The Mad Whale (2017)

Inmates at a women's mental asylum stage a theatrical production of Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick.'

Directors:

Sonia A. Guggenheim (as Sonia Guggenheim), David Breschel

Writers:

Michael Alan Herman (screenplay by) (as Michael Herman), Colleen O'Halloran

Stars:

Camilla Belle, Dominic Rains, Summer Phoenix

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Camilla Belle	...	Isabel Wallace
Dominic Rains	...	Dr. Benjamin Calhoun
Summer Phoenix	...	Beatrice Price
Nicole Starrett	...	Matron Phoebe Stokes
James Franco	...	Edward Fry
Carmen Argenziano	...	Dr. Withers
Kai Lennox	...	The Chairman
Jennifer Daley	...	Kara
Nina Ljeti	...	Ethel
Jacquie Barnbrook	...	Helga
Lisa Goodman	...	Griselda
Lori Jean Wilson	...	Deirdre (as Lori Wilson)
Alison Lees-Taylor	...	Mary
Chantal Nchako	...	Silla
Caige Coulter	...	Rebecca

Storyline

The film takes place in the late nineteenth century. Benjamin Calhoun is a doctor at a psychiatric clinic who observes that standard treatments do not help his patients. Ice therapy, leeches and isolation do not give a positive result, and he decides to come up with a new way to help the sick. So the doctor begins staging the play "Moby Dick" in the women's department. One of the roles is received by his patient Isabelle Wallace. She is the wife of a senior official and claims to be completely healthy. According to the woman, she is in this medical institution on the orders of her husband.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Trivia

[All trivia items for this title are spoilers.]

User Reviews

Dicky Moe

This is a strong movie. Solid film. First off - not a drama. It's a thriller with elements of horror. Yes, slow burning at start. Blame Melville I guess. Second - acting is incredibly strong. Third - completely agree with fellow reviewer. If you can get thru first half-ish you'll be rewarded with: Fourth - astonishing ending. Well, within the paradigm of course, but still. It was a 6/10 film going into ending. Fifth - solid sevener, 7/10. Just be sure to watch it on a right day in a right mood. It's not an action nor a comedy. Hidden gem indeed.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 October 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Mad Whale

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elysium Bandini Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Color:

Color