Cast
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Jesse Metcalfe
as Jack
Kiele Sanchez
as Lily
Peter Stormare
as Dr. Gianetti
Kevin Sussman
as Dave
Evan Parke
as Charles
Olivia Munn
as Nancy
Carla Gallo
as Vera Downing
Armin Shimerman
as Hawthorne
Lisa Arturo
as Heather
Kurt Caceres
as Loomis
Molly Bryant
as Nurse Henderson
Dale Waddington
as Jack's Mother
Rick Williamson
as Psych Patient (uncredited)
Mark Kelly
as Policeman
Sharon Schaffer
as Policewoman
Crew
Director
- Jeff Buhler
Producer
- Larry Schapiro
- Chris Bender
- J.C. Spink
- Andrew Golov
Reviews
John Chard
Derivative yet strangely enjoyable.
Written and directed by Jeff Buhler, it stars Jesse Metcalfe, Kiele Sanchez, Kevin Sussman and Peter Stormare.
After the untimely death of her mother, Lily attempts suicide and is committed to a mental health institution. Her brother, Jack, gets himself committed so as to break his sister out of the facility, but what he finds within those walls is sheer horrifying carnage.
You don't need me to point up all the films that this uses as influences, this is pure and simple a bloody zombie/infected based movie, with some sturdy young and attractive actors trying to survive as they strive to escape the madness! Cast are fine and full of guts, with Stormare let loose by the director to instill the head doctor with mania/ego unbound.
It takes a while to get going, but fans of blood and gore aplenty are well catered for in the second half of film. The setting of an asylum is also a plus (filmed at RFK Memorial Hospital, Hawthorne, California) and with Stormare on mean - mad - overdrive, this is far from bottom of the barrel stuff. 6/10
Apr 4, 2015
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Insanitarium presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jeff Buhler 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, 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 Insanitarium took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 47 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1473 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Insanitarium shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Thunderball, which focuses more on action than character development, Insanitarium subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Angel Heart and Spooked: The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanatorium explore similar territory, Insanitarium stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 15, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 29m
