Lodge Kerrigan takes the viewer to the world of Keane who struggles to stay on the thin line of sanity. The film is executed in such a unique way that allows the viewer to be an invisible spectator observing Keane in his disturbed world. Kerrigan also provides a glimpse into Keane's fractured schizophrenic mind and he successfully manages to create a sense of isolation. At first we question what is real in this world that the director portrays and what is not and no definitive solution is provided because that's not what 'Keane' is about as all of it is real to him. In the opening sequence we see him searching for his daughter whom he had lost a year ago. Perhaps this is a metaphor referring to the time when he hit rock bottom with his illness and has been trying since to find his way out. Shot with excellent cinematography, using slightly washed out colours and dim lighting, the atmosphere is effectively gloomy and claustrophobic.
But, 'Keane' is a character-driven piece and credit must go to Kerrigan's writing and Damian Lewis's extraordinary performance. A lesser actor would not have been able to handle such a complex role and could have messed it up but Lewis nails it to the core. This is among his best works. Many have complained about the other performances saying that there was something off about the actors but that was the point because it's about how the title character sees them. Abigail Breslin delivers a sincere performance and Amy Ryan is good too.
'Keane' is an engaging, atmospheric and cerebral look into a shattered mind. Kerrigan has made a fascinating film.
But, 'Keane' is a character-driven piece and credit must go to Kerrigan's writing and Damian Lewis's extraordinary performance. A lesser actor would not have been able to handle such a complex role and could have messed it up but Lewis nails it to the core. This is among his best works. Many have complained about the other performances saying that there was something off about the actors but that was the point because it's about how the title character sees them. Abigail Breslin delivers a sincere performance and Amy Ryan is good too.
'Keane' is an engaging, atmospheric and cerebral look into a shattered mind. Kerrigan has made a fascinating film.