Asylum (2005)

A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty in the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.

Director:

David Mackenzie

Writers:

Patrick McGrath (novel), Patrick Marber (screenplay)

Stars:

Natasha Richardson, Sean Harris, Marton Csokas

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Natasha Richardson	...	Stella Raphael
Hugh Bonneville	...	Max Raphael
Gus Lewis	...	Charlie Raphael
Ian McKellen	...	Dr. Peter Cleave
Joss Ackland	...	Jack Straffen
Wanda Ventham	...	Bridie Straffen
Sarah Thurstan	...	Mrs. Rose
Alwyne Taylor	...	Monica
Maria Aitken	...	Claudia Greene
Hazel Douglas	...	Lilly
Anna Keaveney	...	Mrs. Bain
Marton Csokas	...	Edgar Stark
Robert Willox	...	John Archer
Judy Parfitt	...	Brenda Raphael
Sean Harris	...	Nick

Storyline

In the 50's, the psychiatrist Max Raphael is hired to work as superintendent of an asylum in the outskirts of London, and he moves with his wife Stella Raphael and their son Charlie. Stella has a passionless marriage and is ignored by Max; her boredom changes when her son befriends the handsome inmate Edgar Stark, an sculptor that in a crisis of jealousy had killed and disfigured his wife, and that is treated by Dr. Peter Cleave, an ambitious psychiatrist that aspired Max's position. During the afternoons, Stella has a hot adulterous affair with Edgar until the day he escapes and their affair is discovered. Stella has to take a decision between her family and her wild passion for Edgar.

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Plot Keywords:

threesome | 1950s | 20th century | woman | man | 

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Taglines:

Passion knows no boundaries.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, some violence and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Paramount Classics

Country:

UK Ireland

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 September 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

A Casa da Loucura

Filming Locations:

High Royds Hospital, Menston, Yorkshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$36,272, 14 August 2005, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$374,903, 13 November 2005

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Classics, Seven Arts Pictures, Samson Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Natasha Richardson's leading man would have been husband Liam Neeson, but for his contractual ties with Kinsey (2004).

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Goofs

While Stella is brushing her hair her blue nightgown is clearly on both shoulders. When Max moves toward her, the blue nightgown is off her left shoulder.

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Quotes

Max Raphael: I want you to understand what's going to happen next. The shock will wear off, and it will be replaced by a devastating grief. In time, you will come to terms with what you have done and you'll just be very, very sad. And that sadness will stay with you for the rest of your life.

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Connections

References Vertigo (1958)

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Soundtracks

Blaze Away
Written by Holzmann
Performed by Lindley Band

User Reviews

Movie well worth seeing!

I just saw Asylum last night (it is not actually out yet) and I really enjoyed it. The performances were excellent; as were the settings, the drama and the dialogue. It's complex, unpredictable, intense, beautiful and Gothic. I loved the erotic scenes the most, but the whole movie was brilliant visually and dramatically. There is only one real complaint I have with the movie. At the end of the movie Ian's character does something and I cannot figure out what motivated the character to do this. I personally think the character should not have and would not have done this. The only reason I can see the character doing what he did was for dramatic effect on the audience. Of course, I have not read the book and if I did, this may well shed light on this act. Either way, go see the movie whenever it does come out!