed in a cell; for the next several months, she sews while the local prefect, Henry Mullen, investigates. In flashbacks we see her arranged marriage to the hard-working but angry Simon, who takes her to his half-built homestead and abuses her. She's treated well by his younger brother George, with whom she laughs, but he's too weak to protect her. Is she guilty? At the homestead, Mullen hears a different story, one that exonerates Annie. Can he unearth the truth? Then what?

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Plot Keywords:

rape | marital rape | sexual abuse | rough sex | conjugal rape | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong sexuality and violence including rape

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dr. Jenkins gives Annie regular doses of laudanum to help her maintain a less adversarial demeanor. Laudanum contains alcohol and opium.

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Goofs

The girls at the school sing the hymn "What A Friend We Have in Jesus", supposedly in the year 1851. The song was not written until 1855.

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Soundtracks

"What A Friend We Have in Jesus'
Words by Joseph M. Scriven (as Joseph Scriven)
Music by Charles Crozat Converse (as Charles C. Converse)

User Reviews

An exquisite film, artful and masterful, Edge of Madness is a must see.

This film elevates director Anne Wheeler into the category of top international filmmakers. See it once only for the brilliant performances of some of the finest Canadian actors. Without exception, the cast presents a beautiful, powerful rendering of the story. See it again for the smart, taut story that will have you shifting your perspectives and adjusting your reactions. And see it once more for its exquisite cinematography that leaves you craving the Canadian Prairie experience.

Wheeler works with a tight crew of skilled Canadian craftspeople and their dedication to her vision helps create the intensely moving and engaging productions she consistently turns out. This film is art and entertainment and must be seen!

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 February 2002 (Norway)

Also Known As:

A Wilderness Station

Filming Locations:

Minnedosa, Manitoba, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gregorian Films, CinéGroupe

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1