With Manic, walk into the theater expecting to see a vivid slice of teenaged life gone painfully wrong. Sit and free the mind of concerns that Hollywood or Concept will diminish the experience. Put down the critic's pencil that can't wait to record the slightest error. Fasten the seat belt and take a deep breath just as the film begins. Those are the preparations I made.
I had once been one of a group of hospitalized youth. Knowing similar territory, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, the film keeps the story lines spare, with the audience learning just enough to peek into the tormented souls. The hospital staff isn't canonized or demonized: they too are human. The performers, some familiar some unknown, have the right intensity and coiled tension. The camera (and therefore the audience) is literally caught in the middle of the action, sometimes not knowing which way to turn. By its end, the film offers no pat solutions, no dewy sunrise breakthroughs, no "Happy Ending for all."
Manic, to me, feels right. It is jarring, painful, frightening, maddening and true. Would I recommend the film? Sadly, no. Much as I liked and appreciated Manic, I realize that few people would sit through it. So be it.
I had once been one of a group of hospitalized youth. Knowing similar territory, I wasn't sure what to expect. Thankfully, the film keeps the story lines spare, with the audience learning just enough to peek into the tormented souls. The hospital staff isn't canonized or demonized: they too are human. The performers, some familiar some unknown, have the right intensity and coiled tension. The camera (and therefore the audience) is literally caught in the middle of the action, sometimes not knowing which way to turn. By its end, the film offers no pat solutions, no dewy sunrise breakthroughs, no "Happy Ending for all."
Manic, to me, feels right. It is jarring, painful, frightening, maddening and true. Would I recommend the film? Sadly, no. Much as I liked and appreciated Manic, I realize that few people would sit through it. So be it.