Let’s be honest, the best reason to see this film is Kate Beckinsale. She is beauty, talent and skill that transcends all barriers of marketing appeal. We can focus this whole article on her but out of duty, I have to talk about this film. Stonehearst Asylum is a American thriller directed by Brad Anderson.
It’s based on the Edgar Allan Poe short story “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether“. The plot revolves around a Harvard Med graduate who becomes infatuated with super attractive mental patient Eliza Graves played by Kate. Adding to Kate’s star power are acclaimed actors Sir Michael Caine and Sir Ben Kingsley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rawTSQ1RKQ0
Everything in the trailer looks well done. There are interesting shots, set design and lighting advertised throughout the trailer. For example, that cellar with the cowering patient. They added just enough light that his face is hidden but all the crazy is in plain sight. In that scene, you have scribbling on the wall, pots either used for cooking or potty time and hay under the mat. It all adds to the legitimacy of an asylum. It eventually gets more interesting when the machines and restraints come out. One of the scenes has a patient spinning around in some kind of elaborate device. There is even water torture used on Sir Ben. All of it looks very exciting.
In regards to Poe’s influence, this movie is based on his story about an asylum undertaking a certain system. This system called the “system of soothing” revolves around doctors allowing for the free expression of the patients. Of course this all leads to a series of events I will not spoil for you. All I can say is that it’s an adventure worth exploring during your free time. It comments on mental healthcare and was actually written during a time when it was relevant to social consciousness. If you love Edgar Allan Poe and want to read the short story regardless of the movie then check out this link I provided here.
Stonehearst Asylum hits U.S theaters October 24th 2014 and U.K theatres March 13 2015. For a list of worldwide release dates, click here.
Are you also looking forward to the movie because of Kate Beckinsale? Discuss that here with us on FilmInquiry.com.
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