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Asylum

  • 20052005
  • RR
  • 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
5.2K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
8,581
829
Natasha Richardson, Ian McKellen, and Marton Csokas in Asylum (2005)
Home Video Trailer from Paramount Home Entertainment
Play trailer2:31
2 Videos
78 Photos
DramaRomanceThriller
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.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.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.
IMDb RATING
6.1/10
5.2K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
8,581
829
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • David Mackenzie
    • Writers
      • Patrick McGrath(novel)
      • Patrick Marber(screenplay)
      • Chrysanthy Balis(screenplay)
    • Stars
      • Natasha Richardson
      • Sean Harris
      • Marton Csokas
    Top credits
    • Director
      • David Mackenzie
    • Writers
      • Patrick McGrath(novel)
      • Patrick Marber(screenplay)
      • Chrysanthy Balis(screenplay)
    • Stars
      • Natasha Richardson
      • Sean Harris
      • Marton Csokas
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 60User reviews
    • 82Critic reviews
    • 51Metascore
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 2 nominations

    Videos2

    Asylum
    Trailer 2:31
    Asylum
    Asylum
    Trailer 2:32
    Asylum

    Photos78

    Ian McKellen in Asylum (2005)
    Natasha Richardson and Ian McKellen in Asylum (2005)
    Ian McKellen at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Natasha Richardson at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Chrysanthy Balis at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Chrysanthy Balis at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Eva Green at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Eva Green at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Natasha Richardson and Marton Csokas at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Natasha Richardson at an event for Asylum (2005)
    Patrick McGrath
    Lauren Bacall and Paul Turcotte at an event for Asylum (2005)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Natasha Richardson
    Natasha Richardson
    • Stella Raphael
    Sean Harris
    Sean Harris
    • Nick
    Marton Csokas
    Marton Csokas
    • Edgar Stark
    Ian McKellen
    Ian McKellen
    • Dr. Peter Cleave
    Hugh Bonneville
    Hugh Bonneville
    • Max Raphael
    Gus Lewis
    • Charlie Raphael
    Joss Ackland
    Joss Ackland
    • Jack Straffen
    Wanda Ventham
    Wanda Ventham
    • Bridie Straffen
    Sarah Thurstan
    • Mrs. Rose
    Alwyne Taylor
    • Monica
    Maria Aitken
    Maria Aitken
    • Claudia Greene
    Hazel Douglas
    Hazel Douglas
    • Lilly
    Anna Keaveney
    Anna Keaveney
    • Mrs. Bain
    Robert Willox
    • John Archer
    Judy Parfitt
    Judy Parfitt
    • Brenda Raphael
    Andy de la Tour
    Andy de la Tour
    • Inspector Easton
    Roy Boyd
    • Trevor Wiliams
    Rhydian Jones
    Rhydian Jones
    • Mr. Griffin
    • Director
      • David Mackenzie
    • Writers
      • Patrick McGrath(novel)
      • Patrick Marber(screenplay)
      • Chrysanthy Balis(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Natasha Richardson's leading man would have been husband Liam Neeson, but for his contractual ties with Kinsey (2004).
    • Goofs
      The story is set in the Summer of 1959. The Mk II Jaguar, as used by Raphael, was only introduced for the London Show in October of that year. (Please see 'Trivia' item, also).
    • 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.

    • Connections
      References Vertigo (1958)
    • Soundtracks
      Clock Tower Cha Cha
      Written by James Fieldhouse

      Performed by Lindley Band

    User reviews60

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    Insanity
    Patrick McGrath's novel has been faithfully translated to the screen by Patrick Marber, and directed with great care by David Mackenzie. The film's basic idea is to what extent a woman can go when falling passionately in love with a mad man. Mr. Mackenzie seems to be in complete control, as he takes us for this somewhat erotic ride to show us what makes Stella lose her mind. If you haven't seen the film, maybe you should stop reading here.

    The action takes place in the England of the fifties. The look of the film fits perfectly with the story thanks to that faded photography Jules Nuttgens created for the movie. The Raphael family arrives at an insane asylum where he has been hired for an important position. As such, Max must attend to everything because he looks as though he will inherit the director's job. Stella, his wife, is another story. She is bored with the surroundings and with her marriage. There is nothing between Max and Stella in a way of passion.

    When Edgar, one of the inmates that is somewhat freer around the institution, is assigned to help restore the green house that belongs to the house the Raphaels occupy, he immediately develops an attraction toward Stella. This young woman is awakened into a sexual frenzy because the way that Edgar makes her feel, something that appears is lacking in her own marriage.

    The problem is compounded when Peter Cleave, the ambitious doctor who appears to have been bypassed in favor of Max, realizes what's going on between the two lovers, but it's too late for Stella to react, or change ways, she has already been smitten by something that is more powerful than her own resolve to stay away from the mad Edgar. In a way, there's a hint of homosexuality, in that Cleave might also have feelings for the insane man, but being in control, he can rein his own impulses.

    Mr. Mackenzie gets excellent acting from all the principals in the film, especially Natasha Richarson, who as Stella, is perfect for this role. Ian McEwen, the distinguished English actor, makes a great Petere Cleave. The surprise of "Asylum" proves to be Marton Csokas, who plays Edgar. Hugh Bonneville, as the cuckolded husband Max, is also quite effective. Judy Parfitt, Joss Ackland and Gus Lewis are seen in supporting roles.

    Mr. Mackenzie has directed with great style as he seems to understand these characters well.
    helpful•44
    9
    • jotix100
    • Sep 3, 2005

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 9, 2005 (United Kingdom)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • Ireland
    • Official site
      • Paramount Classics
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Tımarhane
    • Filming locations
      • Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK
    • Production companies
      • Paramount Classics
      • Seven Arts Pictures
      • Samson Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $375,403
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $36,272
      • Aug 14, 2005
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,788,033
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 39 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • DTS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

    Related news

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