Cast
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Jance Enslin
as Andy Cady
Carly Pope
as Angela Cady
Alyssa Sutherland
as Dana Cady
Alison Thornton
as Bethany Forrest
Bryan Greenberg
as Dylan Cady
William R. Moses
as Principal Mullins
Michael Gladis
as Michael Kennedy
Jim True-Frost
as Pastor Shane
William Popp
as Deputy Johnson
Remington Moses
as Melanie Hansen
Blaine Maye
as Brian Ward
Allen Wall
as Freak at the Carnival
Scott Matheny
as State Trooper
Quinn Hemphill
as Amber Ryan
Bernie Sheredy
as Dr. Roger Wagner
Crew
Director
- James Camali
Writer
- Joshua Barclay
- James Camali
- Jeremy Anderson
Producer
- Ronnee Swenton
- Glen Trotiner
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Mental State 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 James Camali 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 2022, 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 Mental State took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 191 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 52 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Mental State shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hero, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Mental State subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chicago and Rope explore similar territory, The Mental State stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 16, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 43m
Where to Watch
