A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty of the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty of the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.A woman becomes very curious about one of her psychiatrist husband's inmates, a man who was found guilty of the murder and disfigurement of his former wife.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 2 nominations
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaNatasha Richardson's leading man would have been husband Liam Neeson, but for his contractual ties with Kinsey (2004).
- GoofsThe story is set in the Summer of 1959. The Mk II Jaguar, as used by Raphael, was only introduced for the London Show in October of that year. (Please see 'Trivia' item, also).
- Quotes
Max Raphael: I want you to understand what's going to happen next. The shock will wear off, and it will be replaced by a devastating grief. In time, you will come to terms with what you have done and you'll just be very, very sad. And that sadness will stay with you for the rest of your life.
- ConnectionsReferences Vertigo (1958)
- SoundtracksClock Tower Cha Cha
Written by James Fieldhouse
Performed by Lindley Band
The action takes place in the England of the fifties. The look of the film fits perfectly with the story thanks to that faded photography Jules Nuttgens created for the movie. The Raphael family arrives at an insane asylum where he has been hired for an important position. As such, Max must attend to everything because he looks as though he will inherit the director's job. Stella, his wife, is another story. She is bored with the surroundings and with her marriage. There is nothing between Max and Stella in a way of passion.
When Edgar, one of the inmates that is somewhat freer around the institution, is assigned to help restore the green house that belongs to the house the Raphaels occupy, he immediately develops an attraction toward Stella. This young woman is awakened into a sexual frenzy because the way that Edgar makes her feel, something that appears is lacking in her own marriage.
The problem is compounded when Peter Cleave, the ambitious doctor who appears to have been bypassed in favor of Max, realizes what's going on between the two lovers, but it's too late for Stella to react, or change ways, she has already been smitten by something that is more powerful than her own resolve to stay away from the mad Edgar. In a way, there's a hint of homosexuality, in that Cleave might also have feelings for the insane man, but being in control, he can rein his own impulses.
Mr. Mackenzie gets excellent acting from all the principals in the film, especially Natasha Richarson, who as Stella, is perfect for this role. Ian McEwen, the distinguished English actor, makes a great Petere Cleave. The surprise of "Asylum" proves to be Marton Csokas, who plays Edgar. Hugh Bonneville, as the cuckolded husband Max, is also quite effective. Judy Parfitt, Joss Ackland and Gus Lewis are seen in supporting roles.
Mr. Mackenzie has directed with great style as he seems to understand these characters well.
- jotix100
- Sep 3, 2005
- How long is Asylum?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $375,403
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $36,272
- Aug 14, 2005
- Gross worldwide
- $2,788,033
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1