Sanitarium (2013)

"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

Writers:

Kerry Valderrama (segment), Crystal Bratton (segment) (as C.M. Bratton)

Stars:

Malcolm McDowell, Lou Diamond Phillips, John Glover

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Malcolm McDowell	...	Dr. Stenson
Lou Diamond Phillips	...	James Silo (segment "Up to the Last Man")
John Glover	...	Gustav (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Robert Englund	...	Sam (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Ngozi K. Udenkwo	...	Assistant (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Albert Flores	...	Reporter #1 (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Chris Mulkey	...	Father (segment "Monsters are Real")
Brandy Lopez	...	Reporter #2 (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
David Mazouz	...	Steven (segment "Monsters are Real")
Tyler Driskill	...	Cameraman (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Walter Perez	...	Mateo (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Michael Botsford	...	Cameraman (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Mayra Leal	...	Isabelle (segment "Figuratively Speaking")
Venda D'Abato	...	Mirror Woman (segment "Sanitarium")
Eric Fonseca	...	Gustav's Friend (segment "Figuratively Speaking")

Storyline

Three stories of the mentally ill: 1. Artist begins taking orders from the dolls he exhibits. 2. Eight year old boy, cruel father, concerned teacher and hallucinatory monster come into conflict. 3. Professor convinced of the Mayan apocalypse prophesies, builds bomb shelter to save his family.

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Plot Keywords:

downward spiral | barefoot woman | noose | hanged woman | bucket | 

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

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.

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Crazy Credits

An additional scene is shown midway through the closing credits.

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Soundtracks

Coyote
Written and performed by POP Pistol
Courtesy of POP Pistol

User Reviews

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

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Film Page

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 February 2014 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Up to the Last Man

Filming Locations:

San Antonio, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1