Backdrop preview The Penitent - A Rational Man backdrop
The Penitent - A Rational Man

The Penitent - A Rational Man (2023)

Sep 04, 2023 2h Drama

A psychiatrist, Charles, has his career and life become derailed after he refuses to testify on behalf of a former patient who had become clinically violent and unstable, resulting in the deaths of multiple people following a tragic breakdown of his mental complications. The patient then claims that Charles will not testify in court or to the police because the patient is openly part of the LGBT community. Further, the patient claims that Charles has recently gone through a religious conversion in his own personal identity which has resulted in a fully prejudiced reassessment of the gay community as a whole. Charles claims that the basis of these accusations are false and due to a misunderstanding. The resulting recriminations put Charles's entire career at risk and threaten to end his practice permanently.

Directed by Luca Barbareschi

Cast

View All
Luca Barbareschi
View Profile
Luca Barbareschi

as Charles

Catherine McCormack
View Profile
Catherine McCormack

as

Adam James
View Profile
Adam James

as

Adrian Lester
View Profile
Adrian Lester

as

View Profile
Robert Steiner

as

Douglas Dean
View Profile
Douglas Dean

as

Fabrizio Ciavoni
View Profile
Fabrizio Ciavoni

as

View Profile
Stefania Seimur

as

View Profile
Cherish Gaines

as

View Profile
Jay Paul Bullard

as

Crew

Director
  • Luca Barbareschi
Producer
  • Luca Barbareschi

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Penitent - A Rational Man examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Luca Barbareschi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Penitent - A Rational Man took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1052 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 188 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: September 4, 2023
  • Runtime: 2h

Similar Movies